After years of writing Cult of Mac setups articles, often with a focus on high-quality audio gear -- and after endlessly rearranging my own workstation -- I've never managed to incorporate a proper pair of speakers into my setup. Until now. Previously, I've relied on MacBook Pro speakers, earbuds, over-ear headphones and, occasionally, a portable Bluetooth speaker or two. But now I've added a great-sounding and nice-looking pair of very affordable Edifier speakers that just fit right in.
After years of evolving my computer setup, from a PC laptop propped up on a box on a messy desk to a dual-display, MacBook Pro-powered rig last substantially updated in October 2023, I've once again made some major additions. Now I've got the supercharged M4 Pro MacBook Pro in the mix, plus an Edifier MR3 2.0 Monitor Speaker System, which is an affordable set of compact studio monitor speakers perfectly suited to the task.
Last week I went into some depth on the powerful new M4 Pro MacBook Pro in a setups post and a review. This week I'll focus on the Edifier speakers, a near-field monitor system that brings studio-quality audio to your desktop at a surprisingly accessible price point of $120.
Near-field refers to when you place speakers at close range, typically pointed at your head from just a few feet away at low to moderate volume. This is how they might be used in a recording studio. And that's how I've got mine set up, sitting on my desk shelf on either side of my main display. I've taken to turning them slightly inward to point more directly at me.
They're great for all uses, including podcasts and radio play. But they excel at playing music, of course. The audio detail is excellent, even at low volume, whether it's a 2019 remaster of The Beatles' Abbey Road or Johannes Brahms' cello sonatas (both in Dolby Atmos Hi-Res Lossless audio via Apple Music, naturally). A pro music producer would probably choose pricier gear, but I'm pretty happy with these Edifier MR3s.
Keep in mind that a pair of 36-watt speakers like this aren't going to blow the roof off. But that's not what they're for -- instead, they're designed for honest (but adjustable) sound reproduction, to help you hear everything the musicians and producers intended with their recordings. That said, they can get much louder than I will ever need to fill the room with sound.
Edifier's new system is a smaller and updated version of its MR4 speakers. Edifier says MR3's sophisticated digital architecture sets it apart. The speakers employ Texas Instruments' Class D amplification configured for 24bit/96kHz processing -- ensuring that every note from your MacBook Pro or iPad comes through clearly. Each unit houses a 3.5-inch mid-low driver and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter with a specially designed waveguide for improved high-frequency dispersion.
Each speaker delivers 18W RMS power output, providing enough punch to fill a medium-sized room while maintaining precise control for near-field listening.
The wired or wireless MR3 speakers earned the coveted Hi-Res Audio certification, making them an ideal companion for Apple Music's lossless audio streaming. With a flat frequency response in a wide range, from 52Hz to 40kHz, these speakers deliver the kind of neutral, transparent sound reproduction that audio professionals and discerning listeners demand.
The Edifier ConneX app offers granular control over acoustic settings, allowing users to optimize performance based on their space, Edifier said. Whether you're editing in Final Cut Pro, producing music in Logic Pro, or simply enjoying Apple Music, the speakers' adjustable high and low frequency controls (±6dB) help you get the perfect sound balance for you.
The speakers modern connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.4, plus you get balanced TRS inputs for professional audio interfaces as well as RCA and AUX inputs for versatility. A dedicated headphone output makes it easy to switch to private listening without needing dongles or adapters.
The speakers' physical design reflects some nice attention to detail, with MDF cabinets that minimize distortion and resonance.
Another cool aspect of the speakers is how Edifier integrated smart controls. The front-panel knob handles power, volume and sound-effect switching. And the ConneX app provides deeper customization options, including Bluetooth playback control and EQ settings.