Introduction

In a world increasingly dominated by digital entertainment, the humble desktop speaker has become a cornerstone of our daily sonic experiences. Whether immersing ourselves in the latest cinematic masterpiece, tracking the intense rhythms of a gaming session, or rediscovering the nuanced brilliance of our music libraries, the quality of these unassuming audio companions can make all the difference.

Enter the Edifier M60 - a dynamic duo of multimedia speakers poised to transform the way we think about desktop audio, but without emptying your wallet. Hailing from a brand renowned for pushing the boundaries of affordable high-fidelity sound, these $169 marvels are generating quite a buzz in both enthusiast circles and among casual listeners seeking to elevate their setups.

But what makes the M60s so special? Can a pair of compact speakers truly deliver a listening experience that rivals their costlier counterparts? And how do they stack up against the competition in this increasingly crowded market? In this comprehensive review, we'll dive deep into the design, technical specifications, sound quality, and overall value proposition of the Edifier M60 multimedia speakers, empowering you to make an informed decision that will have your ears singing with delight.

So, buckle up and get ready to experience desktop audio in an entirely new light. The Edifier M60s are about to redefine the very notion of what's possible from a pair of compact, wallet-friendly speakers at only $169. Buy them here!

First Impressions and Unboxing

From the moment you unbox the M60s, it's evident that Edifier has put considerable thought into the overall packaging and presentation as do with all of their speakers. The speakers are well-protected, and the included components ensure a seamless setup experience. The unboxing process sets a positive tone, hinting at the attention to detail that has gone into the design and engineering of these desktop speakers. I am not a fan of the proprietary cable that they use, I would much rather see just plain speaker cable.

Design and Build Quality

 The Edifier M60s boast an MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) cabinet, a material choice that effectively reduces distortion and resonance. This design decision makes the M60s well-suited for a wide range of applications, including audio production, video editing, gaming, and general desktop listening. The build quality is impressive, especially considering the speakers' relatively affordable price point.

Key design features of the Edifier M60 desktop speakers include:

• MDF cabinet construction for reduced distortion and resonance
• One-inch silk dome tweeters and three-inch long-throw aluminum diaphragm mid-low drivers
• Capacitive touch panel with automatic backlight for intuitive controls
• Speaker stands included for optimal listening positioning

Technical Specifications The Edifier M60 desktop speakers are packed with impressive technical specifications that belie their consumer-friendly price tag. Key highlights include:

• Total Output Power: 66 watts (RMS)
• Frequency Response: 58Hz to 40kHz
• Tweeters: One-inch silk dome
• Mid-Low Drivers: Three-inch long-throw aluminum diaphragm
• Audio Inputs: Bluetooth V5.3, USB-C, and AUX
• Certifications: Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless
• Power Input: 100 to 240VAC, 50 to 60Hz, 400mA

The fine-tuned drivers deliver power that is suitable for desktop listening and strong enough to fill a medium-sized room. The rear-facing bass ports and included speaker stands ensure optimal positioning and performance, even in tight desktop setups. Buy them here!

While the M60s do not use standard speaker wire, but rather a proprietary cable, Edifier offers longer cable options for users who require more flexibility in their speaker placement. The integrated power supply, housed within one of the speakers, is a welcome design choice that simplifies the overall setup.

Sound Quality

 The true standout feature of the Edifier M60 desktop speakers is their exceptional sound quality, which easily exceeds expectations for their price range. These speakers shine in their ability to deliver a balanced, detailed, and immersive audio experience.

To assess the M60s' versatility, I tested them with a diverse playlist spanning various genres:

• "Alaska" by Valiant Hearts: Demonstrated the speakers' ability to handle complex, layered soundscapes with clarity and precision.
• Rain City Drive's "Talk to a Friend": Showcased the speakers' capacity for rock genres, providing punchy drums and clear, articulate vocals.
• "White Noise" by PVRIS: Highlighted the speakers' prowess with electronic elements and powerful, expansive vocals.
• Young Medicine's "Lost Boys": Pushed the bass response, showcasing the M60s' ability to deliver a modern rock sound with authority.

The M60s exhibit an interesting acoustic behavior, where the bass is more prominent at close range and lower volumes, but yet doesn’t lack as the volume increases. While the midrange and vocals take center stage more often than not. As the volume increases, the sound profile shifts, but not in a detrimental way. The high frequencies remain crisp and clear throughout the volume range, and the midrange retains impressive detail, even at higher levels.

The rear-mounted EQ knobs are a valuable feature, allowing users to fine-tune the audio profile to their personal preferences. While the default sound may be relatively flat, adjusting the treble and bass can bring these speakers to life, tailoring the experience to individual tastes. I can confirm that the out of the box setup was superb and needed little if any adjustment.

Value Proposition

 One of the standout aspects of the Edifier M60 desktop speakers is their exceptional value proposition. For their relatively modest price point of $169, these speakers offer a level of sound quality that would typically require a much more significant financial investment.

To achieve significantly better sound performance, one would need to invest in separate components or higher-end models, potentially at a much steeper price. The M60s deliver a full, rich sound that belies their compact size, with the added benefit of customizable EQ to suit various listening preferences.

Edifier's commitment to delivering high-quality audio at accessible price points is evident in the M60s. These speakers not only meet but exceed expectations, potentially serving as a gateway to high-fidelity audio for many users. They encourage listeners to rediscover their music libraries, revealing nuances in familiar tracks that may have gone unnoticed with lower-quality audio setups.

Final Thoughts

 Edifier has consistently impressed with its ability to produce high-quality speakers at competitive price points, and the M60 desktop speakers are no exception. Even without EQ adjustments, these speakers perform admirably out of the box, with a sound profile that is well-balanced and engaging.

While there might be a slight lack of low-end presence, the crisp high frequencies and detailed midrange more than compensate, making the M60s a versatile and compelling option for a wide range of applications. Their ability to handle complex, layered soundscapes, as well as energetic rock and electronic music, is a testament to their overall versatility.

The Edifier M60 desktop speakers present a compelling option for those seeking entry-level multimedia speakers with professional-grade sound quality. Their versatility makes them suitable for music production, gaming, or general desktop audio enhancement, offering a balanced combination of performance and affordability that is hard to beat in this price range.

These speakers not only meet but exceed expectations, encouraging listeners to rediscover their music libraries and revealing nuances that may have gone unnoticed with lower-quality audio setups. They exemplify Edifier's commitment to delivering exceptional sound quality in an accessible package, making them a highly recommended choice for anyone looking to elevate their desktop audio experience without a significant financial investment.

Whether you're a budding producer, an avid gamer, or simply an audiophile on a budget, the Edifier M60 desktop speakers merit serious consideration. They represent a sound investment that promises to enhance your audio experience considerably, setting a new standard for what can be achieved in the sub-$200 speaker market. Edifier doesn’t disappoint, another big win! Buy them here!