Edifier T5 Subwoofer: Affordable Bass Boost for Your Audio System

If you’ve ever wished for more bass from your speakers, you’re not alone. Over the years, I’ve often found myself envious of others’ high-fidelity sound systems, especially when their speakers deliver rich, gut-rumbling bass. But upgrading your entire speaker setup or fiddling with tone controls isn’t always an option. So, is there a way to get more bass without a huge financial commitment? The answer is yes—and the Edifier T5 subwoofer could be the ideal solution.

One of the most budget-friendly subwoofers on the market, the Edifier T5 is designed to bring a satisfying bass boost to smaller desktop speakers or studio monitors. Despite its compact size, it’s powerful enough to support larger floor-standing speakers that might be lacking the depth and rumble you’re craving. Thanks to its design as a subwoofer, it’s easy to hide the T5 out of sight while still enjoying substantial bass impact throughout your space.

The T5 is engineered to complement Edifier’s own Q65 active speakers, which I reviewed earlier this year. But it’s not just limited to that particular pairing; it’s versatile enough to enhance any audio system that could use a bit more low-end power. The subwoofer features an 8-inch long-throw woofer that delivers a deep, punchy bass down to 38Hz, making it a fantastic option for those seeking a solid bass presence. Powered by a high-efficiency switching power supply and a Texas Instruments closed-loop class-D amplifier, the T5 can output up to 70W RMS, which should be more than enough for most living rooms.

The T5 offers two input options, allowing you to connect it to a variety of audio sources. The first is a 3.5mm input, which makes it a convenient match for devices like the Edifier Q65s. The second option consists of two RCA inputs, perfect for connecting to an amplifier with a dedicated subwoofer output. If your amplifier doesn’t have a sub-out, you can still integrate the T5 into your system by using its “Signal In” and “Signal Out” ports. This setup allows you to connect the audio input of your amplifier to the subwoofer, passing the signal through the subwoofer to the main speakers.

The T5’s internal technology ensures it handles the audio conversion and amplification efficiently. It uses a high-performance analog front end coupled with a digital amplifier, both of which are powered by Texas Instruments. The integrated DSP (digital signal processing) includes low-pass filtering and phase control, which ensures that the bass seamlessly integrates with the main speakers. This means you won’t have to worry about the bass being out of sync or interfering with the clarity of the rest of your audio.

Edifier has crafted the T5 with a durable MDF cabinet, which is finished in silver and black for a sleek, modern appearance. The cabinet is braced to minimize resonance, ensuring that the 8-inch long-throw woofer delivers tight, clean bass without distortion or unwanted rattling. The side-vented reflex port further improves bass clarity, letting you enjoy deep, powerful sound without compromising on accuracy.

The T5 also features a control panel with a volume dial, low-pass filter, and phase control. The low-pass filter allows you to fine-tune the crossover frequency, ensuring a smooth transition between the subwoofer and your main speakers. The phase control can flip the phase by 180 degrees if necessary, preventing the subwoofer from clashing with your other speakers and causing unwanted phase issues. Remember, when using a subwoofer, it’s important to strike a balance. Too much bass can overpower your entire system, so the T5’s ability to fine-tune the output is a key feature.

An especially nice touch is the T5’s auto-standby mode. After 30 minutes of inactivity, the subwoofer enters standby mode to conserve power. However, as soon as audio begins to play again, the T5 springs back to life, ready to deliver powerful, rumbling bass at a moment’s notice.

If you’ve been considering adding a subwoofer to your audio setup but have been put off by the high prices, the Edifier T5 is an excellent solution. Not only is it affordable, but it also offers impressive performance, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to elevate their sound system. The T5 delivers more bass than many larger, more expensive subwoofers, and it’s particularly well-suited for those with limited space. Whether you’re upgrading your desktop speakers, enhancing your home theater system, or simply adding some extra muscle to your computer setup, the Edifier T5 is a fantastic option.

Once you’ve experienced the power of a subwoofer with your TV or audio system, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. The deep bass it adds to movies, music, and games creates a dynamic experience that’s hard to match with traditional speakers. With the T5, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to get that immersive home theater experience. Plus, the internal power supply helps keep everything tidy, and the package comes with all the cables and interconnects you need for setup.

The Edifier T5 is available now at a reasonable price of $149.99 (USD), £129.99 (GBP), or €119 (EUR), making it one of the most affordable subwoofers in its class. Whether you’re looking to enhance your home audio or add some low-end punch to your computer speakers, the T5 delivers exceptional value for money.

The T5 features an 8-inch front-firing long-throw woofer with a frequency response of 38 – 160Hz, a total output of 70W RMS, and a closed-loop Class-D amplifier. It includes controls for volume, low-pass filter, and phase control, as well as RCA audio inputs and a signal pass-through. With an internal power supply and auto-standby function, the T5 ensures efficient power usage. The MDF cabinet, finished in wood grain vinyl, adds durability and aesthetic appeal, while the side-vented reflex port boosts bass response. At just 8.56kg, it offers an excellent balance of performance and size for those seeking budget-friendly bass enhancement.