Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Edifier MR4.5 ranks #45 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $249; the Edifier D12 ranks #7 of 17 powered desktop speakers by sound quality at $179.99.
The case for the Edifier MR4.5: Bass reaches about 60Hz at -3dB and 44Hz at -10dB in Erin’s measurements, notably deep for a 4.5-inch desktop monitor and well beyond the smaller MR4. Watch for: The response is uneven, with a broad upper-bass bump around 120 to 150Hz, a presence dip of roughly 3dB around 2 to 3kHz and brighter treble above it (listening-window tilt +0.22dB per octave), which holds its preference score to about 3.9 on its own and 6.1 with an ideal subwoofer.
The case for the Edifier D12: At 4.6 kg, Edifier D12 combines 2x 4” woofers, 2x 19mm silk dome tweeters with Bluetooth, Aux, RCA. The tradeoff: Bass is limited by its 57Hz specification.
Buy the Edifier MR4.5 at $249 for a powered bookshelf speaker, or the Edifier D12 at $179.99 for a powered desktop speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR4.5 | Edifier D12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249 per pair | $179.99 each |
| Ranked | #45 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #7 of 17 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Dimensions | 5.5"W x 9.6"H x 9"D (140 x 244 x 229 mm) (active); 140W x 244H x 208D mm (passive) | 14.1" x 6.3" x 8" (359 x 159 x 203.5 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 54Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux, Bluetooth | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone | Subwoofer line out |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.63 kg) | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
| Drivers | 4.5-inch mid-bass driver + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) | 2x 4" woofers, 2x 19mm silk dome tweeters |
| App | Yes (Edifier ConneX) | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| EQ | Yes (app EQ, room compensation settings and rear high/low controls) | Yes (Bass/Treble controls) |
| Amplifier Power | 80W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) | 70W (R/L treble: 15W+15W, R/L mid-bass: 20W+20W) |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 57Hz |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.86 (calculated from Erin's Audio Corner CEA2034 data) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.10 (calculated from Erin's Audio Corner CEA2034 data) | - |
| Measurement Source | Erin's Audio Corner | - |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 6.0 | Yes |
| Battery Life | - | No Battery |
| IP Rating | - | None |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| TWS | - | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
| Party Mode | - | No |
| Wi-Fi | - | No |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier MR4.5: $249 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Bass reaches about 60Hz at -3dB and 44Hz at -10dB in Erin’s measurements, notably deep for a 4.5-inch desktop monitor and well beyond the smaller MR4. It connects to nearly anything: balanced XLR and TRS, RCA and 3.5mm aux inputs, Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC and multipoint, plus a front headphone output. Rear high and low shelving knobs and the ConneX app’s room compensation settings help tune it for desk or wall placement. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The response is uneven, with a broad upper-bass bump around 120 to 150Hz, a presence dip of roughly 3dB around 2 to 3kHz and brighter treble above it (listening-window tilt +0.22dB per octave), which holds its preference score to about 3.9 on its own and 6.1 with an ideal subwoofer. Vertical lobing means the tweeter should be aimed at ear height. Compression is already meaningful at 96dB and distortion climbs sharply between 700Hz and 3kHz when pushed, so it suits nearfield desk listening rather than filling a room.
Full Edifier MR4.5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 80W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | Yes (Edifier ConneX) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 6.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.5"W x 9.6"H x 9"D (140 x 244 x 229 mm) (active); 140W x 244H x 208D mm (passive) |
| Drivers | 4.5-inch mid-bass driver + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) |
| EQ | Yes (app EQ, room compensation settings and rear high/low controls) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux, Bluetooth |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) |
| Measurement Source | Erin's Audio Corner |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.86 (calculated from Erin's Audio Corner CEA2034 data) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.10 (calculated from Erin's Audio Corner CEA2034 data) |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.63 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier D12: $179.99 each Amazon eBay
Pros: At 4.6 kg, Edifier D12 combines 2x 4” woofers, 2x 19mm silk dome tweeters with Bluetooth, Aux, RCA. Ac-powered operation and stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 57Hz specification. There is no companion app.
Full Edifier D12 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 70W (R/L treble: 15W+15W, R/L mid-bass: 20W+20W) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 57Hz |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1" x 6.3" x 8" (359 x 159 x 203.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 4" woofers, 2x 19mm silk dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble controls) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Subwoofer line out |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
| XLR Input | No |
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