Edifier M90 Compact Desktop Speakers

Introduction

Since my 2013 review of the avant-garde Spinnakers, Edifier has been a consistent high performer at HiFi and Music Source. They have mastered the art of bridging lifestyle aesthetics and genuine high-fidelity performance.

Whether through the “clear and crisp” delivery of their active desktop speakers or the sophisticated planar technology in their latest headphones, Edifier consistently punches above its weight with impeccable build quality and faultless connectivity that rival premium competitors. For over a decade, they have remained my top recommendation for listeners seeking high-resolution audio and modern features without the typical audiophile price tag.

Ian recently looked at the SB880DB Mk IIs; their desktop versatility and value stood out. These M90s are at a price point just below these.  There is also a sister model, the M60, at an even lower price point.

Design

These Edifier M90 are compact desktop-style speakers with a single active (plugged-in) loudspeaker driving a passive partner.  There is a thick DIN cable between them.  They both comprise 4-inch long-throw aluminium-diaphragm mid-bass drivers and a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter.  They deliver 100 W RMS total output (treble 15W × 2, mid-bass 35W × 2).

The M90s are fully digital with digital signal processing up to 24-bit/96kHz.  On the input side, they have Bluetooth V6.0, HDMI eARC, Optical, USB-C, and AUX inputs. The Bluetooth is the LDAC Hi-Res codec with transmission rates of up to 990 kbps.  There is also the SBC codec.

The speakers are controlled either by the excellent EDIFIER ConneX App or by an equally useful remote control.  The App has a rudimentary EQ in it that is functional if needed.

You could wire up the Edifier M90 to a TV setup and use the Sub Out line for home theatre use.

Specification and Price

Performance

Review Equipment

I’ve been using them with Qobuz with my DELL XPS15, connected via Bluetooth and also USB-C.

Physically

Frankly, they could not be easier to set up and use; it took me about 5 minutes to get them going. The individual speakers are roughly hand-sized and nicely deep. The M90s have curved corners, and a smooth, satin feel.  The M90s are flat on top to put things on, useful on a desktop.

There is a single power supply to the right speaker, and a DIN interconnect between the pair.  No driver or dongle is required. A quick Firmware upgrade was needed in the App, which took a further 5 minutes or so.

I’ve found the remote control to be excellent, with just a flick of the power on in the morning at my desk, and power off at the end of the day.

Desktop Performance

There is absolutely nothing to dislike here, this is just clear, clean, and excellent desktop performance, the USB C connection is sparkling.  The M90s go loud and nearfield, you’re not going to need anything like volume on offer.  I’m about 80cm away from them (just over a meter apart), slightly toed in, and I get an excellent stereo image.  There’s no hint of distortion at volume, and Qobuz on the desktop has never been more accessible when you’re tapping away on Newsletters or other features.

Note that with the DELL, there’s no LDAC, but you can just use USB-C for HiRes if required.

Overall

On the desktop, these guys are faultless, everyday all-rounders.

In the kitchen or a hobby area, shed, or garage, you could just think about pairing them with a Hi-Res WiiM Mini Wi-Fi Music Streamer (£89); you also have access to Multiroom, Airplay 2, Spotify Connect & Alexa in a sub £400 package.

These M90s are an easy recommendation at this price point and for this quality.