Edifier Rave MP700

There has been an explosion of Bluetooth enabled audio products in recent years. A quick search for Bluetooth speakers on Amazon yields hundreds of results from ultra-budget to astronomical prices. It's safe to say it's a competitive segment and will probably increase in popularity in the future as people embrace everything wireless and streaming.

Edifier was established in Beijing, China in 1996 and has since enjoyed fantastic success on the international market. Focused primarily on speaker systems for home and computer audio they have a wide variety of products to choose from. They also have a growing list of Bluetooth enabled products and today I'll be looking at their MP700 that Edifier describes as:

A portable speaker for the wanderlust



Disclaimer
This sample was provided to me for the purpose of an honest review. I am not affiliated with the company or seller and all observations and opinions here are my own, based on my personal experience with the product.

The MP700 is currently selling for $187 USD and can be purchased from Amazon HERE.

Edifier website: http://www.edifier.com/int/en/

Sample provided by: 5-Decibel Thailand

Packaging and accessories

Delivery content is a clean, white box with a clear image of the speaker and a feature list on the front. Over on the back are some more photos, feature list and specifications. Inside this is another plain black box and when you open this you find the MP700 wrapped in plastic and held securely in a sheet of black foam. To the left of the speaker is a smaller box containing the accessories which include user manual, warranty card, a power plug and a 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm auxiliary cable for physically connecting a source. That's everything you need to get started. It would have been nice to see some kind of carry bag but then again when you consider how the speaker is built (more on this later) it's not really necessary. Overall a simple yet satisfying unboxing experience.



Build and design

When I pulled this from the box I though "holy cow!" I wasn't expecting a fully steel case with such a hefty feel to it. There's no bending of the grills or frame under your grasp here, it's akin to picking up part of a car engine or something off a factory floor. Then there's the handle...a solid bar of steel that cements the impression upon you that this is no gimmicky toy speaker but rather is here to do some serious business. Although the Rave is not especially large with a width of around 30 cm it weighs in at around 1.6 kg so the handle becomes a necessity for conveniently moving the speaker around. Fortunately the solid steel handle with Edifier branding embossed in the top is perfect for the task. It can also be swiveled back to sit behind the speaker leaving the control buttons unobstructed and easily accessible.

When you see this speaker from a distance it looks so unassuming and modest in its appearance. It can easily blend in to an environment without drawing attention to itself. However, when you look at it up close you can see the intricate patterns in the grill. It looks traditional yet contemporary at the same time, with a hint of steampunk elements thrown in.

Hidden and protected under the grill are the two 70 mm midrange drivers and two 19 mm silk dome tweeters which add up to an impressive 36W of output power.

The entire underside of the speaker has a rubber surface which helps it so sit firmly in place on any flat surface and also protects whatever it is sitting on from scratches.

On the top area is a blue LED indicator and there are the three control buttons (from left to right): Power, - and +. To the right of the buttons is the NFC tag used for connecting a source.

Over on the right side panel there's a rubber flap covering (from top to bottom): 3.5 mm auxiliary input, a USB port (can be used like a power bank) and the 5V power input. There's also a series of blue LED indicators here that show you the battery status but they're only visible when actually charging, changing sources via the power button or when you first power the unit on. Perhaps an easier way to display the current battery level would have been handy here but that's just nitpicking. Speaking of the rubber flap, the MP700 is splash and dust resistant so there's no need to panic if you get caught in a rain shower but I wouldn't want to expose it to a heavy downpour for any significant amount of time.

Overall the design is utilitarian and rugged but when you get near its understated elegance is revealed. I think Edifier has done a great job on the build and aesthetics making it look nice and be very robust and practical at the same time.




Functionality

Pairing couldn't be more simple than this. A quick press on the power button and the speaker comes on with the LED indicator flashing blue, meaning it's in pairing mode. Enable Bluetooth on your source and tap the NFC tag on the MP700 and within a few seconds you're paired and ready to go. Of course if you wanted you could simply plug in via the 3.5 mm auxiliary port but where's the fun in that!? After you've connected a device the first time it will automatically reconnect the next time you turn on Bluetooth or turn on the speaker. The + and - buttons change the volume with a short press or skip to previous/next song with a long press. Oh and the power button also doubles as a source selection button. That's all there is to it. What a great design!

Bluetooth and connectivity

Just like the Edifier R1700BT connectivity is practically flawless. With its APTX functionality you get low latency, high quality streaming (assuming your source supports it). During testing I had no dropouts whatsoever and the range is good too. I'm able to go from the living room to the kitchen or even outside without interruption to the music. Need I say more? It works and it works good. Done.

Battery life

The battery is charged via the 5V power adapter and this is the only way it can be charged, so it needs to be plugged into a socket and can't be done from your computer. I personally prefer this method as it's much faster than charging with USB. It's rated at 8 hours of use and through multiple charge cycles I found it to be quite accurate, although it can vary a little up or down depending on how loud you set the volume. Now 8 hours isn't spectacular but I'm not complaining because the output power is fantastic and I doubt I'll ever need to use it for longer than that in a single session.

Sound

The Rave boasts a surprisingly mature and balanced sound that goes in a different direction from most other portable speakers that try to impress with their loose, overblown, flabby bass. This is also a bit brighter than the average portable solution which makes this a very lively and energetic sounding speaker. The Rave's ability to throw out sound is mind boggling and can easily fill a large room and works wonders outdoors. There's no need to huddle around it like a dying fire on a cold winter night as it projects amply in a wide arc on its front side and if you're indoors you can even be parallel with it at a good distance and get a full-bodied sound.

The Mp700 has a linear, punchy mid-bass that won't shake the walls but it doesn't distort or break up either. Its really clean and fast and can handle most genres easily, keeping pace without bleeding over into the mids. Listening to "Smartz" by Scarface (The Untouchable album) the beat drives the song along energetically, striking a good balance with vocals and letting them shine through.

Sub-bass is where the speaker falters a little, a well known symptom of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Dynamic Range Control (DRC) that puts a rein on certain frequencies to prevent distortion and maintain proper frequency levels. Speakers of this size generally have a weak sub-bass presence due to the digital processing and physical limitations and just like Edifier's desktop R1700BT the sub-bass is there but rolls off pretty hard and fast and is kept at a low level. This doesn't affect music too negatively though, especially because of the strong mid-bass performance.

Some extra bass impact and presence can be achieved by putting the speaker close to a wall or in a corner where the two rear bass ports can bounce off a hard surface.

Midrange is neat and clear and is the focal point of the MP700's presentation. There's a bit of warmth in the mids though like the bass its fairly linear and gobs of detail are noticeable as there's minimal coloring or added weight. Electric guitars have a good crunch and realistic presence as do other instruments in this range. Vocals are wonderfully clear though perhaps a little thin in the lower regions but still have enough body to be engaging for male vocals and really shine for female voices.

Even in busy segments separation is excellent and nothing sounds congested with good spacing between the parts. For such a small body this thing spreads out the sound really well, giving a sense of space no matter what angle you're listening from unless you're actually behind it. I can't get over how well vocals are reproduced, sounding rich and smooth and eliciting plenty of emotional response.

With treble the Rave also does exceptionally well, finding that sweet spot with fantastic extension yet never getting close to strident or piercing. Timbre of high hats and cymbals is superb and carries lots of details and is a pleasure to listen to. It seems to be well in line with the mids and never gets lost or overbearing but adds some lightness and pzazz up top. It's just another area where this thing amazes me for a portable speaker and would put many computer speakers to shame with its clarity and maturity.

Conclusion

It would be an understatement to say that the MP700 surprised me with it physical and audio quality. Actually it blew my socks off from the very first listen, far surpassing my expectations of what a portable Bluetooth speaker can achieve. One thing that in particular that stood out is its balanced presentation in favor of the usual V-shaped tuning that this type of product usually goes for. This should appeal to the more discerning listeners as well as people who just want a portable device that can "play loud".

The construction is extremely solid and should be able to handle some time in the trunk of a car or bouncing around in a backpack without any problems. Being water resistant you don't have to worry about a spot of rain or a splash from the pool and there are so many scenarios where this would be a welcome addition, such as backyard BBQs, picnics, at the poolside, at the beach or just about anywhere you can imagine.

When you add the build quality to its superb sound the Edifier MP700 seems like a real winner. Sure it's not exactly cheap but the price isn't outrageous either in context of what you're getting for your money. Does this all sound overly positive to you? As a reviewer I try to remain as objective as possible but at the same time I want to give my honest opinion on things. With that said I think this one is an absolute gem and you have to hear it to believe it.

 
Introduction Disclaimer
 
I was given this sample in exchange for my honest opinion and impressions. I would especially like to thank Kathryn for getting in touch for purpose of this review. I have been involved in audio for about 5 years or more now, listened to countless setups, mostly headphones and earphones but here we go again my second speaker review.
 
Inside the Box
 
It’s that time again let’s hop into the unknown and what is to be expected when you crack this sucker open. Side note not relevant at all but my cat seemed to like the box as he wouldn’t actually let me open the bloody thing when it arrived, cute as anything to watch though. One thing I would like to add here though is the smell when you open the box is a pleasure I don’t know why or how but these speakers came smelling like a brand new car off the showroom floor. Before I even started listening I was there sniffing for a good 20 seconds not that you needed to know that and it’s not like I have a habit or anything (eyes darting from side to side) haha.
 
Now we have a fairly minimalist array of accessories but I wouldn’t really expect much anyway, this is a portable Bluetooth speaker so I’m happy with what was included maybe a carry case would have been nice but meh it affects me not.

 
Inside you get:

1. One 5V charging plug
2. One Aux cable
3. One User Manual (Men need not apply), wait I don’t think I’m allowed to say that, that’s not PC surely… Ah well it’s out there now I mean come on how many of us macho idiots actually read the manual anyway.

 
Kidding aside you’ll have everything you need to get your new toy up and running.
 
Features
 

1. Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity with NFC
2. Up to 8 hours play time with built-in rechargeable batteries
3. Water and dust resistant to withstand harsh outdoor conditions (not for underwater use)
4. Digital sound processing and dynamic range control
5. Volume controls
6. Optional AUX 3.5mm Jack input
7. Power button/output control
8. USB Output for charging you mobile device (audio device) on the go
9. 7600mAh Battery

 
Specs
 
I’ll drop a bullet pointed list below so you can see what’s under the hood of this beast.

1. 2x 70mm drivers
2. 2x 19mm tweeters silk dome tweeter
3. 3x Passive radiators giving a total power output of 36W
4. Total power output:8Wx2（Treble）+10Wx2（Midrange and bass）
5. Signal to noise ratio: ≧85dBA
6. Frequency response:80Hz ~ 20kHz(±3dB)
7. Input sensitivity:800±50mV
8. Input type: Auxiliary/Bluetooth
9. Weight about 3.5 pounds,
10. Dimensions: 11” x 4.3” x 2.6” (Not including handle)

 
Build Quality/Design
 
Boxed up and ready to go, the MP700 offers a very lackluster design and whilst might not be the most aesthetically pleasing thing in the world to look at, it does however function quite well in terms of realistic practicality.
 
This thing is packaged up like a beast and I’d happily carry it around as a backup weapon, the thing is tank like to say the least. I would have expected nothing less though as the aim was for on the go outdoor listening so of course it needs to be able to sustain some wear and tear.
 
Edifier mentions this is water resistant whilst I wouldn’t recommend taking a bath with the thing a few rain drops and splash will do little to nothing to affect this beauty. The speakers are encased in a durable metal and the buttons in that super soft plastic you just want to touch and feel up all day, maybe that’s just me….
 
Located on the top of the box you will find your three primary function controls i.e Power, Input selection and volume control. Look to the side and you’ll see the little rubber flap concealing the auxiliary input, USB output and of course your DC power port.
 
I don’t find the design or size overly obtrusive and Edifier have tried to spice things up with a little patterned design on each side of the speaker. Last but not least you will find an almost perfect brushed metal handle/stand for when/if you decide to lug this thing about with you for your travels.
 
At this point I want to mention the handle does shift all the way to a 90-degree angle and whilst useful for propping the thing up, if you like to angle your speakers correctly like me then you might have wanted them to have opted for a slightly more flexible design. I would have liked about an extra 45 degrees or maybe just a little stand on the back to make my own adjustments, anyway that small blemish aside we shall continue with the review.

Functionality/Connectivity
 
Not much needs to be said here so I can keep this to a paragraph. The Bluetooth functions as it should, giving you an ample range of up to about 30 meters with my iPhone at least. Literally, for testing I had to leave my house and walk down my drive before it cut out. Pairing is simple, controlled by the power button through a series of clicks you’ll see a tiny blue led flash when pairing and to indicate it’s on, a solid red led shines when hooked up via the auxiliary input and the function is selected and that’s really all she wrote.
 
Battery Life/Useful feature
 
As you know in today’s modern times we all need as much juice as we can get from our devices as we survive in this workaholic day life. I have been able to confirm the 8 hours of playback is a very realistic time when being played at about 65% max volume.
 
The other neat feature which you get is the option to charge your device via the USB port provided which according to the box is kicking out 5V not sure what that works out to maybe 1A or 2.1A either way charges my phone faster than the battery goes down so it’s a big plus in my book.
 
Of course you’ll expect a little less than 8 hours of playback if you are charging your devices as well but in my humble opinion this offers plenty enough juice to get you through the day on a full charge. Charging time took about 3 hours from flat-full.
 
Sound Quality
 
It’s harder for me to describe the sound you get from speakers built more for portability unless they truly excel in one way or another. I suppose one of the major questions here for some people looking to buy would be how loud can it go? Don’t worry I will cover that just rest assured it’s enough sound to fill a room comfortably.
 
I usually like to split things down into categories but I will for a change of pace be describing the sound as a whole. This is more to do with the fact of how this speaker was designed and picking out each instrument was never what this was designed for.
 
On the whole you will get a smooth, lush and rich overtone of notes, please do not be mistaken into thinking this is just some bass cannon aimed at those late night parties where nobody cares what’s being played as long as I can’t hear or remember anything the morning after kind of deals we are good.
 
Nope I truly believe Edifier tried to make the MP700 catered to a more refined listen, more of a picnic, cheese, wine, good company and nibbles kind of deal. This can be a fun speaker but strictly speaking for out and out enjoyment disregarding any of our audiophile training this just isn’t top dog.
 
Every detail in your music will be presented with a glass of milk or milkshake whichever you prefer. When listening to the MP700 I found myself relaxing a lot more, rather than analysing the sound looking for new things or mistakes. In essence the MP700 takes me back to my teenage days where we used to sit on the park and try and play our music as loud as we could with the crappy speakers you’d plug into your phone. (No disrespect Sony we loved them at the time!). I hope I am not losing too much but the point here in a nutshell is these are the type of speakers you want by your side when you are hanging out with friends be it on the go or even a small house party. They just do their job very well.
 
Bass notes are the most prominent with the midrange following closely behind but in the race for the sound space treble takes a back seat. These are without a doubt a great listen but for the audiophile conscious listener there will be areas which just won’t tick all the boxes.
 
I like the level of clarity you get with each detail being presented with enough definition to be clearly heard. if it weren’t for that pesky mid bass stealing the spot light this would be a really well rounded portable speaker. By no means is it totally unbalanced but you are leaning towards a more consumer friendly sound.
 
My hopes for the future would be at the very least a bass adjustment system to balance out the sound because in reality this is pretty kick ass sound for on the go.
 
Loudness okay for those who want to know how loud the MP700 can go the answer is simple, very. I don’t unfortunately have the equipment to test how loud in DB but I will say this for a house party or an outdoor adventure there is no doubt the MP700 will be able to handle just about everything you throw at it, even at max volume you will find little to no distortion which is a big plus in my book.
 
Value for Money/Conclusion
 
In today's crowded audio society innovation and great sound at the right price is becoming harder and harder to achieve. Now I won’t rave about this as the best Bluetooth speaker ever but it certainly would go on my strong recommendations list if you need one. I have seen many offerings by companies some better some a lot worse but the MP700 is just a sweet spot in terms of performance and price.
 
It won’t win any beauty pageants that’s for sure, but for rugged on the go listening with solid sound for a decent price you can’t really go wrong in picking this up. The fact I can charge devices through that USB slot at the same time is a nice feature I’d like to see more companies offer with bigger Bluetooth speakers.
 
All in all, this is a great buy if you’re in the market take a look around but be make sure this is on that list because it really is a really solid performer.
 
 
As always any questions or comments you have please feel free to leave them below and I’ll do my best to get back to you. Thanks for reading!

Introduction – 

Just like earbuds, the portable Bluetooth speaker scene seems to be growing at an exponential rate; every audio company is intent on cornering this admittedly younger market with flashy speakers that boast huge sound from a compact body. I`ve reviewed quite a few of these speakers, but the Rave is another story entirely. It`s rather unorthodox in both design and sound and, until recently, has flown quite discretely under most buyer`s radars. Presenting as a more Hi-Fi orientated portable speaker that tributes to the boom-boxes of old, the Rave is not marketed as the home theater slayer nor does its design pivot around an obscene bass response. Instead, the Rave is a little more understated, a little more sedated and much more mature.

Designed by Edifier, the MP700 Rave is one of the larger portable Bluetooth speakers on the market, slotting in above models such as the UE Boom and competing directly with the Megaboom and JBL Extreme. It has a recommended retail price of $300 AUD but can commonly be found on sale for much less.

Edifier are no stranger to either acoustic or aesthetic design, and so far, every product I`ve tested from Edifier has offered a nice balance of both. Visually speaking, the Rave is no exception, but does its audio performance live up to it`s high fidelity moniker? Let`s find out.

 

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank Edifier very much for providing me with a review unit of the MP700 Rave in exchange for my honest opinion. I will be as objective as possible and provide a valid verdict upon the product.

 

About Me – Some background, Gear of choice, Preferences and Biases

I generally prefer a slight v-shape to my sound, but still closer to neutral. I like a lot of detail and clarity, but can appreciate a smooth, laid back sound such as that on the X10`s. I prefer a more neutral midrange within a relatively tight tolerance, but I`m probably more forgiving of brightness over darkness. I`m not particularly treble sensitive and can tolerate large amounts without fatigue, though too much ruins the enjoyment. If I use a different eartip/pad/cover during the review I will note that and describe the sound changes.

Read More

 

Accessories – 

The Rave comes well protected within a nice minimalist box. The front showcases the speaker and main features whilst the rear lists the specifications. I like the two tone design, it`s eye catching and makes the speaker feel a little more special.








Inside is a protective cardboard box that flips open to reveal the speaker within a plastic inlet and another smaller box of accessories.








Along with the speaker, Edifier provide you with an AC wall charger, a very nice AUX cable similar to that provided with the e25`s, manuals in various languages and warranty information.

It`s a simple setup, but Edifier provides you with everything you could need to accompany a portable speaker.

 

Design –

The Rave possesses Edifier`s usual standard of design and is easily as premium as similarly priced contenders such as the UE Megaboom and JBL Extreme. The speaker doesn`t look luxurious nor does it look rugged, instead, the Rave utilizes more retro styling, creating an image that is a lot bolder than it`s cylindrical competitors.

The Rave has a look that I think is quite refreshing and unorthodox, it`s definitely a little less juvenile and more utilitarian, suiting a workshop, garage or even kitchen just as well as it would a party.

It`s not a small speaker, but it`s not much larger than the Megaboom or JBL Extreme either. For comparison, the RAVE measures 6.6 x 17 x 30  cm (depth x height x width) as opposed to the Megaboom which measures in at 8.3 x 8.3 x 22.6 cm. The added height of the RAVE factors in the fold-able handle, so in daily use, both are surprisingly similar. The Rave is probably the heaviest speaker in its class however, weighing in just shy of 1.6Kg. This does give the tall, thin speaker a lot of stability and the speaker never rattles or moves during max volume playback nor does it ever feel prone to falling over.

Perhaps the most standout feature of the RAVE`s design is that oversized handle located at the top. The handle is both a visual accent and a functional addition; it really helps to manage the weight of the speaker during transit. It also enables you to hang the speaker in an area with limited space. The handle is fully metal and feels absolutely solid. It`s embossed with the Edifier branding that also denotes the orientation of the speaker. A nice brushed finish catches the light in interesting ways.











The handle ratchets down to 90 degrees through a very tactile feeling hinge, enabling it to double as a stand. I found this to be an especially well implemented feature, the handle is solid, clean and well designed.

Moving onto the speaker itself, the fully metal body feels rock solid with negligible flex from either the handle of grills. A simple triangular design propagates across the front and rear faces of the speaker which are separated by a rubberized trim on the top, bottom and sides. When handling the speaker, this coating grants the speaker a little extra grip and the coating feels quite robust.

The speaker does have some life-proofing with an ip54 water and dust ingress rating that more or less matches that of the Denon Envaya Mini. This means the speaker will withstand splashes, the occasional shower and even trips to the beach without worry, though I doubt the speaker would return from full submersion.

The top face contains the main methods of interface whilst the right side contains the various connectors. On the top are the power and volume buttons in addition to the NFC tag and status LED.








The buttons are large and easy to distinguish but I found them to feel a little cheap. They still work well, but could have been implemented better.











Moving onto the right side of the speaker reveals three ports hidden beneath a rubber seal. The Rave provides a 3.5mm jack for AUX connection, a power port for charging (unfortunately will not charge from micro-b) and a USB port which allows the speaker to be used as a powerbank.

The port only outputs 5v at 500mah, but it will suffice in an emergency or just to top up your phone during the day. The speaker needs to be on to charge your device.

 

Usage –

As is usual, the Rave offers two methods of connection, Bluetooth and AUX (3.5mm). It utilizes Bluetooth 4.0 and, like the Envaya Mini, supports apt-x. Connecting through apt-x enabled devices produces less latency than a regular connection in addition to a sizable boost in audio quality. The Rave sounds pretty much identical connected through apt-x to my HTC M8 as it does through a wired connection. Whilst latency is still low enough for movies through a regular 4.0 connection, very slight offset is present, though this can be easily rectified through VLC.

Edifier`s Bluetooth system is pretty much perfect. The pairing and re-connection processes are especially intuitive, similar to that on the E25`s. If you have a compatible device you simply tap on the NFC tag to pair with the Rave over Bluetooth (first time only). Otherwise, the device enter pairing mode when it is powered on, greatly simplifying connection. The Rave has no audio cues when connecting/disconnecting or changing volume but I usually try to turn off audio notifications anyway as they can get obtrusive. Of note, the speaker doesn`t preference the device it was last paired to, instead connecting on a first-come first-paired basis. This is convenient if you often have multiple devices connected to the same speaker. Furthermore, a single press of the power button enables you to switch between the multiple devices connected.

The speakers is similarly easy to switch between wired and wireless connections, even on the fly. Holding down the power button for ~1 second allows you to change sources between Bluetooth and AUX. The status of the speaker is displayed by the top mounted LED that glows white when on, flashes blue when ready for pairing and glows a solid blue when connected over Bluetooth. When the speaker is in AUX mode, the LED changes to a solid red. It`s an easy system that I had no complications with.

The Rave produced a reliable Bluetooth connection completely devoid of dropouts during my usage. The range is also respectable; stretching across 3 rooms (double-brick) before audio became intermittent. That`s better than the Envaya Mini and Soundlink Mini that both cut out after just 2. In open spaces, the range is much improved and should not be a concern during normal use.

One thing to note is that you can`t press and hold the volume buttons to change volume in larger steps. Luckily the speaker only has 20 volume steps (not 100 like some speakers), though the volume does reset to 10/20 every time you power off the device which can get tedious.

The Rave boasts 8 hours of battery life from its rather unconventional 14v internal lithium battery. As such, the speaker can only charge from the included power adapter, not USB. Luckily the power adapter is compact and supports 110-250v for worldwide use. It also has an inbuilt velcro strap to keep the cable in check. I found the Rave to have solid but not exemplary battery-life, easily meeting Edifier`s 8 hour claim at medium volumes and getting reasonably close at high volumes (about 7 hours avg over 3 cycles). The UE Megaboom by comparison offers up to 20 hours of charge, and although this estimate is a little more overstated, it won`t struggle to beat the Rave in longevity. The speaker does charge quite quickly however, it took me 2 hours and 49 minutes to completely charge the Rave from empty.

Quite a few reviewers complained that the Rave has no battery indicator. There are actually 5 LEDs next to the ports on the right face that denote remaining charge, although they are easy to miss if you didn`t read the manual. There is no dedicated button that will activate these LEDs, only illuminating when the speaker is powered on, changing source or charging. The speaker also doesn`t auto power-off, but will enter standby mode to minimize power consumption.

 

Sound – 

The Edifier RAVE sounds slightly mid forward but balanced overall. If I had to liken them to an earphone/earbud, they actually sound quite a bit like the MrZ Tomahawks which is a great accolade in my books.

With two 10W 70mm fullrange drivers, two silk-dome tweeters and a whopping three passive bass radiators all connected though a 2-way electronic crossover, the Rave produces a combined output of 36W RMS. That`s substantial for a portable speaker; for reference, the UE Boom 2 outputs just 12W RMS whilst the more comparable UE Megaboom outputs the same 36W RMS. But numbers only tell part of the story and the Edifier make good use of this hardware by implementing DSP and DRC (dynamic range control) software systems to limit distortion and actively tailor the sound for a more enjoyable audio experience.

Rave with front grill removed ​

Marketing aside, I was quite disappointed that the Rave, much like the e25, either does not have volume compensation (basically increases bass levels at lower volumes to create a more level sound profile) or it is not aggressive enough, resulting in the Rave sounding anemic at lower volumes (though the midrange still sounds full-bodied throughout). As such, the Rave is at home in large, higher volume applications such as parties, events and even TV use where the bass radiators can create a much fuller low end response. This is complimented by a very high maximum volume that is higher than even my Edifier E25`s (74W RMS). The Rave is perfect for parties, easily filling a large room, and thanks to Edifier`s DRC system, doesn`t distort at all throughout the volume range. As a newer device, the Rave`s electronics seem to be a little smarter than the E25`s which clipped a little at maximum volume, sounding a bit harsh in the upper end. The Rave has no such problems.

Front – Back​

Despite its very symmetrical design, the Rave is not omni-directional, only projecting sound from its front face. I didn`t find either the sound quality or volume to drop off too much in the 180 degrees in front of the speaker, but the audio behind the speaker sounds  hollow. It`s not nearly as direct as the Bose Soundlink Mini or Envaya Mini and this further contributes to the profound sense of space in the midrange. Like the envaya mini, bass does radiate predominately from the rear grill and placing the speaker next to a wall will increase bass presence to some extent. You can see above that one bass radiator faces forward, this prevents the speaker from losing bass presence in open spaces (the Envaya Mini was better suited towards near field listening), it`s not nearly as sensitive to orientation as the Denon was.

 

Mids –

Delving into the sound itself, I`ll start with the midrange as it has the most tonal prominence. With such an emphasis, you would hope that the Rave also delivers on quality and thankfully, this is very much the case.

The slightly bright midrange is extremely clear while retaining satisfying balance overall. This sound signature is a big departure from the usual portable speaker sound; where most competitors pursue a thicker, warmer sound to imbue the impression of a larger sound, Edifier stays true to size and source, instead assuming a more Hi-Fi orientated signature. This shouldn`t be taken as a negative at all, because both the lower and upper midrange have great clarity and speech intelligibility. Even the Denon Envaya Mini sounds muffled by comparison, the Rave`s have impeccable balance and clarity to the midrange.

This makes the speaker ideal for youtube, jazz, acoustic, rock and most movies. Whilst the lower midrange is a little thin for my liking, male vocals still have plenty of body and the midrange is flawlessly revealing and detailed. Female vocals in particular sound true to life and the added clarity makes acoustic and pop sound particularly vivid. Comparing to the Edifier e25`s and Envaya Mini, the Rave impresses with much more clarity to the midrange than either and a lot more detail over the Envaya Mini (though still slightly less than the e25`s). The Rave has one of the strongest midranges of any portable speaker I`ve tested, the tonal balance is spot on and the quality of the sound is superb.

I did note that Edifier`s DSP adds a surround effect to the sound, and although the more compact speaker doesn`t provide much stereo separation, the midrange in particular still sounds very open and spacious. Instruments are well separated and the Rave easily avoids the usual kind of congestion that portable speakers struggle with. The effect isn`t overly aggressive and well compliments the airy sound signature of the Rave, but I did notice an artificial tone to some female vocals in particular.

Treble –

The Rave produces a very extended treble response for a portable speaker; you can tell those silk dome tweeters are well integrated. Highs come through crustal clear with copious detail whilst remaining textured with adequate body. Treble does roll-off at the very top but far less than the vast majority of other speakers including the exemplary Denon Envaya Mini.

Although the treble response avoids being harsh, much like the midrange, I did find it to sound slightly thin. The treble is also a little grainy in the grand scheme of things, but is perfectly smooth for a portable speaker. The performance slots in comfortably between the e25, which comes through even clearer with more detail, and the Envaya Mini which sounds a little more recessed and rolled-off.

There isn`t much comparison with other consumer speakers, most have either too much or too little treble, and rarely is it very revealing of detail. The Rave strikes a winning balance here, the treble performance is pretty much class leading for a portable speaker under $300 AUD, high notes are portrayed very well overall.

Bass –

I`ve purposely left the bass response until last as this will probably be the most polarizing factor for buyers looking into the Rave.

Bass (or at least an impression of bass) is probably the biggest marketing point that manufacturers leverage when advertising their products. With such large drivers and three passive radiators, one would probably expect the Rave to sound quite bassy, but the bass response of the Rave actually sounds very lean and controlled, quite uncommon for a portable speaker.

The Rave doesn`t have any of the boom or slam of its JBL and UE equivalents. Instead, the triple passive radiator Rave offers a very tight bass response that is extremely agile and punchy. The bass ranges from less than neutral to just above it in quantity depending on volume, but bass notes usually take a backseat to the prominent midrange. The lack of volume compensation is quite evident with the Rave. At low volumes, the Rave produces an anemic bass response but starts to sound very balanced at medium volumes and then full at high volumes. This limits the uses of the Rave as even my Envaya Mini sounds richer at the low volumes I listen to in my room. However that all changes in a larger space, where the Rave easily outclasses these smaller speakers which tend to lose composure as volume increases.

Although the specifications state a frequency response of 80Hz to 20KHz, playing a quick bass sweep through either a Bluetooth or a cabled connection reveals a little more extension than these numbers would suggest. The Rave will actually hit notes as low as 45Hz but it rolls off strongly below 60Hz. The speaker thus has a little less sub-bass than competitors; sub-bass notes are present but have a softer quality to them.

Luckily the mid-bass performance is excellent. It`s just about neutral in quantity and is very tactile and textured, reproducing complex passages with finesse. The Denon Envaya Mini was another speaker I praised for its accuracy and punch, but the Rave has that extra level of definition and texture to the mid-bass that makes the Envaya Mini sounds a little bloated. This may be a constraint of the Denon`s small size, but the Rave sounds much tighter than both the JBL Extreme and UE Megaboom as well. The Edifier e25`s bests all of these speakers, combining the control and texture of the Rave with a slight emphasis for some added fun.

The Rave handles complex bass-lines with aplomb. Whilst most portable speakers are over-boosted, sounding muddy and losing a lot of detail, for better or for worse, the Rave is rather the opposite. This is especially so as the upper-bass response is a little recessed, avoiding spillage into the lower mids but also sapping the sound of that thick/full impression. I personally enjoy the clearer sound delivered by the Rave, it enables both the mid-bass and lower midrange to come through cleaner and clearer, though some may feel the Rave to sound subjectively “worse” coming from overly boosted consumer counterparts. This is definitely not the case, but I still think the Rave could have a little more low-end boost to combat sound dissipation in large open areas.

 

Verdict – 

During this review, I made comparison to other offerings by JBL and UE as well as some smaller speakers too. As far as portable speakers go, the Rave is very accomplished, combining a pleasing and practical design with a very balanced sound. That`s not to say that I would immediately recommend the Rave to anyone looking for a Bluetooth speaker. For $300 AUD, you would be much better off buying a set of computer speakers such as Edifier`s own e25. But if you require portability and a few other features such as weatherproofing, you should definitely consider the Rave, just know what kind of sound you are looking for when purchasing the speaker.

I stress this notion because the general consumer will likely prefer the much bassier, thicker sound offered by JBL and UE speakers when comparing directly to the Rave in a retail store. But give the Rave a bit of time and you will discover a sound that is balanced, full and every bit as impressive. The rave excels in particular with acoustics and vocals, making it a great all-purpose speaker; whereas more overly warmed speakers tend to struggle with speech intelligibility. The addition of low latency apt-x, the ability to function as a powerbank and that innovative handle design only augment the Rave`s versatility. I would have preferred a little extra bass presence and body to the sound, but other than that, the Rave is a very well-rounded product from Edifier that`s well worth a look.

 

Accessories – 10/10, Simple un-boxing process is visually pleasing and protective. Comes with everything needed to operate the speaker and the AUX cable is of especially high quality.

Design – 9.5/10, The Rave carries Edifier`s usual standard of design devoid of ergonomic compromise. Despite its high weight, various design features enable the user to manage the speaker with ease. The body is very solid whilst also offering mild water resistance. I`m a fan of the bolder design offered by the Rave over the more cylindrical designs that have been popularized of late. Bluetooth pairing and connection is rock solid and the addition of the newest Bluetooth standards is just icing on top. The only complaints I have are the lack of a dedicated button to view remaining charge and the use of a proprietary power plug. I understand that, at 14v, the Rave cannot be charged off regular USB ports, but it is a small inconvenience nonetheless.

Bass – 7/10, The bass response is very tight and controlled, I would rate it above most other portable speakers, but the quantity may not be enough to satisfy some. At higher volumes, the speaker sounds very full. Bass comes through clean, textured and particularly detailed. Would benefit greatly from stronger volume compensation.

Mids – 7.25/10, Very resolving midrange with an emphasis on clarity and separation. It`s a little on the drier side, but vocals sound very lifelike and vivid. They are far more detailed and clear than any other portable speaker. Slightly bright but not overly so.

Highs – 7.25/10, Just about neutral in quantity and very extended. The treble has good body and detail retrieval is impressive.

Value – 8.5/10, The speaker is well priced for the sound quality and feature set it delivers, buyers are unlikely to have qualms with the speaker`s design or build quality either. The Rave is no more expensive than its competitors, and is very much equivalent on both a functional and audio level. The added versatility of a low latency wireless connection and a clear midrange only heighten value.

Overall – 8/10, For those looking to buy a portable Bluetooth speaker, the Rave is a standout offering in the $300 price range. Anyone with more audiophile tastes or simply music lovers in general will appreciate the open, detailed sound produced by the Rave, though everyone will enjoy it`s crisp aesthetics and convenient functionality. Edifier`s more Hi-Fi, utilitarian approach to portable Bluetooth speakers has produced a great product, just bear in mind that its leaner sound may not be to everyone`s individual taste.

Thanks for reading! This review was taken from my blog, please have a look there for guides and more reviews like this:

https://everydaylisteningblog.wordpress.com/2016/06/16/edifier-mp700-rave-review-stylish-portable-sound-in-high-definition/