Easy on the ears,
easier still on the wallet.
After our recent review
of Edifier’s MP280 portable Bluetooth speaker, we’re back in
old-skool territory for a look at an older model speaker from the
sound experts. Designed to be used with a traditional desktop
computer, or as part of a static home music set-up, we check out the
Edifier M1380.
This 2:1 audio system
comprises of a chunky and boxy subwoofer, and two angular satellites.
It also features a rather bizarre wired remote with a big fat volume
knob on top. The whole system is wired in the conventional manner,
connecting to your computer or phone with a standard 3.5mm stereo
jack (so hard cheese, iPhone 7 owners). Setting it up is as easy as
it gets.
The wires for the
satellite speakers are over two metres in length each, so you are
actually able to get a fairly decent surround-sound effect, while the
wired remote unit stays close to the subwoofer. On that note,
although at first we were a bit annoyed by the presence of the remote
(which can’t be removed from the base unit, by the way), after a
couple of days we started finding it very useful when used with a
desktop set up, especially the instant mute button.
This is very much a
budget speaker system, and there is no point pretending that the
quality of the audio it kicks out will be outstanding. That said,
once set up on the desk and connected to a decent music source,
everything sounded well balanced and clear. Keeping the volume at a
low level, such as listening to track from just a few feet away,
helped with that, but when we cranked it up distortion crept in.
One of the best uses we
found for the Edifier M1380 was as a PC gaming sound system. Linked
directly into the computer, and with the subwoofer at your feet and
the satellites spaced evenly at either side of the monitor, the
sounds were rich and deep and ‘good enough’ for most types of
games. Hook the system up to you stereo or wireless streamer, and
you’ll be disappointed.
So although the M1380
won’t be bringing down your house any time soon, they are perfectly
sized (and priced!) to add an extra dimension of entertainment to
your home office or gaming set up.
Around £40
Visit www.edifier.com