What the Edifier S260 Is and Who It’s For
The Edifier S260 speaker is a compact retro Bluetooth speaker that combines a vintage hi-fi look, 65W RMS power and modern hi-res wireless audio formats such as LDAC and AirPlay 2 to deliver affordable hi-res audio for everyday desktop and living-room listening. Aimed at listeners who like nostalgic design but demand current connectivity, this 65W portable speaker is meant to sit between casual Bluetooth boxes and expensive audiophile systems. The cabinet uses MDF with an 18mm front baffle and a woven grille, reinforcing its old-school style while helping reduce resonance. On top, a CNC-machined aluminum control panel, mechanical toggle switches and metal knobs add tactile interaction that many modern plastic speakers lack. With Bluetooth 5.4, Wi‑Fi streaming and wired inputs, the S260 targets users who want one speaker that looks timeless yet fits into multi-device, multi-platform setups without costing as much as premium portable speakers.
65W RMS Power and Driver Design for Everyday Hi-Fi
At the core of the Edifier S260 speaker is a 65W RMS amplifier stage, giving this compact retro Bluetooth speaker enough headroom to fill small to mid-sized rooms without strain. According to Edifier, “the S260 outputs 65W RMS with a peak power of 130W,” powered by dual Texas Instruments TAS5805 digital amplifiers and managed by an internal DSP chip. Inside the MDF cabinet, a 4‑inch aluminum diaphragm mid‑bass driver handles low and mid frequencies down to 50Hz, while two 25‑core titanium dome tweeters extend treble up to 40kHz. These numbers are more than marketing: they indicate a tuning that can handle both punchy bass lines and detailed, airy highs. With a claimed 0.03% distortion and a 107dB(A) signal‑to‑noise ratio, the S260 aims to approach hi-fi clarity while staying in the affordable hi-res audio segment.
LDAC, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth 5.4: Hi-Res Audio on a Budget
One of the strongest arguments for the Edifier S260 is how it delivers affordable hi-res audio without needing separate components. The speaker carries both Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications and supports Sony’s LDAC codec, which streams up to 990kbps over Bluetooth. This makes the S260 a credible LDAC speaker for users of Android devices or compatible players who want higher-resolution streaming than standard SBC or AAC. On Wi‑Fi, AirPlay 2 support over 2.4GHz and 5GHz lets iPhone and Mac users stream lossless or high‑quality audio directly, integrating neatly into multi-room setups. Bluetooth 5.4 improves range and stability and adds dual‑device pairing, so a laptop and phone can stay connected simultaneously. Together, these features push the S260 into a rare category: a retro Bluetooth speaker that behaves like a modern hub for hi-res streaming without entering luxury pricing.
Retro Design Meets Modern Usability and Inputs
The S260’s appeal goes beyond numbers because its design consciously evokes classic hi-fi gear. The MDF cabinet with woven grille and the choice of Black Walnut, Pearl White and Warm Brown finishes give it a nostalgic presence that suits bookshelves, desks or media consoles. The CNC‑machined aluminum top plate with toggle switches and metal knobs provides tactile control that many minimal, buttonless speakers lack, appealing to users who enjoy hands-on interaction. While the unit weighs around 4.07kg, it is still manageable as a 65W portable speaker within a home. Practicality is not sacrificed: there is an AUX analog input for legacy sources and a USB sound card input for direct PC connection, plus a bundled remote and app-based EQ and firmware updates. This mix of retro form and modern function positions the S260 as both décor piece and everyday audio workhorse.
A Value-Focused Alternative to Premium Portable Speakers
In a market packed with premium portable speakers that emphasize branding and lifestyle imagery, the Edifier S260 takes a different route by anchoring its pitch in specifications and nostalgic styling. Priced at 1,059 yuan (roughly $156), it aims to deliver much of the perceived performance of costlier hi-fi systems while remaining an accessible LDAC speaker option. Its 65W RMS output, dual TI amplifiers and hi-res certifications make it competitive against more expensive, fashion-led models that may not match its codec support or wired flexibility. For users comparing alternatives like Marshall-inspired designs from other brands or smart speakers that add features but compromise on audio fidelity, the S260 offers a clear value proposition: retro looks, modern hi-res streaming and serious power at an affordable hi-res audio entry point. It is best suited to listeners who prioritize sound and style over full portability or voice assistant integration.