Unit Features:

Bass enhancer
Up to 24-bit/192kHz, DA conversion for S/PDIF input
Subwoofer output port for bass boost
15W per channel
3 independent source inputs; 1/8" Line, RCA pin Line (L/R), and S/PDIF (optical and coaxial)
Front-controlled bass, treble, and 2 independent volume controls
4" woofer and 2" tweeter
2-way bass-reflex enclosure
1/8" headphones jack
Magnetically-shielded

List Price: $219.00

To begin let just go over what makes a monitor speaker different then the standard stereo speakers. A pair of studio monitor speaker are meant to give the listener the truest possible tone of what is being played through them. No extra bass, no extra treble, no fancy over driving, nothing to change the sound at all. They are meant for musicians and recording artists who have to hear exactly what was recorded, and to balance the levels to produce the truest representation of the sound, music or anything they are working on. Home stereo speakers are often designed to give extra bass, extra treble, or anything thing else to give added depth to the music, movies or what ever is played through it. Every set of speakers are designed to compensate differently and will often change the tonal quality of the music. Studio monitors do none of that.

Now in the world of studio monitors there comes many price levels, some in the sub-$100 are small speakers but some of their features are lacking. The power in them is too low, the reproduction is not true to the recording. Studio monitors can go all the way up to $400 and higher PER SPEAKER. For my needs I was aiming in the mid-range, something with a good selection of features, self powered, and something that will look nice in the studio. Enter the Edirol Speakers.

The 15 Watt speakers are quite ample for my studio space with room to spare. Most of my recordings are vocal so the range of these speakers works very nicely. For some people they will find the 15 Watt too little for their needs, and while playing back some loud recordings at the top level will probably blow out their speakers. Obviously these are not meant for that. The speakers reproduce faithfully any type of music played through them, letting the bass to come out but not be overpowering to the rest of the mix, the treble is clear and distinct for the high ranges of frequency, and both mix well with mid-tones and vocals. None of the ranges will over power the other, unless of course that is how it was recorded.

Some of the features of the MA-15D include Bass Enhancement, controlled by a three position switch in the back that will amplify the signal to the woofers, I have found the highest level is a little over powering, while the middle is right on for most work. The bass and treble controls work well in the front, which is to be expected. A phone jack in the front is useful for when you don't want to disturb others around you. Also the dual volume control is useful if you are using 2 different sources for inputs that you like to listen to at different levels.

What most impressed me about the Edirol Monitors is the wealth of connections it offers. They make these speakers the Swiss Army Knife of Audio connections. These are digital speakers so there are options for both optical cable and Coaxial cable, and on the analog side there are the standard 1/8" Mini stereo plug as well as Left and Right RCA type connections. The speakers themselves feel sturdy, solid and feel like you are getting a quality product for your money.

During my use when I did try to drive the bass to the highest setting there was noticeable rumblings coming from the speakers, and while these speakers are great for audio work, many will find the lack of bass and sheer volume lacking for gaming. Like I said earlier these are not meant for games and movies with excessively bass. For a home studio or as a spare backup for a professional these speakers are an excellent fit.

My final verdict on these speakers are a 9 out of 10. If you are an audiophile or studio musician you will find these money well spent.