If you’ve ever shopped on Amazon around Prime Day, you may have purchased an Echo or Echo Dot for a discounted price. While these devices are great for home automation, they may not be the ideal choice for playing music. If you want to upgrade the speaker on your smart speaker, consider the Edifier MS50A. This Wi-Fi speaker is designed to resemble classic bookshelf speakers and is made for Alexa. With support for direct streaming from Spotify and Tidal, along with Alexa integrations, the MS50A offers traditional Hi-Fi sound without any wires. The device looks and sounds like a traditional bookshelf speaker, but it can easily fit in with your modern Alexa devices.
The MS50A has dimensions of 6” x 6” x 8” and weighs 5 lbs. It is integrated with Alexa, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Wi-Fi streaming from additional services. The device offers connectivity with 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and Airplay 2. It has no ports, comes in a Walnut color, and includes a physical mute button and touch controls. The MS50A’s speakers consist of a 4″ 25W woofer and a 19mm 15W tweeter.
While the MS50A does not have a built-in mic and can seem a bit thin in the mids, it offers booming bass that’s still clear and a powerful high-end thanks to the 15W tweeter. Its classic bookshelf speaker design makes it the perfect addition to any home. The MS50A typically retails for $150, but is occasionally discounted up to 30%.
Setting up the MS50A can be done through the Edifier Home app. Once set up, you can use the device with Alexa, Spotify, Tidal, and Airplay 2. The Edifier MS50A also works with any Echo on your network, and can even upgrade your Echo Dot’s audio by leaps and bounds through Bluetooth.
When compared to the Echo Studio, the Edifier MS50A offers similar Wi-Fi streaming support without the extra cost. The Audioengine A1-MR stereo pair is another contender, but it lacks the Bluetooth and Alexa integrations that the MS50A offers.
If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your smart speaker’s audio without any wires, the Edifier MS50A may be the perfect choice for you.
