Edwards Audio SP1 review

Enjoyable performers, but up against a lot of top-quality competition Tested at £550

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

The SP1s are enjoyable performers but are up against a lot of top-quality competition at this price level

Pros

  • +

    A fast and engaging presentation

  • +

    expressive midrange

  • +

    entertaining balance

Cons

  • -

    Lack a little refinement

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Regular readers would be forgiven for spotting something familiar about Edwards Audio’s new speakers, the SP1s. Understandable, as these compact standmounters are loosely based on EB Acoustics’ EB1s, an old favourite of ours.

Let’s not overstate it, though. Despite the two products sporting the same mid/bass driver, and being pretty much the same size, the tweeter, crossover and certain elements of the cabinet are different.

Edwards Audio SP1

Edwards Audio SP1: Sound qualityImportantly, they have differing sonic characters too. The SP1s are tauter and more direct in their music-making. These are small, so deep bass isn’t on the menu – but the low frequencies are tuneful. The SP1s are fast too, delivering vocals with finesse.

Tonally, they’re a tad on the lean and bright side, so avoid aggressive-sounding partners, particularly as the treble exhibits just a hint of coarseness.

And they’re up against some tough rivals – especially Tannoy’s DC6s and KEF’s R100s – and it’s these rivals’ sheer quality that costs the SP1s a star.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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