Fenda R23BT – Review of an affordable stereo for PC

Fenda is primarily associated with attractively priced computer speakers. The bar they have set for the competition in this subject is very high, and it seems that they have not yet said the last word. Today I decided to review the latest creation of this manufacturer – Fenda R23BT. I invite you

A few words of introduction

Stereo, 2.1 or 5.1 (although the latter are no longer abundant on the market) the choice of computer audio is quite wide. Everyone will find something for themselves, and regardless of the budget at their disposal. Nowadays, even at a price of less than PLN 200 it is possible to get equipment that will not hurt your ears, which was not so obvious a few years ago. The set I took under my magnifying glass today is stereo speakers with built-in amplifier. However, it is not just any equipment, as the manufacturer has priced it at less than 300 PLN. So I think this is an attractive price for a typical bread eater. In addition, if we take into account that it comes with a remote control, USB port and bluetooth wireless connectivity, it all points to a hit. However, is it really? The specifications that the manufacturer provides are quite sparse and look like this:

• Power (RMS): 2 x 20W
• Transducers: 1′ tweeter, 4′ low-midrange
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, optical, USB, 3.5 mm analog jack
• Design: Bass reflex (located at the rear)
• Dimensions: w 162 x d 135 x h 162 mm

Fenda R23BT performance and design

The workmanship is not objectionable. The fronts are made of glossy plastic, while the enclosures are made of MDF with white veneer. No grilles are provided here, it’s worth bearing in mind, as the domes can be easily dented. On the right column, the manufacturer has placed a simple control panel with an LED indicating the active source. On that panel are present buttons for volume control, source switching and on/off switch. Above them is placed the receiver “eyelet” for the remote control. The set looks good and looks much more expensive than it actually is, moreover, it reminds me very much of sets from a Danish brand like Jamo.

The amplifier panel is located in the right column. On the panel itself, a permanently integrated power cable, an on/off switch, a USB-A port, an optical input, a 3.5mm jack input for analog connection and an output for the left speaker are present. So the number of connections I think will satisfy most users. Whether you decide to connect the Fends to your phone, laptop, computer or even TV they will do their job perfectly.

The set did not lack a remote control. It is of good quality, many sets in a similar budget if already have a remote control, it is of low quality, like from Chinese LEDs. Here there is no such situation. With it it is possible to select the source, adjust bass and treble or volume levels. It works perfectly even from a relatively long distance.

Sound

I tested the sound using a bluetooth device, which is an iPad 7th.

The set surprised me positively. Despite its relatively compact design, the sound is full and clear. While the bass does not go overly low, it performs well in the mid-bass. The higher tones gain color as the volume increases, at low volume they seem to be gently withdrawn, the midrange is subtly emphasized. The sound is overall quite warm, not fatiguing. Vocals are clear, regardless of the complexity of the song. What’s more, the separation of the different bands is also good, none of them overlapping. The Fenda R23BTs are also very “roomy” for a stereo. They can also play really loud, enough to amplify a medium-sized room, and that without losing the quality of the reproduced sound.