Edifier MR4 Active Speakers - Bargain monitors or waste of money?

[@mdrumt]

Love your reviews and relaxed way you deliver your content, soothing voice. I prefer more of these budget speaker/dac etc reviews, cheers!

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for letting me know! Glad you're liking this type of video. I'll be continuing to share a balance of all levels of audio in the future. 🙂

[@ChrisKadaver]

I on the other hand think that someone promoting natural sound should be able to speak a bit more natural.

[@MaLaMayLay]

I really like the artistic touch you put in those intro B roll. Keep up the good work!

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks ML! I try to have some fun with them

[@trulsdirio]

For what they are they are great! 90% of the time I use my headphones but for those times I have to show people something or just don't want to wear my cans I have gotten them recently as I could score them for 80€. I am pretty happy! They do the job for some casual media playback, look pretty nice on the desk and don't take up too much space.

[@PassionforSound]

I agree. Glad you're enjoying them 🙂

[@richardmerriam7044]

I have the R1280T speakers and love them. Huge upgrade from the dreadful Behringer MS16 'monitors'. I'm surprised that Edifier didn't have a detachable grill on the MR4. Great review. I got hooked on Edifier some time ago when I bought 2 pair of earbuds (outer ear) from them. They're no longer available, but are among the best that I've heard.

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, they make some fantastic affordable speakers

[@asan1050]

Passion for Sound Thanks Much! and Merry Christmas!

[@PassionforSound]

Always a pleasure. Merry Christmas to you too!

[@key3311]

I think this can also be really good for mixing since compared to the old school studio monitors that were used to make classic hits in the 70s-90s, this will probably be better than most of them. So with this mindset don't be too critical in mixing. This is a really good starting point for a studio monitor.

[@PassionforSound]

I agree that they can be a good, budget starting point. I don't think the 70s-90s monitors would have been inferior (they knew what they were doing back then too), but these are an excellent option for the price.

[@fractera]

I can get them for $59 brand new from an official edifier store near my place. Are these good for that price?

[@PassionforSound]

Definitely. They're a lovely speaker for the money.

[@ZogXll]

Helpful thanks! I'm picking these up

[@PassionforSound]

So glad I could help. Hope you love them 🙂

[@NeilBlanchard]

The main reason I lean away from having the electronic components all in one speaker is that they take up a fair amount of space/volume inside the cabinet - so the tuning of that speaker is quite different than the other (passive) speaker. Also, the ports being on the back of any speaker is only an issue if the air flow in/out of the port is constricted by being too close to the wall. Bass is essentially omnidirectional, so it will get room lift by being close(r) to the wall, but this effect is only a tiny bit different from if the port was on the front.

[@PassionforSound]

It's funny because having the components inside the speaker is exactly why I like actives, but for the space saving, not the sonic results 🙂

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@PassionforSound Right, so if they did an amplifier in each speaker, as you spoke about in the video, that would answer both of our concerns, possibly? Then the connectivity is the challenge, though.

[@PassionforSound]

That's right. At that point, it's where XLR connections are handy for long cable runs, but you do need power to each speaker too

[@zegiyt4069]

Hello Please I need your reply what is the song from 0:57 to 1:48 I want to try it to my MR4 once it arrives

[@TaKHiiro]

Bustle in the Crowd - Sleepaway Camp, Shazam could've anwsered that for you

[@zegiyt4069]

@@TaKHiiro thank you bro 😂 I forgot about this I also have already bought the MR4 I will try to play it know hehehe thank you again

[@PassionforSound]

Sorry that I missed answering this one when first posted. I had left it in my notifications to remind me to check, but it disappeared.

[@zegiyt4069]

@@PassionforSound its ok hehe

[@hikari00xx]

Can I place it horizontally?

[@PassionforSound]

No reason not to 🙂

[@DavidHorth]

I've been running my MR4s for a while as my desktop PC speakers. A huge upgrade to the previous soundblaster speakers. Running them through a Topping DX3 Pro + and just added a sub. For the price, they are great. Got the volume balanced out and don't hear the his at about 1.5-2m from me.

[@PassionforSound]

So glad to hear you're liking them! For what they are, I think they're a solid option. Adding a sub would be a nice boost.

[@xvnbm]

But you do hear the his if you are going close enough? I would be sitting 60-100cm away from them and sound like that would probably be a deal breaker for me. Too bad, because I really like how they look and I would like to have white speakers for my setup. I am not doing editing or listening loud music, but rather soft songs, ASMR, talkshows, streams, games and stuff like that. Maybe simple PC speakers would be a better option for me. I am still eager to try these, but I really don't know where I would use them, if they are not good PC speakers for me. Returning them would probably be challenging, because they are not sold in local stores here where I live.

[@PassionforSound]

I've found a good balance point is having them at about 50% volume and then adjusting from the DAC/PC after that. I don't think you'll hear any hiss from 60+ cm away.

[@DavidHorth]

@@xvnbm I concur with Lachlan below, if you set the MR4 volume to half and never touch it, you just don't hear the hiss. You'll still get more than enough volume out of them at that range. If you get them on Amazon, returns shouldn't be an issue.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for confirming, Lokinor!

[@AviraasMusic]

Excellent video.. Thank you..

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked it!

[@pcoussa]

Bought these about two weeks ago and I reckon that they are great! I bought them for $99AUD around black Friday

[@PassionforSound]

Nice pickup!

[@theguywithahoodie6422]

Where do you think they stand when compared to the eris 3.5 2nd gen for music production and mixing.

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the Eris 3.5 so I can't compare. I know that these are not as neutral as my old KRK Rokit 5 G4S if that helps at all.

[@yourdad-1]

Eris has more highs and i prefer edifier if you are planning to buy these two....

[@theguywithahoodie6422]

@@PassionforSound thank you for the info

[@theguywithahoodie6422]

@@yourdad-1 appreciate the help G i will keep that in mind

[@kingie66]

You will hear details on both, but since MR4 is closer to neutral sound, it is definitely more enjoyable, especially for acoustic music and brass and vocals. MR4 is not shy on mids, while Presonus has them weak to the point, where it may feel disconnected. Some prefer them lower, so focus is more on clarity and less on color, but im against it - you can EQ them down easily, but is harder to EQ them up and getting good result.

[@rosskelly8268]

Great review, and an enjoyable, intelligent and dare I say relaxing (ASMR almost) presentation style.

[@PassionforSound]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@Shetshwana]

Is it still working ? Whats the quality ?

[@PassionforSound]

I moved them on, but lots of commenters have been using them for ages and I've not read of a single issue.

[@levismith3955]

Would you recommend these for gaming as i dont really like wearing headphones unless im playing online with friends i currently have the Razer Nommo Chroma would these be a worthwhile upgrade thanks

[@PassionforSound]

I don't know the Razer speakers so it's hard to say how these will compare, but they're a really nice, fairly full range sound with strong imaging for their price. In other words, they should work well for gaming I think.

[@Linarian]

Thanks for this, I just bought mine today. It's good for a budget active speaker, just for my gaming and movies/music for my room.

[@PassionforSound]

Nice choice! They're a really solid speaker. Enjoy!

[@frederf69]

I use a pair of Whafedale Diamond 9.1 as desktop speakers, had them for 6-7 years & cost me £99 😁

[@PassionforSound]

Nice! Are they active or passive?

[@theianixen9834]

Hahaha those are passive and way bigger 🤣💩

[@DAZZLINBEATS]

My mr4 are cutting my sounds . When my bass is to loud why is it ?? Like it was distorted

[@PassionforSound]

Sounds like you might be driving them too hard with EQ/bass adjustments perhaps?

[@ThomasBraddan]

These look like decent desktop speakers that would suit my needs but I also spend a lot of time using headphones. I have found that most computer speakers with a headphone output provide no headphone control at all and do not deliver enough volume to my headphones - no different to plugging headphones directly into the source. Is the headphone output amplified, volume controllable, or is it simply a pass-through from the source eg. computer? Does it make any difference to the headphone output whether the speakers are powered on our not - ie volume, bass & treble settings on the rear of the speakers?

[@PassionforSound]

I didn't test the headphone output extensively - only enough to say that it's not a connection I'd recommend for anything more than convenience.

[@jose77l]

I paired them with a Presonus Eris Sub 8bt and I'm thrilled with the results. All for less than $300

[@PassionforSound]

Nice! Thanks for sharing

[@georgesaraskeris3447]

You suggest this or 1700bt or1200 dbs for music?

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried them to compare and comment - sorry!

[@abdulpeter325]

Comparable to kanto yu4?

[@PassionforSound]

I'm yet to try the Yu4.

[@henriquecarreta3790]

MR4 or R1280DB to listen to music - vinils and Bluetooth? I listend to the R1280DB and didn't find the bass has good definition.

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the R1280DB so I can't say. Sorry.

[@Anana84]

MR4

[@alfianbanjaransari4096]

These have two TRS inputs right? I plan to run my guutar effects in stereo, it should be capable right? Thanks!

[@PassionforSound]

That's correct, but they're designed for balanced connections with earth, +, - so just make sure that the outputs from your guitar are wired the same way. I think they would be - just don't want to promise

[@alfianbanjaransari4096]

@@PassionforSoundI'm planning to run my guitar effects into it, not the guitar per se. Are you referring to polarity?

[@PassionforSound]

Not polarity, but the way the plugs are wired. If you're coming from some kind of audio interface or effects box, it's probably already the right wiring, but you need to be sure that you've got TRS connections at each end (or 3-pin XLR to TRS) and the connections need to be proper balanced connections (TRS: +,-,ground IIRC)

[@KalyxYT]

Would you say these are a good buy for producing on a budget?

[@PassionforSound]

I think so. They've got some slight colouration through the mids, but as long as you have a couple of other playback options (e.g. some headphones and maybe a different stereo somewhere) you can check that they haven't skewed your mix too much

[@Bill-NM]

What would be the next step up for another $50 or so? Thanks...

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried anything that close in price, but the Edifier range all seem pretty good so maybe take a look at their offerings.

[@Bill-NM]

Thanks

[@kagepoker]

Kali LP6 v2 is the king right now, ahead of KRK Rokit 5, Adam T5V and Yamaha HS5.

[@PassionforSound]

Those are all a bit more expensive than the Edifiers and the budget the OP is talking about

[@kagepoker]

@@PassionforSound Yeah my bad. I can't think of any in-between. I have the MR4s with T5 subwoofer and I am very happy with them but if I were to upgrade then Kali LP6 v2 would be the next jump.

[@NeRR2]

A little confused about inputs in these - can I run the green 3.5mm from back of the comp into RCA's on these? Also, are these the same 4" drivers found in DB1280/1380?

[@KoalaChinguOdd]

MR4 comes with a 3.5mm to RCA cable that you can use for a PC.

[@PassionforSound]

As Koala said, you can use the included 3.5 to 3.5, but a 3.5mm to RCA will also work fine.

[@timmyjohnstontv]

I'm looking for a pair of speakers that have zero latency when connected to a DJ controller. My PC speakers have a small delay and it really messes me up when mixing in with my headphone monitors. Do you know if these speakers have this?

[@PassionforSound]

I experienced no latency when I used these for video editing which also needs a level of responsiveness to ensure you get the cuts in the right place.

[@rizwanmuzzammil499]

Thanks for the review. I purchased a Nektar SE61 for my 9 year old so that he can learn the keyboard (mainly piano, but also other instruments that can be mapped to a keyboard). I thought of getting these, or the newer MR3s, to go with with it. These MR4s may also double as TV speakers (the keyboard sits in front of the TV but lower to the ground), but the main use is for instrument learning. Monitor mode would produce a more accurate instrument rendition i guess. Pity that sources can't be switched easily. Any comments are appreciated.

[@PassionforSound]

These could be an excellent option and I have the MR3s coming in soon. I'm not sure that monitor mode is really more accurate - it might depend on the room. I'd try both settings and see what you think.

[@rizwanmuzzammil499]

@@PassionforSound The MR3s have a custom EQ mode, and a modular power supply. But it also has a smaller mid-range driver, so sound reproduction will presumably be less capable.

[@PassionforSound]

@rizwanmuzzammil499 not necessarily. A longer throw, smaller driver can perform as well or better than a slightly larger driver. I'll be keen to try the MR3 and see how it performs...

[@melvinaperez2585]

Why the left speaker is bigger? 😲😲😲

[@PassionforSound]

It's just further forward I think in the filming. They're identical in size

[@gerardw.7468]

Barrel distortion of the lens perhaps?

[@livb4139]

listening through my mr4

[@PassionforSound]

Nice!

[@siletotsiras]

Guys I am an average Joe. Should I get these or G1500 bar?

[@PassionforSound]

A pair of stereo speakers will always beat a soundbar for stereo separation which is particularly beneficial for music listening. So, if you're listening to music and not just movies/TV, these will probably serve you better.

[@siletotsiras]

@PassionforSound thank you for your answer. I just want to put music to focus during work in my home office. So I guess MR4 is the way to go

[@PassionforSound]

Yes, for music they are definitely the better choice than a soundbar.

[@siletotsiras]

@PassionforSound one last question before hitting the purchase button. MR4 vs. G2000?

[@PassionforSound]

I don't know the G2000 to answer that. Sorry!

[@GOLFADDICT65]

I am looking for some desktop computer speakers these are on for 135 (Canadian ) 97 ( US ) or the SWAN OS 10's 234 ( Canadian ) 168 ( US ) which do you think is the better set up ? also the EDIFIER 1850DB with sub ? i can not decide please help lol thx cheers from Canada

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the others to compare them for you. Sorry.

[@gino3286]

good morning very interesting dilemma I keep thinking that putting the amps very close to the transducers inside a cabinet could create noise problems (if not shielded maybe) in fact many active monitors have some form of noise even with short-circuited inputs For me a pretty unacceptable thing Better a nice small external class D and passive monitors furthermore when the amps are only in one box it goes against the fundamental rule of stereo that is that the two channels must be perfectly equal It would be better to use two equal active or two passive As is done in the most expensive monitors after all imho

[@devinsinderwitcz9134]

Great Monitors!

[@PassionforSound]

For the price, I agree!

[@desoft8b]

I'm confused with these MR4s. I only make music for video games, I don't make professional level productions, I don't need super bass. I just need something that tells me that there is too much bass or other excess frequencies, something that allows me to identify, for example, excessive bass but nothing more. I don't think I need KRK or anything very expensive, will these monitors work for me?

[@PassionforSound]

These will be just great for what you're describing!

[@waseemmalik3281]

I don't like the way you end each sentence in the same tone 😂😂. Be a bit natural when speaking

[@s3rutob1]

I didn't notice until you mentioned it, I can't ignore it anymore

[@waseemmalik3281]

@@s3rutob1 I like your voice though. So it wasn't that annoying

[@PassionforSound]

I can't remember if this review was from back when my son used to be asleep in the room next door during my recording sessions. It led me to adopt a certain style of talking while I kept my voice down. It's been very hard to shake!

[@cwx8]

What a bizarre nitpick. Grow up

[@Brinta3]

The left one looks wider because of the camera lens. Very distracting.

[@TheCSteve]

Bad Monitor.. i brought them back .. better take something from Alesis or presonus if you want to go budget.. I have now presonus.. The edifer 3000pro are good but 800 euro 😎 and then its still not good for Studio but for listening its good

[@PassionforSound]

I haven't tried the Alesis or Presonus. What didn't you like about the Edifiers and prefer with the Presonus?

[@TheCSteve]

@@PassionforSound edifer has a his if you are able to hear it .. i used the balanced outputs and the bass is way too much in compare to the tweater .. So its not usable in a small home studio

[@PassionforSound]

IIRC I've only noticed a hiss when the volume on the speakers is maxed. I tended to run them at about 60% and heard no hiss from my pair at that level. Is your room treated at all? It might be the room that's enhancing the bass because these perform about the same as more expensive, proper studio monitors from a tonal perspective (not resolution, detail or refinement)

[@TheCSteve]

@@PassionforSound i use these in my Living room 😎 i have krk speakers in the Studio.. But i like to work on it just in the Living room.. with the edifer i had the bass knob all the way down and it was still to much .. And the his was annoying.. for me it was there on low volume.. The pre sonus are good but i recommend Alesis speakers for low budget .. I had those Alesis before this ones and the last 10 years .. long time for budget speaker.. Pre sonus is my first time.. so we know about 3 years of they still sound good..

[@PassionforSound]

That sounds like a faulty pair perhaps, but all good if you've got a setup you're really enjoying now.

[@HungryEatNow]

Only buy if you have no speakers persay...

[@PassionforSound]

There's definitely worse options out there, but I also don't see these as being an upgrade from anything beyond basic PC speakers so yes - good as a first step into speakers.

[@NeRR2]

@@PassionforSound Is going from GigaWorks T20 Ser II to MR4 an upgrade?

[@PassionforSound]

@NeRR2 definitely! I've owned the Gigaworks and the Edifiers sound much more natural.

[@walterg74]

sssss ssssss ssssss

[@bishopmolson1]

Do you ever get to the point.

[@frederf69]

I like that he is thoughtful & thorough; too many reviewers leave out some information.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks Fred. That's the aim

[@dangerzone007]

Serious audiophiles don't buy cheap rubbish speakers. Even computer speakers need to be high quality.

[@yamsang0__0]

You’re saying that like that makes audiophiles wiser or something

[@dangerzone007]

@@yamsang0__0 if you're not an audiophile why bother with music.

[@PassionforSound]

I think you can love music and enjoy music without being an "audiophile". In the end, audiophile just means a lover of sound, not a lover of sound through high-end gear.

[@dangerzone007]

@@PassionforSound no Audiophile can enjoy music through a poor system.

[@PassionforSound]

There are bad sounding systems and there are cheap systems. The two are not the same.