The Edirol MA-15D is an inexpensive pair of compact, active near-field monitors, aimed at the high-end consumer and hobbyist. The speakers allow for listening to any source, analog or digital. Digital sources such as computer sound cards, MP3 and MiniDiscs players, DAT machines and CD players can be directly monitored using the on-board, high-resolution 24-bit/192 kHz digital to analog converters.
The speakers accept analog sources using either 1/4" phone or RCA phono connectors. This desktop monitor has S/PDIF inputs on both optical/Toslink and RCA coaxial connectors, although only one format can be monitored at a time. Additionally, a digital source and the analog source at the RCA connectors can be monitored simultaneously.
Each speaker in a pair is individually powered with its own amplifier. Separate tone controls for bass and treble allow for tailoring the speakers' tonal response, while two volume controls (lines 1 and 2) allow flexibility while monitoring two analog or an analog and digital sources. A headphone connection mutes the speaker output when a set of headphones is plugged in. Magnetic shielding allows for placement close to computer or TV monitor and the MA-15D comes with a wood-grained cabinet finish.