Edifier’s New MR3 Desktop Speakers Offer Great Sound And Superb Value

Desktop speakers—or nearfield monitors as they are often called—are incredibly popular right now as more people choose to record and edit music- at home or rationalize their workspaces with a setup for great sound quality from their laptop or desktop.

The latest pair of nearfield monitors to arrive on my desk for review is the Edifier MR3, a compact pair of bookshelf speakers with an output of 18W per channel and a frequency response of 52Hz – 40kHz.

Edifier makes some great-value audio products and these good-looking little speakers take up hardly any space on a desk they offer a wonderfully balanced sound that makes them ideal for mixing music or simply playing audio from a Mac or PC.

The Edifier MR3 consist of a main powered speaker that plugs into the mains and works as the right-hand channel. The other speaker is a passive satellite speaker that connects to the main unit with a length of speaker cable included in the box. The speaker connections are spring-loaded design instead of the more rugged banana plug receptors, but that’s probably a cost-saving feature.

The cabinets of the MR3 are made from sturdy MDF and can be ordered in a choice of black or white finishes. There are no stands included for tilting the speakers up a little, but you could probably use something like a couple of plastic door wedges if you feel the need. The overall build quality of these speakers is excellent, especially considering their low price.

The MR3 offers a choice of inputs for audio signals. You can use the two balanced TRS inputs for connecting something like a USB audio interface. Alternatively, you could use the pair of stereo RCA inputs or the 3.5mm AUX input on the front of the main speaker. If you want to listen privately late at night, then there is also a 3.5mm headphone jack on the front of the main speaker for plugging in a pair of headphones.

All the cables you need are included in the box. If you want to connect the speakers wirelessly to a smartphone or computer, then you can use Bluetooth, although the MR3 will only support the basic SBC audio codec.

The volume of the MR3 can be controlled with the front-mounted volume knob which also doubles as an input selector for choosing the input source. The only inputs missing, in my opinion, are XLR or USB options which I would love to have seen but that will never be possible at this price.

The drivers used in the MR3 speakers are a 3.5-inch woofer and a one-inch, silk-dome tweeter for the treble frequencies. With a frequency range from a bassy 53Hz to a treble of up to 40Hz, the MR3 have a wonderfully wide sound that’s uncolored and robust.

If you want to tweak the tone, on the back of the main speakers are two acoustic tuning knobs for adjusting bass and treble by ±6dB. The effect is very subtle and I don’t think you need to use them as the sound that comes out of the MR3 is stunning for the price. It’s also possible to tweak the sound further by using the Edifier ConneX smartphone app which opens more options such as room compensation settings.

At lower volume levels for nearfield listening, the MR3 have a wonderfully structured bass as well as an exceptionally clear midrange and a treble that’s never harsh. The cabinets with their MDF construction and plastic front baffle are so well constructed there is little or no resonance.

Verdict: The Edifier MR3 are a stonkingly good pair of nearfield monitors. They kick out a great sound and have excellent tonal balance. Even Bluetooth with the limitation of the SBC audio codec sounded excellent. There is nothing to criticize here for the price. If you want more output then you could try the excellent JBL 104BT, but for the money, the Edifier MR3 are an absolute steal. Highly Recommended.

Pricing & Availability: The Edifier MR3 nearfield monitors are available now in black or white and cost just $119.99.

Tech Specs:

• Total output power (RMS): 18W + 18W.
• Drivers: 3.5″ woofer / 1″ silk dome tweeter.
• Frequency response: 52Hz – 40kHz.
• Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥ 85dB (A).
• Audio inputs: Balanced ¼-inch TRS, unbalanced RCA, ⅛-inch stereo (3.5mm AUX), Bluetooth.
• Input sensitivity: TRS: 1228 ± 100mV (+4dBu) / RCA: 775 ± 50mV / AUX: 775 ± 50mV / Bluetooth: 800 ± 50mFFS.
• Bluetooth: V5.4.
• Audio codecs: SBC.
• Headphone output: 3.5mm / ⅛-inch stereo.
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 125.5 x 220 x 185mm per speaker.
• Weight: 3.85kg.