Edifier M90 Review

Features

• Bluetooth LDAC
• HDMI eARC
• 100W of power

Like the Ruark MR1 Mk3 and the Cambridge L/R S, the Edifier M90 comes packed with Bluetooth but no Wi-Fi support. This might initially seem like a disappointment, but Wi-Fi streaming at this price is incredibly rare.

So instead the M90 relies on Bluetooth 6.0, and it offers LDAC for higher-quality streaming (but it is lossy, so some data is lost). It also supports the lower-quality SBC, though for some reason, there’s no support for AAC, so iOS users only get SBC.

Physical input is an area where the M90 leaps in front of some of its competition. HDMI eARC means you can connect to a TV, though with no Dolby Audio support you will have to change the settings on your TV to play audio in PCM. There’s also digital optical output, USB-C and AUX, so the Edifier covers all the standard physical inputs.

As it’s a powered speaker, there’s a Class D amplifier with 100W of power at its disposal, but in terms of power, the M90 only needs one plug as the active speaker powers both itself and the passive speaker (hence why a cable between the two is required).

There is app support in the form of Edifier’s ConneX app. Through it, you can adjust the performance and set-up of the speaker, from which side the active speaker is to source selection, adjusting the EQ (Classic, Monitor, Dynamic, Custom), choosing the sampling rate for LDAC, enabling Bluetooth multi-point (LDAC is disabled when this is chosen), setting the level for the subwoofer output and carrying out firmware updates, which you may have to unplug the speaker after the update is done (not during) for the firmware to take effect.

Sound Quality

• Clear highs
• Detailed midrange
• Underpowered bass

The Edifier M90’s sound is one I’d describe as clear with a hint of warmth, and for the price, it’s quite an insightful sound. Highs are clear, sharp and detailed but not too bright, while the midrange is fantastically clear – this is a speaker that’s great at conveying vocals.

The stereo image convinces in terms of width and depth, a sound that’s big and spacious considering the compact size of the speakers. Levels of detail are very good – it’s a revealing and transparent sound as far as the highs and mids are concerned. Quite frankly, it’s a sound that’s a lot more mature than I’d expect at this price.

Andre Previn’s symphony of Romeo and Juliet through the M90 is a dynamic, sweeping and very engaging performance. Nina Simone’s Sinnerman features crisp highs, dynamic-sounding vocals and plenty of insight. The tuning of the midrange gives birth to fantastically natural-sounding vocals.

The problem the speaker has is with the low end. In both Classic and Dynamic modes, bass comes across as lightweight, lacking energy, depth and power. It goes more for punch than it does depth, but I’d critique the low end and say that it needs more weight. With several tracks, the bass sounds hollow and feeble – it could really do with more power.

Connecting the Edifier M90 to a Sony A80L TV automatically puts it into HDMI mode, and I found that it needs some encouragement on the volume level, as it sounds small and tinny, with muffled voices in a stream of Mission Impossible 2 on BBC iPlayer. Even at volume 70, the M90 doesn’t sound particularly loud.

But in general, when watching TV and films, the Edifier sounds clear and detailed, with more emphasis towards sharpness and brightness tonally. Over the course of testing, dialogue seemed to get better – or maybe iPlayer just sounds muffled through these speakers – but dialogue steadily became clearer and more natural sounding. And again, for a speaker of its size, the soundstage was wide enough to match where action and dialogue were happening on screen.

Some more bass power and the Edifier M90 would really be a contender, but in light of its size that’s probably too much of an ask, though the Ruark MR1 Mk3 managed it. Nevertheless, the midrange and treble performance make the Edifier stand out at this price – they’re well worth a closer look.

Design

• Compact size
• Wired cable connection
• Black and white finish

The Edifier M90 is described as a compact desktop speaker, but you can get smaller if space is an issue (see the Ruark MR1 Mk3). The secondary speaker is a fraction deeper, but neither speaker should trouble a bookshelf, though a mantelpiece might be a squeeze.

The active and passive speakers are connected via a wire – the promotional pics don’t even show it – and while a cable can be a ‘no, no’ for some, the full 5m length can be hidden behind your table or TV.

The M90 has a simple but sophisticated look, avoiding the shiny plastic finish that tends to plague less expensive powered speakers, and a change from Edifier’s previous obsession with wood finishes. The M90 looks like it could sit in any setting (black or white version) without drawing undue attention for interior designers out there. No speaker grilles are provided to cover up the front, so what you see is what you get.

There’s no display other than a small LED light on the active speaker that’s easily visible when lit up. The M90 also comes with a remote that covers everything from playback to source selection and settings adjustment, while around the back of the primary speaker is also a volume dial alongside the physical inputs and outputs. You’re provided with a generous amount of cables in the accessories too, although a HDMI cable is included.

Should you buy it?