Sound quality: Edifier's MS50A had very good overall sound quality - although it has some noticeable sonic quirks, this model reproduces music and dialog very well. Bass has good impact and goes fairly deep, but is a bit prominent and tubby. Midrange is even, but is a bit hazy and a touch plasticky. Treble is fairly extended but is a bit smeared and subdued. It does a decent job of recovering room ambience, but is a bit congested. The speaker is monophonic. No significant difference between Bluetooth and WiFi sound quality. Provides a decent volume level in a medium sized room. When combined with a second unit to form a stereo pair they provide stereo separation and a wider and somewhat taller sound stage; the overall score increases to but remains the very good range.
Ease of use: We found the Edifier MS50A ease of use to be very good overall. Bluetooth setup: Unit is always in pairing mode when not already paired when the Bluetooth input is selected, has pairing mode indicator and indicates when pairing has occurred and never times out. WiFi setup: requires downloading the Edifier Home app to a mobile device; easy and intuitive - need to enter WiFi network password but don't need to leave app during setup, and all instructions are provided in the app. The volume control is an unlabeled multi-function (also serves as source selection, track skip and play/pause) touch pad located on the top of the speaker (The unlabeled volume control is a dotted circle). Lacks index markings for volume levels, but has an audible indication when max volume is reached. Source selector is a prominent but is an ambiguously labeled button; source is persistently shown via clearly labeled LED indicators.
