Edifier S351DB 2.1 Bookshelf Speaker System Review: The All-in-One Audio Powerhouse?

For years, I told myself the built-in speakers on my monitor and television were “good enough.” It’s a familiar story. We invest in stunning 4K displays and powerful computers, only to have the audio experience fall completely flat. I was living in a world of tinny dialogue, non-existent bass, and a soundscape so compressed that movie explosions sounded more like a muffled cough. My old 2.1 computer speakers weren’t much better; they were a classic case of a one-note, boomy subwoofer that drowned every other frequency in a sea of mud. I was missing the crisp crackle of footsteps in a game, the subtle breath of a vocalist between lyrics, and the foundational rumble that makes a film truly immersive. The search began for a system that could deliver clarity, power, and versatility without requiring a complex multi-component setup or a second mortgage. I needed a true all-in-one solution that respected both music and movies equally.

Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect 2.1 Bookshelf Speaker System

A 2.1 bookshelf speaker system is more than just a set of speakers; it’s a key solution for transforming a thin, lifeless audio source into a rich, full-bodied soundscape. By separating the audio into three channels—two satellite speakers for mid-range and high frequencies, and a dedicated subwoofer for low frequencies—these systems provide a level of depth and clarity that standalone speakers or soundbars often struggle to match. The main benefits are a powerful, controlled bass that you can feel, a wide stereo image that enhances immersion, and the ability to hear distinct details in music, games, and movies that were previously lost.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone looking for a significant audio upgrade for their desktop, gaming rig, or small to medium-sized living room. This includes PC gamers who crave immersive sound, music lovers who want to hear their favorite tracks with full-range fidelity, and cinephiles seeking a home theater experience without the complexity of a 5.1 or 7.1 setup. It’s the perfect middle ground. However, this system might not be suitable for those who live in apartments with thin walls where a powerful subwoofer could be a nuisance to neighbors. It also may not satisfy the dedicated audiophile who prefers to build a custom component system with a separate amplifier, passive speakers, and a fine-tuned subwoofer of their choice. For them, a high-end 2.0 system might be a more suitable starting point.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Don’t underestimate the footprint of a 2.1 system. The subwoofer, especially an 8-inch model like the one in this system, can be quite large and heavy. You need to ensure you have adequate floor space for it, ideally in a corner for optimal bass response. The satellite speakers also require dedicated space on your desk or media console, positioned for the best stereo separation.
• Power & Performance: Look at the total output power (measured in Watts RMS) to get a sense of how loud the system can go without distorting. More importantly, consider the driver sizes. A larger subwoofer driver (8 inches is excellent for this class) can move more air and produce deeper, more impactful bass. Similarly, dedicated tweeters, like the titanium dome tweeters in the Edifier S351DB, are crucial for producing crisp, detailed high frequencies.
• Materials & Durability: The enclosure material plays a significant role in sound quality. Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) is the preferred material for speaker cabinets as it is dense and acoustically inert, preventing unwanted resonance and vibrations that can color the sound. Cheaper systems often use thin plastic, which can feel flimsy and negatively impact audio fidelity. Look for solid construction that feels substantial.
• Connectivity & Features: A modern system should offer a variety of inputs. Digital inputs like Optical and Coaxial are essential for connecting to TVs and game consoles for the highest quality signal. Analog inputs (RCA/AUX) are great for older devices, and high-quality Bluetooth with aptX support is a must for convenient wireless streaming from your phone or tablet without a major loss in sound quality.

While the Edifier S351DB 2.1 Bookshelf Speaker System is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the S351DB: A First Impression of Substance and Style

The first sign that the Edifier S351DB 2.1 Bookshelf Speaker System means business is its sheer weight. The shipping box, weighing in at over 17 kilograms, requires a bit of muscle to move, and upon opening it, you understand why. Everything is packed securely in thick foam, and the components themselves feel incredibly dense and well-built. The subwoofer is a monolithic beast, finished in a handsome, dark wood veneer that feels and looks far more premium than its price point suggests. The satellite speakers share this same high-quality MDF construction and classic aesthetic, eschewing the flashy, plastic-heavy designs common in many PC speaker systems. They look just as at home in a sophisticated living room as they do flanking a gaming monitor. In the box, we found everything needed to get started: a puck-shaped wireless remote, a long and reassuringly thick speaker cable to connect the two satellites, an optical cable, and an RCA to 3.5mm cable. Right out of the box, the system exudes a sense of durability and thoughtful design that immediately instills confidence.

Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Edifier S351DB to the Test

A great first impression is one thing, but the true test of any speaker system is in the listening. Over several weeks, we put the Edifier S351DB 2.1 Bookshelf Speaker System through its paces with a wide variety of content, from high-resolution music files and vinyl records to blockbuster action movies and competitive online games. We tested every input, tweaked every dial, and pushed the volume to its limits to discover where this system truly shines and where it shows its compromises.

The Heart of the System: The 8-Inch Subwoofer’s Thunderous Performance

Let’s be clear: the 8-inch subwoofer is the star of this show. It is an absolute powerhouse that delivers the kind of deep, rumbling low-end that you feel in your chest. During our movie tests, the opening space battle in *Star Wars: The Last Jedi* was visceral; the deep thrum of starship engines and the concussive blasts of laser cannons filled the room with an authority that simple TV speakers or smaller subwoofers could never replicate. The bass is not just loud; it’s surprisingly articulate. In music, this translates to basslines that are tight and punchy rather than boomy and vague. Listening to tracks like Massive Attack’s “Angel,” the descending bassline was clean and distinct, with each note rendered without devolving into a muddy mess.

This was a sentiment echoed by many users, with one noting they replaced their old Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 and immediately noticed the bass wasn’t “boomy like the ProMedia.” However, this power needs to be managed. We found, as some users did, that the subwoofer can be overpowering even at its neutral ‘0’ setting, especially in smaller rooms. Adjusting the bass dial on the side of the main satellite speaker is essential. It’s important to understand a quirk of its design: this dial doesn’t just control the subwoofer’s volume. It also acts as a crossover, removing lower frequencies from the satellite speakers as you turn it down. This can make the satellites sound thin if you lower the bass too much. The trick is finding that perfect sweet spot—for our medium-sized office, a setting of -2 on the bass dial provided a powerful yet balanced sound that integrated seamlessly with the satellites.

Clarity and Detail: The Titanium Tweeters and Satellite Speakers

While the subwoofer handles the low-end with brute force, the satellite speakers are tasked with the delicate work of reproducing the mid-range and treble. Here, the 1-inch titanium dome tweeters are a standout feature. They deliver high frequencies with exceptional clarity and sparkle. Cymbals in jazz recordings shimmered with realistic decay, and the intricate high-hat work in rock tracks was crisp and easy to follow. This clarity is a massive boon for movies and gaming, as it makes dialogue and subtle environmental sounds, like rustling leaves or falling shell casings, incredibly clear and distinct. We never struggled to hear speech, even over loud explosions, which is a common failing of less capable systems.

The mid-range, however, is where we found the system’s most notable compromise. The small main drivers in the satellites do an admirable job, but they can’t quite match the richness and presence of larger bookshelf speakers. We concur with users who described the mids as somewhat “lacking” or “shouty” at times, particularly on vocal-heavy tracks or complex rock music. When listening to a song like Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” Stevie Nicks’ voice felt a bit thinner than we’d like, lacking some of its characteristic warmth. This is not a deal-breaker, but it is the system’s primary sonic signature. As one user astutely pointed out, the system responds wonderfully to equalization. By using a software EQ on our PC to slightly boost the 500Hz-2kHz range, we were able to bring the mid-range forward, resulting in a much more balanced and satisfying sound profile. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand how others have tailored the sound to their liking.

A Versatile Hub: Connectivity, Control, and Everyday Usability

The Edifier S351DB 2.1 Bookshelf Speaker System truly excels as a central hub for all your audio needs. The array of inputs on the back of the subwoofer covers all modern bases. We used the Optical input to connect our television, which provided a flawless digital signal for movies and streaming shows. The Coaxial and PC/AUX inputs worked perfectly for connecting a turntable preamp and a laptop, respectively. Switching between these sources is simple, either by pressing the volume dial on the side of the active speaker or by using the included wireless remote.

Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX support is a fantastic addition for convenience. Pairing our phone was instantaneous, and the sound quality for wireless streaming was excellent, nearly indistinguishable from a wired connection for casual listening on Spotify or Apple Music. We did notice the faint “hiss” one user reported when connected via Bluetooth with no audio playing, but found it was only audible when our ear was right next to the tweeter and completely disappeared once music started. The physical controls on the active satellite are a great touch. Having dedicated dials for treble and bass, in addition to the master volume, allows for quick, tactile adjustments without needing to hunt for the remote. The remote itself is a simple, circular puck that handles input switching, volume, and playback controls for Bluetooth. While functional, its round shape makes it a bit awkward to use in the dark, but this is a minor quibble in an otherwise stellar package of usability and a feature set that really sets it apart.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings align closely with the broader consensus from other owners. The praise is overwhelmingly focused on the system’s phenomenal value, build quality, and powerful sound. One long-time Edifier user, who had a previous model for 15 years, noted that while the price felt expensive at first, the system “delivers what it says and the price is very well justified.” Another happy customer described it perfectly as “Monitors with an 8″ Sub,” praising its ability to deliver high fidelity and clarity in bass, avoiding the muddy sound of many mass-market brands.

On the critical side, the feedback provides valuable context. The most significant concern we found came from a user whose optical port’s plastic “crumbled from the inside” after 27 months of use. While this appears to be an isolated incident, it’s a critical reminder about the potential long-term durability of digital ports that see frequent plugging and unplugging. Another recurring critique, which we also experienced, is the slightly recessed mid-range and the need for external equalization to achieve the best possible sound. One reviewer stated, “it should always go thru’ an Eq… to listen to some decent music,” a sentiment we agree with for more critical listeners.

How the Edifier S351DB Stacks Up: A Competitive Analysis

No product exists in a vacuum, and the Edifier S351DB 2.1 Bookshelf Speaker System faces stiff competition from various angles. To understand its place in the market, we’ve compared it against three notable alternatives, each catering to a different type of user.

1. Klipsch The Fives Powered Bookshelf Speakers

The Klipsch The Fives represent a step up in price and a different philosophy in design. As a 2.0 system, they lack a dedicated subwoofer, but their larger 4.5-inch woofers and signature Klipsch Tractrix horns deliver a dynamic, detailed sound with surprisingly potent bass for their size. Their key advantage is connectivity, specifically the inclusion of an HDMI-ARC port, making them an ideal, elegant solution for direct connection to a TV. A user prioritizing mid-range warmth, vocal clarity, and the simplicity of a two-speaker setup for a living room media center might prefer The Fives. However, they cannot replicate the deep, visceral sub-bass impact that the Edifier’s 8-inch subwoofer provides, making the S351DB a better choice for action movie fans and lovers of bass-heavy music genres.

2. Edifier S2000MKIII Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers

Comparing the S351DB to its sibling, the S2000MKIII, is a classic 2.1 vs. high-end 2.0 debate. The S2000MKIII is aimed squarely at the aspiring audiophile and desktop music producer. It features planar diaphragm tweeters for incredibly smooth and detailed highs, along with larger 5.5-inch woofers for a richer, more accurate mid-range and tighter bass response. The sound signature is more neutral and analytical. Someone who engages in critical listening, values pristine vocal and instrumental reproduction above all else, and doesn’t need floor-shaking bass would be better served by the S2000MKIII. The S351DB, in contrast, is the more “fun” system, built for entertainment, immersion, and delivering that cinematic rumble.

3. Pyle PADH212 1600W PA Speaker System

The Pyle PADH212 exists in a completely different universe. This is not a system for nuanced, in-home listening; it’s a PA (Public Address) system designed for raw, overwhelming volume. With dual 12-inch woofers and 1600 watts of peak power, it’s built to fill a large hall, backyard party, or garage with sound. Fidelity, stereo imaging, and subtle detail are secondary concerns to its primary goal: being incredibly loud. An event organizer, mobile DJ, or someone needing a sound system for a workshop would choose the Pyle. For anyone seeking a refined audio experience for their desk or living room, the Edifier S351DB is infinitely superior in terms of sound quality, aesthetics, and appropriate application.

Final Verdict: Is the Edifier S351DB 2.1 System the Right Choice for You?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Edifier S351DB 2.1 Bookshelf Speaker System is a triumph of performance and value. It delivers a powerful, room-filling audio experience that completely transforms gaming, movies, and music. The combination of a truly authoritative 8-inch subwoofer and crisp, detailed titanium tweeters creates a sound that is both thrilling and immersive. Its premium build quality and versatile connectivity make it feel like a product that should cost significantly more.

Its only notable weakness is a slightly recessed mid-range, which may leave audiophiles wanting more warmth and presence, though this can be largely corrected with equalization. For its intended audience—gamers, movie buffs, and music lovers looking for a massive audio upgrade without the fuss of a component system—it is an absolutely outstanding choice. If you’re ready to graduate from tinny monitor speakers and muddy all-in-ones to a world of deep bass and clear detail, this system is one of the best you can buy. We wholeheartedly recommend it. You can check the latest price and secure yours today.

Last update on 2025-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API