Edifier Airpulse A80V: Revamped Mid-Bass Driver Boosts This Hi-Fi Speaker

Experience richer lows and crystal-clear highs with Edifier’s updated Airpulse A80V Hi-Fi speaker featuring a redesigned mid-bass driver and expanded connectivity.

A Fresh Spin on a Compact Classic

Step into the world of refined bookshelf audio with Edifier’s latest refresh — the Airpulse A80V. If you’re like me, a fan of compact Hi-Fi speakers that pack serious punch without hogging space, this update is definitely worth a closer listen. Edifier isn’t tossing out the beloved Airpulse A80; instead, they’ve tuned up its core elements, particularly the mid-bass driver, to elevate the sound without losing the signature clarity we all love.

Mid-Bass Driver: The Heart of the Upgrade

The star of the show here is undoubtedly the redesigned 4.5-inch mid-bass driver. Edifier carefully reworked this component to deliver a fuller, rounder low-end response. As a longtime fan of Airpulse’s balanced sound, I was curious — does this richer bass come at the expense of detail? Thankfully, it does not.

What’s new? The driver’s frame is now crafted entirely from cast aluminum, giving it a sturdy, resonance-resistant base. The diaphragm itself uses a hardened aluminum alloy, paired with a beefier 30mm voice coil. This combination means tighter, more controlled bass that still plays nicely with the speaker’s detailed sound signature.

Ribbon Tweeter Magic

Airpulse’s signature horn-loaded aluminum ribbon tweeter remains intact, and I’m glad about that! Unlike the typical dome tweeter, this ribbon design marries the diaphragm and voice coil into one nimble element. The result is a tweeter that reacts lightning-fast to sound transients, reducing phase distortion and extending the high-frequency range all the way up to 40kHz.

The soundstage feels crisp and airy, with those delicate highs that bring vocals and instruments to life without harshness. It’s an elegant touch that’s made Airpulse speakers stand out in the crowded bookshelf category.

Expanded Inputs for Modern Listening

Let’s talk connectivity — because what’s a great speaker if it can’t hook up to your favorite devices? The Airpulse A80V welcomes a few new input options alongside the existing RCA inputs.

• A handy 3.5mm AUX input makes wired connections effortless for analog sources.
• The addition of USB-C input comes with Savitech Hi-Fi USB decoding, ideal for high-res digital audio streams.
• Toslink optical input now rounds out the digital options, perfect for TV setups or gaming rigs.
• Bluetooth 5.1, powered by a Qualcomm QCC3031 chip, supports aptX HD for wireless audio that doesn’t skimp on quality.

This blend of analog, wired digital, and wireless ensures the A80V slots right into almost any setup.

Power and Build: Class-D Amplification Meets Thoughtful Design

Powering this setup are two Texas Instruments TAS5754M Class D amplifiers, each channel dedicated to the tweeter and mid-bass drivers separately. The ribbon tweeters get 10W + 10W, while the mid-bass drivers flex with 40W + 40W. This clever split amplification keeps the highs sparkling and the lows thumping without stepping on each other’s toes.

The enclosure is solid, built from 18mm MDF, a material known for its acoustic dampening properties. Inside, wave-shaped sound-absorbing material tames unwanted resonance, letting the music stay pure and focused. For those craving more bottom-end authority, a dedicated SUB OUT jack invites an external subwoofer — perfect for bigger rooms or movie nights.

Specs You’ll Want to Know

Edifier rates the Airpulse A80V’s frequency response from 52Hz all the way to 20kHz, paired with a 90dB(A) signal-to-noise ratio. The speakers themselves measure 140 x 255 x 238mm and weigh in at 9.3kg per pair — compact but solid.

Currently available in China at a price around $400 USD, there’s no word on when (or if) it will make its way to other markets, but the upgrade certainly sets a high bar for bookshelf speakers in this class.

“The new speaker... delivers a fuller and rounder low-end response without compromising the speaker’s detailed sound signature.” – Edifier

Wrapping It Up: Small Package, Big Sound

If you’ve been a fan of the Airpulse A80 or are simply on the hunt for a bookshelf speaker that balances modern connectivity with audiophile-quality sound, the Airpulse A80V deserves a spot on your radar. That revamped mid-bass driver promises a deeper, richer listening experience while staying true to the crisp highs Airpulse is known for.

Would you take the plunge on a pair of these sleek Hi-Fi wonders? Or are you holding out for international availability? Sound off in the comments!

FAQ

• What’s the main upgrade in the Airpulse A80V?
  The addition of a redesigned 4.5-inch mid-bass driver with an all-cast aluminum frame and enhanced diaphragm for richer bass.
• Does the A80V support wireless streaming?
  Yes, it features Bluetooth 5.1 with Qualcomm’s QCC3031 chip and aptX HD support for high-quality wireless audio.
• Can I connect external subwoofers?
  Absolutely, the speaker includes a SUB OUT port for adding an external subwoofer.
• What’s special about the tweeter design?
  The horn-loaded aluminum ribbon tweeter combines diaphragm and voice coil into one element, reducing distortion and extending highs to 40kHz.
• Is the Airpulse A80V available internationally?
  Currently, it is available in China, with no official announcement on global release yet.

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