Edifier MP230 Tabletop Bluetooth Speaker
The Edifier MP230 is a unique Bluetooth speaker that stands out not only for its sound quality but also for its distinctive vintage design. Here's a comprehensive review of its design, sound performance, connectivity, battery life, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
One of the most striking aspects of the Edifier MP230 is its retro design. The speaker features a classic wooden cabinet with a grille on the front, reminiscent of old-school radios from the mid-20th century. This design is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, as the wooden enclosure helps in improving sound resonance, providing warmer tones compared to plastic builds.
The MP230 is relatively compact, making it easy to place on a desk, shelf, or bedside table. The weight is substantial enough to feel premium but light enough to be portable. The physical buttons are located on the top of the unit and have a tactile, satisfying feel, further enhancing the retro aesthetic. This speaker is clearly designed to blend into both modern and traditional home decor, appealing to users who appreciate both form and function.
Sound Quality
While the design is eye-catching, the sound quality is where the Edifier MP230 really shines. Edifier has incorporated a 48mm full-range driver paired with dual passive radiators, allowing for a more dynamic soundstage with punchy bass. The highs and mids are crisp, offering clarity in vocals and instruments without sounding too sharp or harsh.
The bass is well-balanced, thanks to the passive radiators, but it doesn’t overpower the rest of the audio spectrum. This makes the MP230 suitable for a wide range of music genres, from classical to pop to hip-hop. However, for those seeking deep, rumbling bass typically found in larger speakers or dedicated subwoofers, the MP230 might not fully satisfy that need—but given its size, the bass response is impressive.
The speaker’s sound fills a room effortlessly, making it great for small gatherings or casual listening. While it may not compete with high-end audiophile speakers, the MP230 punches above its weight for a Bluetooth speaker in this price range.
Connectivity and Features
The Edifier MP230 supports Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable and fast connection with minimal latency. This is a major advantage for anyone who values reliable wireless performance. The pairing process is quick and straightforward, and the Bluetooth range is solid, maintaining a stable connection even from a good distance away.
In addition to Bluetooth, the MP230 also features auxiliary input and microSD card support, making it versatile in terms of playback options. This means you can enjoy music from various sources, not just your phone or tablet, which adds a level of convenience for those who prefer wired connections or offline music playback via microSD.
The speaker does not support advanced codecs like aptX, but for general use, the audio quality through Bluetooth is more than sufficient for most listeners.
Battery Life
The Edifier MP230 is equipped with a 2,600 mAh battery, which provides up to 10 hours of continuous playtime on a full charge. This is more than adequate for a day of casual listening or for outdoor use. Charging is done via a USB-C port, which is a welcome feature, as it aligns with modern charging standards.
For users who prioritize long listening sessions, the battery life on the MP230 should meet most expectations. However, heavy usage at higher volumes might slightly reduce the overall playtime, but this is typical of most portable speakers.
User Experience and Portability
The controls on the Edifier MP230 are minimal but effective. With easy-to-access buttons for volume, track navigation, and mode switching, users can effortlessly control playback without needing to constantly use their paired devices. The buttons have a vintage look that complements the overall design.
In terms of portability, while the speaker isn’t designed to be an ultra-light or pocket-sized device, it is portable enough to carry from room to room or bring outdoors. Its robust build gives it a premium feel, though it’s not as rugged or waterproof as some other Bluetooth speakers on the market, so it may not be the best choice for harsh outdoor environments.
Price and Value
The Edifier MP230 is positioned as a mid-range Bluetooth speaker, and it offers excellent value for money. Its combination of stylish design, good sound quality, and solid build makes it a great purchase for those who appreciate both aesthetics and functionality in their audio equipment.