The Edifier MR3 desktop speakers offer a compelling blend of compact design, premium build quality, and surprisingly powerful audio performance. This review delves into the details of these impressive little speakers, exploring their sound characteristics, versatile controls, and user-friendly app integration. We'll examine how the MR3's innovative wave-guided tweeter and 3.5-inch mid-range driver contribute to its exceptional clarity and detailed soundstage. We'll also assess its limitations, including maximum volume and bass extension, to provide a balanced perspective.From initial unboxing to extensive listening tests, we'll analyze every aspect of the Edifier MR3 experience. This review will cover the ease of setup, the effectiveness of the customizable EQ settings, and the impact of speaker placement on overall sound quality. Ultimately, we aim to determine whether the Edifier MR3 truly lives up to its potential as a "giant killer" in the competitive desktop speaker market, offering a premium listening experience at a budget-friendly price point.
Pros And Cons
- Best speaker at its price point ($120-$130)
- Good sound quality in nearfield
- Wave guided tweeter for better sound dispersion
- Tonality adjustment knobs for high and low frequencies
- App for additional settings (EQ, low frequency cut-off, acoustic space setting)
- Pretty linear frequency response (within ±2dB)
- Good mid-range clarity and attack
- Doesn't get very loud (max SPL ~86dB at 1 meter, ~92dB with two speakers)
- Bass extends only to about 60Hz
- Optimal listening requires positioning at or near tweeter level (within ~20° vertically)
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The Edifier MR3 arrived, and after a few weeks of sitting in the box, I finally unboxed and set them up on my desk. The initial impression was one of compact elegance; they're surprisingly small, yet the build quality feels solid and premium.
I've tested numerous desktop speakers around this size, and these immediately stood out. The design is understated but stylish, and the materials used feel high-quality, making them a welcome addition to my workspace.
Sound Quality and Features
The Edifier MR3 boasts a 3.5-inch mid-range driver and a 1-inch wave-guided dome tweeter. This wave-guide design noticeably improves sound dispersion, providing a wider, more immersive soundscape than many competitors at this price point.
The sound quality is remarkably clear and detailed. There's a pleasing balance across the frequency range, with a satisfying amount of bass for their size. The tweeter delivers crisp highs without being harsh, and the mids are well-defined, making vocals sound particularly natural.
Controls and App Integration
The rear panel houses convenient tonality adjustment knobs for high and low frequencies. This allows for easy fine-tuning to suit personal preferences or room acoustics. The physical controls are complemented by the Edifier Connect app.
The app offers further customization options, including a 6-band EQ, low-frequency cutoff, acoustic space settings, and desktop control. These additional features enhance the overall user experience and provide a level of flexibility not often found in budget speakers.
Placement and Listening Position
Optimal placement is crucial. The speakers sound best at or near ear level. Experiment with different positions to find the sweet spot in your listening environment; if the speakers are placed too low, they may sound somewhat lacking in the highs.
Maintaining a 20° angle between your ears and the tweeter is ideal for achieving a balanced sound. If you sit significantly higher, you might need to adjust the tweeter level to compensate for reduced high-frequency response.
Measurements and Performance Data
The frequency response is quite linear, within a +/-2dB range for the most part. This means the speaker delivers a relatively even sound across the frequency spectrum. The bass extends down to approximately 60Hz, without room gain.
Harmonic distortion remains low even at higher volumes, thanks to the speaker's built-in limiter. This ensures that the sound quality remains clean, even when pushed to its limits.
Comparison and Conclusion
The Edifier MR3 surpasses the older MR4 model in both sound quality and feature set. It provides excellent value for its price, offering a level of performance that rivals far more expensive speakers.
While not designed for extremely loud volumes or deep bass extension, the MR3 excels as a compact desktop speaker. The clear sound, versatile controls, and app integration make this a highly recommended option. However, consider the limitations in terms of maximum volume and bass extension before purchasing.