Small speakers, packed with features! (Edirol MA-15D)

Member Name: jonnyr

Product:	Edirol MA-15D
Date:	27/12/08 (669 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Stylish, plenty of input options, perfect for use with a computer

Disadvantages: Not the best sound imaginable, light on low end.

The Edirol (Roland's Child Brand, specialising in mid-range "pro" audio equipment, ideal for home studios) MA-15D's would be best described as a pair of Performance Desktop Monitors as opposed to Reference Speakers used for mixing and mastering on (Such as the Yamaha NS10's).

I was looking to get a quality pair of speakers to replace the cheap little Dell 2.1 computer speakers which came with my computer; the MA-15D's fit the bill perfectly having both a flatter response and being powered (ie: you don't need a separate amplifier to use them). As a result of the flat response curve, you may want to use the speaker's supplied EQ controls to dial in some top and bottom when listening to music in iTunes or playing games. These speakers pack quite a lot of clout for their price tag and are loud enough for casual use at quarter volume. As the drivers are quite small the low end isn't going to knock your socks off, although Edirol have provided a "Bass Boost" control with two settings on the rear of the left speaker; I choose to disable this setting as I found it muffled the low end, removing clarity, however there is a hookup for a subwoofer should you want to get some more bass from your setup.

The speakers have three inputs on the rear with two discrete channels, this means you can plug in both your computer (either via the supplied stereo minijack to phono cables, or via S/PDIF digital (cable not included)) and another audio source, such as a CD Player or MiniDisk deck. There are some nice touches to be found on the front of the left speaker such as a 1/4" headphone jack and front panel volume controls (one for each input). The speakers are available finished in wood or in matte black - I personally chose the wood clad model as they look great on my desk.

These speakers are perfect for those of us who need greater audio accuracy when using the computer without costing the earth or taking up too much deskspace - sure, these won't be replacing reference monitors any time soon, but you wouldn't come to expect that for their low price.

Summary: These speakers are perfect for those of us who need greater audio accuracy when using the computer.

Processing/Quality:
Reliability:
Ease of use:
Features:
Sound quality: