Desk job

David Vivian reckons some active desktop speakers are too good to be confined to the office. Take for example exhibit A80

- David Vivian

DETAILS

PRODUCT AirPulse A80

ORIGIN China

TYPE Active desktop loudspeaker system

WEIGHT 9.3kg

DIMENSIONS (WxHxD) 140 x 250 x 220mm

FEATURES

● Horn loaded aluminium diaphragm ribbon tweeter

● 114mm aluminum cone with 30mm voice coil mid/bass driver

● Inputs: Aux; PC; USB; optical; Bluetooth

DISTRIBUTOR Edifier Group

WEBSITE Airpulseaudio.com

At first glance, the printed description on the carton appears to be wrong. It states the AirPulse A80s inside are active speakers. There's a moment of disbelief on lifting them out, as they look more like the poor relation 'powered' variety. Traditional active speakers, on the other hand say, KEF's LSX (HFC 456) - have separate amplifiers for each driver teamed with electronic dividing networks, often with expanded DSP options thrown in and both enclosures need to be plugged into the mains. But hold on...