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An Affordable Hi-Fi Darling Just Dropped an Unreal Set of Desktop Speakers

An excellent desktop hi-fi system for less than $300?

Wooden desk setup with an ultrawide monitor, black keyboard, wireless mouse, two black speakers with copper cones, notebooks, camera lens, and audio control device.Edifier
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By Tucker Bowe

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Edifier has been a fan-favorite in the budget hi-fi space for more than three decades. It’s well known for its compact and bookshelf-sized speaker systems, many of which are priced less than $300.

The company’s MR Series is a range of active near-field studio monitors. For those unfamiliar, they’re a type of specialized desktop speakers that designed for close-up, critical listening. And it makes several models, varying in size, power and price.

Now, Edifier has added a new midrange entry to this MR Series.

Edifier MR4.5 Studio Monitors

Pair of black Edifier speakers with copper-colored speaker cones and control knob.
The Edifier MR4.5 is the brand’s new midrange set of studio monitors.
Edifier

Pro performance, entry-level price

The Edifier MR4.5 is a set of powered studio monitors that sits between the range’s entry-level MR4 ($170) and flagship MR5 ($350). It consists of one active and one passive speaker, the former of which houses all the amplification, crossover and wired and wireless connections.

With the addition, Edifier claims that the MR Series “now offers a studio monitor for every creator, from beginners setting up their first workspace to experienced professionals seeking advanced connectivity, acoustic customization, and premium near-field monitoring performance.”

Black Edifier speaker with copper accents on a black stand next to a computer monitor on a wooden desk.
The main (or primary) houses all the amplification, crossover and wired/wireless connections.
Edifier
Black Edifier speaker with copper-colored cones on a black stand next to a computer monitor and keyboard on a wooden desk.
The speakers are primed for casual hi-fi enthusiasts as well as professionals who require extremely accurate playback for critical listening.
Edifier

The speakers feature a bi-amp design, meaning separate amplifiers power the 1-inch tweeter and the 4-inch mid-bass driver. The system outputs 80 watts of total power, with 30 watts going to each mid-bass driver and 10 watts to each tweeter.

On the back of the main, there are simple high- and low-frequency tuning dials that give you greater control over the final sound. (The speakers also work with a companion app, giving you access to additional EQ settings.)

Pair of white Edifier bookshelf speakers with copper-accented drivers and control knob.
The Edifier MR4.5 come in either black or white finishes.
Edifier
Wooden record cabinet with vinyl collection, white turntable, two white speakers on black stands, and a sunburst electric guitar hanging above.
The Edifier MR4.5 is a versatile system with a range of wired and wireless connections. You can use them as turntable speakers, for example.
Edifier

Modern versatility

Edifier claims that the MR4.5 system is designed to deliver an “accurate, balanced sound,” making it a good choice for everyday audio fans who just want to have a hi-fi desktop system, as well as for audio professionals, podcasters, and content creators.

To accommodate, the main speaker features balanced XLR inputs for professional setups, as well as RCA, 3.5mm auxiliary jacks for more traditional desktop and hi-fi systems. There’s also a front-facing headphone jack for private listening sessions.

Edifier also equipped the system with built-in Bluetooth and LDAC support, so you can use it as a standalone system (no need to connect to a desktop) and stream high-resolution audio from your smartphone.

Close-up of a hand plugging black audio cables into gold-plated connectors on a black audio device panel with various input ports.
The back for the primary speaker houses all the wired connections.
Edifier
Black Edifier speaker with copper-colored speaker cones on a wooden desk near audio equipment and a guitar.
The Edifier MR4.5 studio monitors cost less then $300.
Edifier

Availability and pricing

The Edifier MR4.5 studio monitors are available now from the company’s website and third-party retailers (including Amazon). It costs $250.

The system comes in two finishes: white or black.

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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