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Edifier Edifier MS50A Smart Speaker Review Score
generalize
The Edifier MS50A is an affordable smart speaker. For those who prefer added privacy, this will be more appealing than an Amazon Echo device, and it offers better performance for the price compared to the Sonos One SL.
advantage
- attractive price
- Room-filling sound and good overall sound quality
- without MIC
shortcoming
- no microphone (if you want voice control)
- Lack of apps and integrations compared to Sonos
Ramblers mainly focus on active speaker and TWS earbuds. They are now expanding into the increasingly competitive smart speaker market.
The Edifier MS50A is also a good first try. It’s a convincing option thanks to its reasonably low price tag and smart speaker capabilities without the privacy concerns of an always-listening mic.
Unlike big brands, Edifier implements smart functions through existing platforms. It works with Alexa (minus voice control), and you also have options for Spotify connectivity and Bluetooth connectivity.
Specification
- 19mm silk dome tweeter
- 102mm wool diaphragm
- 40W RMS average power rating – mid base (25W) + treble (15W)
- 5GHz fast WiFi streaming and Bluetooth v5.0 connection.
- Native support for Apple Airplay2 and Spotify, works with Alexa.
- 2-way speaker with digital crossover.
- 211.3mm x 145.5mm x 145.5mm Dimensions
- 2.26kg
set up
One of my initial complaints with this speaker was that the Edifier separated the WiFi speaker’s app from the Bluetooth earbuds, which means I now have two Edifier apps.
Other than that, the setup works like most other WiFi smart home tech today. After enabling location services, the app will find the speaker and ask you to connect to WiFi.
When I first got this and connected to my 2.5Ghz network, I didn’t read the specs, however, you can also use 5Ghz.
If you have two speakers, you can pair them for stereo use.
After setting up the speaker, Amazon Alexa was automatically recognized (because I have the app on my phone).
From there, the app doesn’t do much.
Edifier MS50A vs Sonos One Features and Performance
I currently have a Sonos One and a Sonos Beam in my kitchen, so I’m mainly testing the Edifier MS50A here.
both are 2nd The Gen Sonos One and One SL have an Ethernet port for a more reliable connection, but they don’t have Bluetooth. They are also moisture resistant, while the Rambler is not.
The Edifier is more attractive than the dull Sonos, and it’s also bigger and heavier.
The Edifier sounded good, and I immediately noticed that it seemed louder and less likely to distort than my Sonos One.
Audio quality is excellent for a speaker at this price point, and I’d say it’s as good, if not better, than the Sonos. At higher volumes, however, I did notice some sharpness in the highs. The poor acoustics in my kitchen probably didn’t help.
The Edifier Home app is pretty basic and doesn’t do much beyond setting up the speakers. Unfortunately, there’s no equalizer either, and Sonos has some pretty basic equalizer options.
While the speaker doesn’t have a microphone, you can still control it if you have an Echo Dot or other similar device nearby.
Price and Alternatives
Edifier MS50A for £129.99 on Amazon
For Sonos, you have:
- Sonos One SL £170
- Sonos One (2nd Gen) £190
For Amazon Echo devices, you have:
- The Echo Studio costs £190 – it’s a bit different, much bigger.
- Echo (2nd gen) £90
- Echo Plus £140
Then the Denon Home 150 is £195
The Audio Pro A10 has an MSRP of £180, but is on sale for as low as £130 on Amazon – this appears to have basic Alexa integration, but wider streaming compatibility via the Audio Pro Control App.
comprehensive
I really like the Edifier MS50A. The low price, decent sound quality, and relatively loud volume make it an attractive option compared to Sonos or Amazon options.
Smart speaker features can’t compete with the great Sonos app. However, Sonos has recently damaged its reputation by not upgrading speakers that are more than 5 years old.
Last updated on May 27, 2022 / Affiliate Links / Image from Amazon Product Advertising API
