For the last week or so we’ve been testing out the Edifier iF500 speaker docking system for the iPhone & iPod.
The Edifier is a pretty mean piece of kit, offering up some great features and good sound quality. Let’s take a look at the device.
Features
- All-in-One audio system for iPod, iPhone and MP3 players.
- Five driver speaker system incorporates unique vibration and resonance control technologies coupled with low frequency porting and mid-range tuned cavities for smoother, cleaner audio.
- Magnetically shielded 5.75-inch woofer, two 2.75-inch midrange drivers and two 2.5-inch tweeters.
- Digital FM radio.
- Top mounted iPod/iPhone dock with universal docking system is compatible with all iPod and iPhone models.
- Aux input allows MP3 players and MP3 enabled cellular phones to be connected and played.
- Remote control with full function iPod and iPhone control and navigation.
- Full range 100-240V 50/60Hz “universal” switch-mode power supply.
As you can see, the Edifier is pretty feature-packed.
Features of note: the Five driver speaker system, which offers up good quality, clean sounds.
The remote included makes operating the speaker much more handy, and the controls are very simple.
On the base plate, you’ll find the iPod / iPhone dock, controls for volume (and mode – with a choice of iPod / FM tuner or AUX in for generic MP3 players) and the IR receiver, covered in a black gloss plate.
The whole unit feels very well built, and of good quality. The gloss black finish looks very sleek and aluminum finish on the base plate adds a touch of class. The unusual almost saucer shaped speaker really stands out from the crowd.
Styling & Looks
The Luna 5 is pretty big. But as they say, big is beautiful. The rear of the speaker is finished in a piano gloss black, with a single LED in the center that lights up when in operation.
The front of the speaker is taken up mostly with the large speaker, and the docking / control port – which is finished with a brushed aluminum casing.
The speaker looks very slick, and sits perfectly next to your iMac as much as it does in your living room.
Test
Now for the fun part, the test. After unpacking the speaker and setting it up with supplied AC power adaptor, we set about trying out some of our favorite tunes. We also tested a mixture of song styles and genres, in order to get a feel for the bass and treble and see how the speakers handle heavy metal or 1980′s pop.
It has to be said the quality of sound is pretty much pin sharp. There’s a good amount of bass and treble, but it’s the crispness you’ll most enjoy.
Even at full volume there is little to no distortion, delivering powerful, clean sounds. At full volume, the speaker is incredibly loud.
We tested the speaker with both Spotify & iTunes. Sound quality across the board was excellent. Spotify is re-knowned for it’s less than great music quality due to processing for streaming, but the speakers made up for that with superior quality.
We are more than happy with the sounds delivered from the speaker.
The brushed aluminum plate
We then moved on to testing out the built in FM transmitter. Tuning was painless and the signal was strong in several locations throughout our office. Having the Edifier handle FM radio is great idea, as it reduces the number of gadgets on your desk and makes up for the iPhones lack of radio.
The Luna 5 remote made operating the speakers very simple and enjoyable. The remote itself is not overly big, and very comfortable in the hand.
Conclusion
Overall we’d rate the Luna 5 as 8 / 10.
The speaker looks great and offers up clear, crisp audio. There’s a good amount of bass and treble, though from what we’ve seen, there is no way to adjust the levels. The package is well thought out and caters for most all iPods / iPhone models.
Pros
- Looks great – a real statement
- Sound quality is crystal clear and well defined
- Good volume range
- Easy operation with remote
- Lengthy power cable
- Good value
Cons
- A little on the large side (not that it bothered us)
- Would benefit from bass / treble adjustment.
The Luna 5 is available from all good retail stores, for a SRP of £199.99 (US MSRP $249).
For more information, visit Edifier UK | US.