STEREO GUIDE verdict
Edifier MR5 review: Triple active desktop monitors with strong bass, precise mids and ConneX app tuning. A real recommendation for 250 euros,
Pros
- Rich bass and great playfulness
- Sound customizable via app and controls
- clean and transparent even at high levels
Cons
- Volume control of the app not synchronized
- No streaming/digital inputs
- Tone colors not quite as natural
- Danger of droning in small rooms/near walls
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Tonal balance / transparency8.5
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Bass / Dynamics8.4
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Spatial imaging7.8
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Usability / Connectivity9.3
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Price/Performance9.6
Even if you have been writing test reports for a long time and have reviewed many small desktop monitors in recent years, you can always be surprised by something new. The Edifier MR5 actually just looks like a larger, better equipped version of the cheaper MR3. The visible cone driver remains surprisingly small.
The fact that there are more inputs on the rear connection panel, including professional XLR sockets, is noticeable at first glance. And you also quickly notice that elongated openings have been integrated into the side panels of the active speakers, which weigh 10.8 kilos as a pair and are 26.4 centimeters high. However, they neither look like conventional bass reflex openings, nor do they make sense as recessed grips in the MDF housing with foil veneer. And then there were the typical oval bass reflex ports on the backs of both stereo speakers, which are available in black or white.
Unconventionally implemented monitor concept
Of course, I hadn’t read the complete technical documentation immediately after unpacking and was quite surprised when I read about tri-amping in the technical data. What on earth are three power amplifiers supposed to do in what is read as a typical 2-way speaker? While I was still searching for an explanation, wavering between a marketing gag or a mistranslation, only one possible solution came to mind: the 3.7-inch cone on the front with its striking copper-colored, concave dust cover is not a bass-midrange driver as in the MR3, but really only responsible for the mid frequencies.
Finally, I also found references in the technical data to a 5-inch woofer designed for long excursion. Now all it took was an exploded view to confirm the only possible conclusion. The intrepid designers of the Edifier MR5 have concealed their heaviest artillery beneath the three drivers per speaker. Finally, I found an X-ray image on the website that confirmed my suspicions.
This really is an extremely unusual design, which makes this desktop monitor speaker, available for 250 euros, something very special. It retains the slender baffle of a standard 2-way monitor, but can use a 12.7 cm woofer optimized for long excursion. If the midrange driver can concentrate on the fundamental range, but does not have to transmit the bass with its accompanying large excursions, it can devote itself much more carefully to the timbres of voices and instruments.
3-way structure with clear distribution of tasks
The 3-way combination is accompanied by a classic bass reflex tuning, not a bandpass like other “hidden” subwoofers. The latter alone receives a decent
This clear division of labor – 30 watts for the bass, 15 watts for the mid-range and 10 watts for the treble per speaker – not only allows the MR5 to separate individual frequencies more precisely, but also to act in a much more relaxed manner when one of the paths reaches its limit (which is usually the bass). Voices and acoustic instruments in particular benefit from this separate mid-range unit in our sound tests, while the woofer handles the low-frequency work confidently without overlaying the rest of the spectrum with intermodulation.
110 watts total power for a powerful boom
As in the smaller MR3 monitors, Edifier has combined the electronics with the connections, the DSP and the total of six power amplifiers in the primary speaker, which is intended for the right channel in the factory setting. (However, the sides can be swapped in the app). The second speaker (preset for the left channel) is controlled via a special cable supplied, which transmits three separate, amplified signals for the three drivers. This sets the fully active stereo speaker set apart from simpler solutions such as the Mackie CR8BT or CR3.5BT, which have their own amplifiers in the primary speaker, but in which only one power amplifier per channel drives the two 2-way systems of the primary and secondary speakers via a conventional crossover.
This gives Edifier a further advantage with the MR5, as the three power amplifiers for each channel can be controlled via an active DSP crossover. This also enables targeted equalization of the individual speaker chassis as well as influencing the lower cut-off frequency in order to relieve the woofer at high levels. Finally, Edifier states a maximum level of 101 decibels in the technical data.
Ports & connectivity: Unusually versatile for this class
When it comes to connections, the Edifier MR5 shows its professional side in the test. The rear of the primary speaker features an unusually wide range of connections for nearfield monitors in this price range:
However, according to the manufacturer’s data sheet, the multimedia studio speakers only support the LDAC and the simple SBC codec. Apple aficionados would still want AAC and some Android users might also miss aptX. Practical for everyday desk use: In addition to the AUX input with 3.5 mm jack, there is a 3.5 mm headphone connection on the front, which automatically mutes the speakers. All in all, the MR5s offer exactly the connection flexibility you want from modern desktop monitors. Whether in the home studio, at the workstation or as high-quality PC speakers is irrelevant.
Individual sound customization thanks to the Edifier ConneX app
We already know many elements from our review of the MR3, but with the CR5 Edifier once again demonstrates the extent to which a compact active system can be adapted to the room and listening taste. On the rear of the primary loudspeaker are two classic controls for
If you want even more precision, you can use the Edifier ConneX app for iOS and Android, which is available free of charge in the App Store and on Google Play. It adds a
Differentiated sound tuning
The app also offers surprisingly extensive sound tuning that goes far beyond the usual convenience functions. For example, the lower cut-off frequency can be set flexibly – including selectable slopes of the high-pass filter between -6 and -24 decibels per octave. This function noticeably reduces the load on the small woofers if you regularly demand high levels or combine the CR5 with an external subwoofer via a cable connection to a mixing console. Another practical feature is the “Acoustic Space” setting, which compensates for unwanted bass boosts caused by positioning the speaker close to a wall or corner. For desk setups, there is also a near-field mode that smoothes the presence range somewhat and improves the image at short listening distances.
However, the ConneX app was not entirely free of criticism in the review. On the iPhone 16 Pro, it reliably showed which track was currently playing and allowed pausing and skipping. However, it did not display the covers of the tracks collected in my Qobuz playlist. In addition, the
Sound test: This is what the desktop monitor speaker sounds like
While the MR3, which is literally two sizes smaller, simply lacked bass and fundamental volume, the Edifier MR5 leaves nothing to be desired. It makes full use of both its larger cabinet volume and its 12.7 cm long-throw woofer, which is invisibly concealed inside. The performance was simply more gripping and mature. And with songs such as “Solitary Man” by Johnny Cash, it was also able to convey emotions. Although the American singer’s voice was not 100 percent free of coloration, even in monitor mode, it was still at a very decent level in terms of price.
As far as stereo imaging is concerned, the compact monitors do a good job. However, the 2.5 meter long connection cable is a little short to position the speakers far enough apart, even when placed on a shelf in the living room. For near-field operation on the desk, however, it is easily sufficient. Vocals not only come out of the two speakers vividly. They also develop a vibrant liveliness and differentiation. This is especially true when you consider the comparatively low price range.
Strong Bass
As far as the bass was concerned, the Edifier combination also really went all out with electro-pop such as the current Depeche Mode album “Memento Mori”. The synth bass was so powerful that objects in the room began to vibrate. Only at very high levels can some contour be lost in the bass range, depending on the recording. However, the speakers themselves remained clean and showed no signs of being overloaded. This makes electronic music with deep beats a real pleasure. In small and medium-sized rooms, nobody is likely to miss a subwoofer that can’t be connected directly anyway. This combination of a rich, yet precise bass and fresh, clear and clean mids and highs makes the MR5 a speaker that you’ll want to turn up. For 250 euros, Edifier has a hot iron in the fire, especially for young people.
Conclusion and alternatives: Edifier MR5
What at first glance looks like a slightly larger, better equipped MR3 turns out to be a technically extremely ambitious design on closer inspection. The hidden long-throw woofer inside, the generously dimensioned midrange driver on the front and the actively separated three-way architecture give the Edifier MR5 a sovereignty that you wouldn’t expect in this price range. Voices and acoustic instruments in particular clearly benefit from the fact that the midrange driver doesn’t have to struggle with large bass strokes.
The connection section covers pretty much everything from the home studio to the desktop to the multimedia setup, and the ConneX app offers real added value if you want to get to grips with sound optimization. Convenience weaknesses such as the volume control, which is only synchronized with the ConneX app, should be known, but they hardly cloud the very positive overall impression. Electronic music and pop in particular benefit from the tight foundation, while singer-songwriter material and vocals come across pleasantly vivid.
For around 250 euros, the MR5 is therefore an extremely strong overall offering that appeals to both young music fans and price-conscious producers. If, on the other hand, you can do without the convenience of an app and prefer sheer membrane surface area and level capability for around 50 euros extra, the Mackie CR8-BT is an exciting alternative. It plays less delicately, but more uncompromisingly in the bass and with significantly greater breath.
Edifier MR5: Technical specifications
- Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 250 Euro
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 15.9 × 26.4 × 28 cm (active speaker), 15.9 × 26.4 × 25.7 (passive speaker)
- Weight: 10.4 kg (pair)
- Special features: High-level RCA and 3.5 mm jack AUX input, balanced 6.3 mm jack and XLR stereo inputs, Bluetooth 5.4, app with 6-band equalizer, headphone output with 3.5 mm jack on the front, connection cable supplied
