STEREO GUIDE verdict
Despite their tiny size, the Edifier M60s offer a great sound. However, one small flaw prevents them from being used as a hi-fi system.
Pros
- Enormously lively and balanced sound
- Excellent imaging precision
- Outstanding price-performance ratio
- Surprisingly rich bass for its size
Cons
- The 1.8 m connection cable between the speakers severely restricts the stereo base
- No subwoofer output
- Induces strong vibrations into the desktop or shelf
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Tonal balance / transparency7.8
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Bass / Dynamics6.8
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Spatial imaging8.0
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Ease-of-use / Connectivity9.0
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Price/Performance9.7
The Edifier M60 is a compact 2.0 desktop speaker for multi-media applications. It can be connected to the PC via Bluetooth, USB-C or analog via cable. Compared to the Edifier R1700BT we reviewed some time ago, it is not only significantly more compact. The Bluetooth stereo speaker system, which is available in a satin finish in black, white or with a “Classic Oak” foil decor, has a much more modern design and features a practical touch control panel on the top.
Concentrated technology in the smallest space
With its precisely tuned 1-inch silk dome tweeters with waveguide and 3-inch aluminum woofers (2.5 and 7.6 centimetres respectively), the M60 produces a rich and clear sound that does not lose quality even at higher volumes. According to the data sheet, 66 watts of RMS power is available for the drive. Of this, 15 watts are allocated to each of the tweeters and 18 watts to each of the bass-midrange speakers. It therefore promises decent audio performance on the desk or in small rooms. It therefore promises decent audio performance on the desk or in small rooms.
Wide range of accessories
As far as cable connections are concerned, Edifier is once again generous despite the keenly calculated price: In addition to the audio connection between the two speakers and the mains cable, two analog cable connections (3.5 mm jack and 3.5 mm jack to RCA) and a USB-C cable are included. But that’s not all: simple but stable stands made of folded metal with rubber buffers allow the two Bluetooth speakers to be angled backwards on the desk. This is ideal in such a near-field listening zone.
Edifier uses Class D amplifiers from Texas Instruments in the M60 with a maximum resolution of 24-bit/96kHz for lossless audio playback. With Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, Edifier emphasizes that the M60 has been designed to deliver high-resolution sound that meets the demands of music lovers. However, anyone who rips CDs may be bothered by the fact that 44.1 kHz is not supported. The Edifier M60 only supports two native sampling frequencies: 48 and 96 KHz, each with 16 or 24 bit word length.
Master & Commander
One of the two speakers was designed as a master, which not only houses the connections and interfaces. It also houses the entire amplifier electronics including the DSP (Digital Signal Processor), which is required for the 2-way active crossover and the intelligent overload protection (Dynamic Range Control, DRC for short). The second speaker has no electronic module itself and is supplied with power separately for each chassis via a special 1.8 meter cable supplied.
The cable is long enough for desktop applications. But anyone tempted to put the speakers on the shelf will want a little more scope for a wider stereo base. After all, the plugs still come off the 180 centimeters and you can hardly leave the cable hanging straight as a die in the air between the two stereo speakers. In the class up to 200 euros, however, this can certainly be considered a luxury concern.
Practical connectivity
The M60’s wide range of connection options make it particularly flexible: Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable wireless connection, while USB-C and AUX inputs enable an uncomplicated wired connection to various devices. Particularly noteworthy is the modern Bluetooth version, which not only offers a greater range, but also ensures reliable data transmission for high-quality audio files. However, the Bluetooth speaker only supports the standard SBC codec in addition to LDAC. This means that Android users are likely to miss aptX support and iOS users AAC support. Those who want to experience maximum sound must therefore use the digital USB interface, which makes the Edifier M60 a kind of hi-res sound card for computers.
For simplified control when used as a PC desktop monitor speaker, the M60 has a capacitive touch control panel that is seamlessly integrated into the surface. It lights up automatically before being touched thanks to a proximity sensor. However, there is only one standby button in addition to the two volume control buttons. It is therefore advisable to consult the operating instructions to memorize the unavoidable double functions. This also applies to the color of the LEDs responsible for visual feedback.
App with equalizer and sound presets
The Edifier ConneX app for iOS and Android also offers a range of additional functions and allows users to customize the sound. A graphic 6-band equalizer is available for this or you can conveniently use one of the four sound presets: “Music”, “Monitor”, “Game” and “Movie”. The Edifier ConneX app can also be used to switch sources, which is practical if you are not using the M60 on the desktop, where you can easily switch inputs using the touch field, but instead set up the Bluetooth speakers on the shelf as a minimalist stereo system. However, as already mentioned, this application is hindered by the short cable that supplies the passive speaker of the pair with amplifier power. After all, you usually want to place the two stereo speakers a little further apart in the living room with a large listening distance.
Sound test: As good as small can get
We already knew from our review of the R1700BT that Edifier can build good and affordable speakers. However, with a height of around 26 centimeters, they are quite a bit taller than the Edifier M60, which are barely higher than a can of energy drink on a desk. But they start off as if they’ve had a few cans. To be honest, they surprised me right down the line. After a short break-in period, I was even impressed by the punch in the bass, which made me forget how small the Bluetooth speakers actually are. The tonal balance is suitable for all types of music. The fact that the treble offers a slight show effect in the brilliance range is easy to get over in the overall context.
In addition to the liveliness, the punch and the considerable level reserves – always in relation to the size – one feature stood out in particular: the superb spatial imaging of instruments and voices. This is where the Edifiers play a trump card that is directly related to their tiny dimensions. While small cabinets and small speaker chassis are a problem in the bass, the dispersion characteristics of the speaker benefit in an almost reciprocal relationship. One reason for this is that the center of the sound generation of the two small drivers is very close together and therefore comes closest to a natural point sound source after a speaker with a coaxial chassis such as the KEF LSX II, where all frequencies emanate from the same source. And secondly, the extremely compact baffle, which fits snugly around the two drivers, impedes the propagation of the sound waves far less than a large loudspeaker box.
Many large boxes are left behind in the sptial imaging
The result is a stable, sharply focused and extremely vivid image that conveys a great impression of the recording situation. While I was writing these lines, I was still listening to music through the speakers, which were positioned away from the desk in my open-plan living area. Not only was it fun, its powerful reproduction also made me forget that no larger speakers were at work here. If you like, you can change the sound with the sound presets to suit your own taste and purpose.
I liked “Music” the best. With “Movie”, the precision suffers somewhat, especially in the bass, and I have to say that those who want to watch movies or play games on the PC with the Edifier M60 would certainly want a subwoofer connection. And movie fans would be grateful for a longer supply cable that would allow them to place the two speakers further apart. After all, what good is Bluetooth streaming if the wire connection between the speakers severely limits the flexibility of placement. But in this case, that’s complaining on a high level.
Much light, little shadow
What could also lead to criticism, but this time when used on a desk, are the strong vibrations in the tabletop. For such a rich bass from such small cones, the two long-throw bass/midrange drivers have to endure large excursions with correspondingly high positive and negative acceleration. And this causes the small, lightweight cabinets and the base to vibrate quite a bit. However, this problem can be solved by using vibration dampers, which are offered as sound tuning for loudspeakers in the accessories trade (you can find an overview here on Amazon).
Edifier M60: Conclusion and alternatives
It’s not our style to throw superlatives around. But now, of all things, a tiny stereo pair of Bluetooth speakers has managed to make me use the word sensational. It should be noted that I have been reviewing outrageously expensive super speakers in magazines such as AUDIO/Stereoplay for what feels like an eternity and I also treat myself to a good sound system at home in the form of a high-end system. But these two speakers are a sensation in the truest sense of the word, especially in view of their minimal dimensions.
They can also easily fill a living room with sound, provided there are no parties or bass orgies on the agenda. However, when used as a replacement for a stereo system, the short connection cable between the two speakers really sets narrow limits. For this application, the larger and even cheaper Edifier R1700BT would be worth considering. However, it doesn’t fit so discreetly and harmoniously into every interior.
Edifier M60: Technical specifications
- Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 180 Euro
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 10 x 16.8 x 14.7 cm
- Weight: 3 kg
- Special features: AUX input, USB-C connection, Bluetooth 5.3, remote control, app with 6-band equalizer
