Just recently I got my hands on the Edifier MP230, a contest held by Edifier on facebook
so I've decided to give a comparison review of my previous MP221 that I got free also from Edifier during that TT session on February 2011 (wow so many free stuff from Edifier LOL oh man I'm a parasite XD)

this review shouldn't be too long since I just got my MP230 few days only and the impressions should be short but if I found any changes I will update it.

First thing first... MP230

MP230 Delivery...




OOOOOOO YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Free direct from Edifier office
Pretty quick delivery I gotta say~ It's like Edifier messaged me yesterday and I received my package the next day LOL
Way beyond my high expectation and it's sure one awesome speed.
Nothing damaged at all


Packaging

No big deal actually... just some corrugated cardboard box like what you should expect from most modern packaging deals~

Inside it is well parted neatly will all the stuff hidden inside.
Let the picture do the talking


Instruction Manual and Warranty Card!!!!!!!



Accessories!!!!!!

This post has been edited by power911: Mar 25 2013, 12:05 PM

The main spotlight!


Uses 4 AA batteries
Loading this baby as if I'm loading shotgun shells ehehehehhee~


Listening to some tunes with my hippo Gumstick yay

This post has been edited by power911: Mar 25 2013, 12:07 PM

It's time for the MP221


Comes with a smooth gloss cardboard box unlike the MP230 corrugated cardboard box
works anyway






Pretty much the same with the MP230

just that the box is slightly smaller and the accessories given for the MP221 doesn't include a wall power socket.

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Added on purpose


Anyways~

This is what you should get when you receive the package. (left for MP221/right for MP230)

Nothing much to compare as you can see...
The MP230 is always slightly larger(or more stuff) than the MP221 even on accessories


Box is larger...


Travel pouch is larger

That's it...

This post has been edited by power911: Mar 25 2013, 12:12 PM

However


If you take a look at the cables on the right, you'll see somewhat like a mini ferrite bead on all of the 3.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable for MP230
I believe it was there because of the ability to use that wall power instead of direct USB plug or Battery powered.
As you guys should know, Wall Socket always deliver unwanted messy dirty power source to your sensitive little speakers. I believe the ferrite bead should help suppress some unwanted high frequency noise from that little power source.


The given wall power supply that I was talking about


The USB power cable however... both of them are similar for both models. Nothing big to worry about.

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Added on

Moving on to the main product




As you can see from the pictures, The MP221 has a full body gloss rounded body while the MP230 is somewhat like a flattened cylinder. Still round and smooth, which is sexy~





As mentioned... The MP230 is always larger than the MP221
Even on the power supply as shown below...
Check it out


4 alkaline batteries... okay~
The MP221 uses 4 AAA batteries while the MP230 uses 4 AA batteries.
Even the size of the batteries required must compromiee lol

This post has been edited by power911: Mar 25 2013, 12:23 PM

Okay~ Time to test them out


oh my... more blurred pics


MP221

First impression actually leads me to saying... 'okay... another portable speaker that is not gonna sound as good as my X-Mini II'

And... yea, I was right ):
But not entirely right though~

The bass for this speaker is as expected, underpowered like most any other speaker. Will distort when applied a little more bass.
But for the mids and the highs are pretty impressive. The vocals do perform very well on this unit and the trebles are crisp and sharp.
Great for casual listening and it would definitely be better than stock laptop speakers at any point.

As for the speaker driver pictured above^
I expect it to move quite a bit when you play bass just like a portable boombox.
Not even a single micrometer moved when I play it loud. The bass just distorts immediately with no visual performance. Just sound performance.
Unlike the X-Mini where the speaker driver pumps real hard that you can even see the speaker move like a true mini subwoofer

Not a big deal actually, but looking at the speaker driver I know it has potential to do so. Pretty sleek looking speaker driver. Smooth and sexy~

MP230

First impression leads me to saying that it's just an MP221 with bigger louder sound with crappy bass~

I WAS WRONG LOL

This speaker does PUMP BASS like nobody's business
Yes, you get the dub dub dubstep fast beating bass synths in such portable speaker. Loudness? Obviously louder and clearer than the MP221
Definitely a huge improvement over the MP221 especially the mids provides awesome warm vocals and detail.
The trebles are a huge improvement that could get you playing loud without piercing your ears in stress. The trebles are sharp but it is not lethal

As for the speaker driver pictured above^
Yea... it's a little ugly with that fat foamy surround and a popped out concave speaker cone.
But hey, This does have that boom boom beats just like a portable boombox with awesome mini woofers that does bass excursions (just like the X-Mini)

This is highly recommended over MP221 anytime.

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Added on here
Conclusion
Comparing two side by side I have to say that the MP221 had a slight flat fat sound while the MP230 had a slightly slim U shaped sound (in terms of EQ)
Would always recommend this MP230 anytime.
Both though, do sound very hollow and plastic, as if some cheap plastic speakers. But hey, they are some good cheap plastic speakers

I couldn't say this MP230 is the best portable speaker because in my opinion it doesn't really fit my pocket and the cables are causing too much hassle during quick setup.
(I would prefer the X-Mini II anytime but if I do need power in my music then this MP230 would be a better choice)

As for a few comments about the build quality, both of them are just awesome and the workmanship is amazing with smooth sleek body without any factory marks that catches my finger.
However, I do notice that the clear acrylic speaker cover for both MP230 and MP221 are prone to cracks especially on the clips and the middle port. Small matter but hope it could be improved. The plastic cracks easily with slight elegant lady pressure and it stays there.
Things wouldn't be pretty if your shiny product cracks. Imagine your precious brand new smartphone screen had a small scratch in the middle~ You'll be heartbroken

As a conclusion~ I would say the MP230 be a better choice of being a portable speaker anytime.
MP221 costs around RM90 while the MP230 costs around RM120
Hey! The price doesn't differ much so I guess forking out a little money should do the trick

This post has been edited by power911: Mar 25 2013, 12:27 PM

Edit 1st Jan 2012: New Findings
1. The MP230 does distort during bass beats when playing on just batteries alone. But this problem can be fixed if you supply enough power by using the wall power or the USB cable as a juice pack

However the MP221 distorts anyway no matter if it has enough power or not.

2. With the MP230 you'll get a delay charge up every single time you switch it on or off. The delay is small and it doesn't bug anyone. In fact it creates some sort of awesome smooth getting louder gradually feel each time you slide the switch on when there is music. Vice versa for when you switch it off. I guess it was done on purpose.

The MP221 just blasts immediately once you switch it on when there is music and dies immediately when you switch it off. No big deal, just that the MP221 have quicker response

This post has been edited by power911: Jan 1 2012, 08:41 PM