Edifier T5s Review: Compact 8 Inch Powered Subwoofer

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

The Edifier T5s is a compact powered subwoofer aimed at desktop audio and small home theater use. The product listing positions it as a budget friendly option for adding low end to bookshelf speakers or active monitors. It uses an 8 inch long throw driver and a built in Class D amplifier rated at 70 watts RMS.

Edifier lists a claimed low frequency extension of 35Hz, which is respectable for an 8 inch driver in this price tier. The subwoofer includes adjustable low pass filtering from 30Hz to 160Hz and a two position phase selector. The listing also notes an auto standby feature that activates after 15 minutes of inactivity.

Sound Quality

On paper, the T5s prioritizes clean and tight bass rather than maximum output. The listing cites low distortion and an 18mm MDF cabinet to reduce resonance. The front firing 8 inch long throw woofer is designed to move air efficiently, while the right firing acoustic port helps extend low frequency response.

The adjustable low pass filter lets users blend the sub with main speakers that have limited bass. The two position phase selector, 0 or 180 degrees, is a common but useful tool for aligning the sub with speakers placed at different distances. Buyers who pair the T5s with Edifier R1280Ts or R1700BTs may find that the crossover control helps avoid a boomy overlap in the upper bass.

Since this is an editorial research review, no listening measurements are available. The published specifications suggest the T5s will work best for moderate volume levels in small to medium rooms. The 70 watt RMS Class D amplifier is not a high output design, but it should be enough for nearfield and desktop use.

Drivers, Power and Room Fit

The T5s uses a single 8 inch long throw woofer driven by a 70 watt RMS Class D amplifier. This combination is typical for budget powered subwoofers intended for stereo music and casual movie use. The listing highlights a front firing driver and a right firing acoustic port, which gives some placement flexibility compared to rear ported designs.

The subwoofer's low frequency extension is listed as 35Hz, which is an octave below the typical 70Hz rolloff of many small bookshelf speakers. That means it can add meaningful weight to kick drums, synth bass and movie effects. The adjustable low pass filter from 30Hz to 160Hz lets users set the handoff to the main speakers.

Room fit is harder to judge because the listing does not include physical dimensions or weight. Edifier calls the design slim and space saving, but without measurements buyers cannot confirm if it fits under a desk or next to a media console. The front firing driver reduces some wall boundary issues, yet the side firing port still needs a few inches of clearance to avoid chuffing or port noise.

Features and Connectivity

The T5s keeps connectivity simple with a pair of RCA inputs and a pair of RCA outputs. This supports two common installation methods. If the source or amplifier has a dedicated subwoofer or preamp output, the user connects that to the T5s signal input and the main speakers stay on their own output.

The series connection method requires the main speakers to have a line level input. The listing specifically notes that Bluetooth, USB, optical or non wired inputs on the main speaker are not supported for the series method. This is an important limitation for owners of wireless or digital only speakers.

• RCA stereo input and RCA stereo output for flexible hookup
• Low pass filter adjustable from 30Hz to 160Hz
• Phase selector with 0 and 180 degree positions
• Auto standby after 15 minutes of inactivity
• Includes 3.5 mm to RCA cable and RCA cable
• No Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or high level speaker inputs

Build, Design and Finish

The cabinet uses 18mm MDF, which is a good choice for reducing unwanted resonance in a powered subwoofer. The listing states that the front firing driver and right firing acoustic port work together to minimize resonance for clean, tight bass. A low profile grille and wood grain finish are intended to help the T5s blend with home decor.

The finish is described as a wood grain in brown, which gives the sub a more furniture like appearance than plain black vinyl. The front firing driver and side port mean the front face is simple and unobtrusive. Build quality cannot be fully assessed without a physical inspection, but the use of 18mm MDF is a positive sign in this price tier.

The absence of published dimensions is a notable gap in the listing. Edifier calls the design slim and compact, but a subwoofer with an 8 inch driver still needs a certain footprint. The side firing port means one side of the cabinet cannot be placed flush against a wall or furniture panel.

Setup and Placement

Setup is straightforward for users with a subwoofer output. Connect the RCA cable from the source or amplifier to the T5s signal input, set the low pass filter and phase, and plug it into power. The built in amplifier means no external receiver or separate power amp is needed.

For systems without a sub out, the T5s works in series. The audio source connects to the T5s signal input, then the T5s signal output goes to the main powered speakers. This method only works with main speakers that have a line level input, and the listing warns that optical, USB and non wired inputs are not supported.

Placement is helped by the front firing driver, which reduces the boomy effect sometimes caused by rear firing ports near walls. The right firing acoustic port still needs some breathing room on that side. Auto standby activates after 15 minutes of silence, so the sub does not need to be manually switched off after each session.

Daily Use

In daily use, the T5s should operate quietly in the background once the controls are set. The auto standby feature means it draws less power when no signal is present for 15 minutes. The front firing driver and low profile grille make it less likely to be damaged by feet or furniture movement in a small room.

The lack of wireless or remote control is a minor inconvenience for some users. If the sub is placed under a desk or in a corner, adjusting the low pass filter or phase means reaching behind the cabinet. For most listeners, setting the crossover once during setup is enough, but users who frequently change sources or speakers may want easier access.

The T5s is compatible with a long list of Edifier powered speakers, including the R1280Ts, R1280DBs, R1700BTs, R1850DB and others. It also works with third party bookshelf speakers and AV amps that have RCA sub out or preamp outputs. This broad compatibility makes it a flexible budget addition for many desktop and small room systems.

Who Should Buy It

The Edifier T5s is best for budget conscious listeners who want to add real low end to a small stereo or desktop setup. Owners of Edifier powered speakers listed in the compatibility section will find the hookup especially simple. It is also a reasonable choice for movie and music listeners in apartments or dorm rooms where a larger subwoofer would be excessive.

Users who need a compact subwoofer with adjustable crossover and phase controls will appreciate the T5s. The included cables and auto standby reduce extra costs and hassle. However, those who need wireless streaming, high level speaker inputs, or reference level output should look elsewhere.

Alternatives Worth Considering

Shoppers in the budget subwoofer category often compare the T5s with other compact 8 inch and 10 inch powered subs. Some alternatives include models with similar RCA connectivity and adjustable crossovers, though many add high level speaker inputs or a remote control. Buyers who prioritize maximum output may want to look at 10 inch or 12 inch options from established speaker brands.

For those willing to spend more, higher end compact subwoofers from brands like SVS or REL offer more refined bass and more robust amplifiers. The SVS SB-1000 Pro, for instance, is a well regarded sealed subwoofer that costs more and provides greater output and control. However, the Edifier T5s remains a practical entry point for adding bass to an Edifier speaker system without a large investment.

Verdict

The Edifier T5s is a sensible budget powered subwoofer for small rooms and desktop systems. The 8 inch long throw driver, 70 watt RMS Class D amplifier, adjustable low pass filter and phase control give it enough flexibility to blend with most bookshelf speakers. The claimed 35Hz extension and 18mm MDF cabinet suggest it can deliver clean, tight bass rather than boomy one note thump.

The main gaps are the lack of wireless connectivity, no high level inputs, and the absence of published dimensions and weight. The series connection method works only with line level main speakers, which may exclude some wireless or digital only setups. Overall, the T5s offers good value for budget buyers who want a simple wired subwoofer with Edifier compatibility.

Strengths and Limitations

Alternatives to Consider

Kicker KB6B 2-Way

Budget-minded buyers who want a passive indoor/outdoor speaker pair to mount in a patio, garage, or poolside area.

Read the Kicker KB6B 2-Way review →

Focal 690AC 6” x 9”

Budget minded buyers who need a passive 6 x 9 coaxial speaker for factory replacement or custom installation with an external amplifier.

Read the Focal 690AC 6” x 9” review →

Edifier M60

Near-field desktop listening where a compact powered stereo pair with Bluetooth LDAC and USB-C connectivity matters most.

Read the Edifier M60 review →

Questions Buyers Ask