Edifier MR3 studio monitors in test: more compact, more versatile and better than the MR4?

 Design and workmanship 

Visually, the MR3 immediately impressed me. The copper-colored accents, which can be found on both the dust cap of the woofer and the volume control, look classy and give the speakers a modern touch. The difference is immediately noticeable, especially when compared to the MR4, which looks more functional and minimalist.

At 27,5 x 13,5 x 18,5 cm and 3,9 kg, the MR3 is a little more compact and lighter than its predecessors. The detachable power cable is a welcome improvement, especially if you have to move or transport the speakers frequently.

The MDF housing is still solidly made and effectively reduces vibrations. Foam pads on the bottom prevent slipping. However, I would recommend everyone to place the speakers on stands. This improves sound direction and minimizes background noise.

 connections and functions 

The MR3s offer a wide range of connection and control options. In addition to RCA and TRS inputs, which were also available on the MR4, they also bring Bluetooth 5.0 into play for the first time. This function makes everyday life much easier. I was able to pair the speakers with my smartphone and laptop without any problems. The connection was stable, even when I moved between rooms. Bluetooth is a real advantage for quickly switching from studio work to relaxed music listening.

The MR3 supports the new Edifier ConneX app for control. The following functions are possible:

•  Equalizer and sound profiles: Quickly switch between sound profiles or make individual adjustments.
•  Room compensation: With functions such as desktop control or low-cut filter, the sound can be adapted to different environments.
•  Bluetooth playback: Control the connection directly via the app.

Despite its capabilities, the app is more of a nice gimmick than a must-have in practice. It is useful for precise sound optimization via Bluetooth, but in everyday life you prefer to use the physical controls on the speakers.

 Sound quality – How good are the MR3 really? 

Studio monitors have to do one thing above all else: sound precise. The MR3s have big shoes to fill here, as the MR4s blew me away in this regard. The MR3s sound very similar to the MR4s, but there are slight differences that are more or less significant depending on the application.

 Depths 

The bass reproduction of the MR3 is tight and precise. It reaches down to 52 Hz, which is impressive for speakers of this size. The low frequencies are particularly well-received in tracks such as "Time" by Pink Floyd. The bass line remains clearly defined and does not lose precision even at higher volumes. However, the MR3 lacks the final depth that the MR4 offers. In bass-intensive genres such as hip hop or electronic music, you notice that the MR4 delivers more volume and punch. The MR3, on the other hand, seems a little more controlled and less dominant in the bass range, which can be an advantage for studio applications.

 Middle 

The MR3s show their strength in the mids. Voices and instruments are reproduced clearly and naturally. In “May It Be” by Enya, the voice is clearly in the foreground, while the orchestral accompaniment remains cleanly separated. This precision makes the MR3 a good choice for voice recordings or acoustic music. The mids of the MR4 are slightly fuller, which offers a small advantage in complex mixes. The differences here are rather subtle, however, and only noticeable in a direct comparison.

 Heights 

The highs are clean and pleasant on the MR3. Fine details such as the sound of cymbals or the clarity of string instruments come across well without ever sounding harsh or overemphasized. The MR3 performs particularly well on tracks with complex highs such as "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" by Pink Floyd. However, compared to the MR4, a touch of brilliance is missing. The MR4 separates the fine details in the highs a little better, which can be crucial, especially during long listening sessions in the studio.

 surround sound and stage 

In terms of spatial representation, the MR3 delivers a solid performance. The stage appears wide enough to place instruments neatly. The stereo width is used well, especially in acoustic pieces. The depth gradation is also successful, even if the MR4 has a slight advantage here. In complex mixes, such as orchestral passages or elaborately produced tracks such as "No Quarter" by Led Zeppelin, it is noticeable that the MR4 offers greater spatial precision. In direct comparison, the MR3 appears a little flatter.