Short answer: the D12, and the gap between them is bigger than the $28 price difference suggests. The D12 ranks #2 of 13 desktop speakers at $179.99; the R1280DB ranks #23 of 24 bookshelf speakers at $151.99 - one is near the top of its category, the other near the bottom of its.
These solve slightly different problems, which is worth being clear about. The D12 is a compact desktop pair built for a computer setup, with a subwoofer line-out if you want to add one later. The R1280DB is a larger bookshelf pair aimed at living-room use, with a remote and bass/treble controls built in.
If your use case genuinely sits on a desk, the D12 is the better speaker outright, not just the better value - it’s a strong performer in its own category, where the R1280DB is a weak one in its. The R1280DB’s real strength is raw bass output and power handling for the price without distorting when pushed loud, which is a genuine draw if you specifically want more low end than a desktop pair like the D12 can offer.
Neither is the most neutral Edifier makes. Our notes flag the R1280DB as less neutral than the Edifier MR4, so if accuracy is the priority over either of these, that’s worth a look too.
Buy the D12 for a desk setup, or if you want the better-ranked speaker outright. Buy the R1280DB only if you specifically need more bass output than the D12 provides and are willing to trade ranking position for it.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier D12 | Edifier R1280DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $151.99 |
| Ranked | #2 of 13 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #23 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 57Hz | - |
| Battery Life | No Battery | - |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Wifi, Aux, RCA | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| IP Rating | None | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer line out | None |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | - |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Drivers | 2x 4" woofers, 2x 19mm silk dome tweeters | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| TWS | No | - |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | Ported | - |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Dimensions | 14.1" x 6.3" x 8.0" (359 x 159 x 203.5 mm) | 9.2"H x 5.7"W x 7.7"D (233.7 x 144.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble controls) | No |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Wifi | No | - |
| Output Power | 70W (R/L treble: 15W+15W, R/L mid-bass: 20W+20W) | 42w RMS Per Speaker |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier D12: $179.99 Amazon
Pros: A very good value speaker in this desktop category. Subwoofer line out.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 57Hz |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 14.1" x 6.3" x 8.0" (359 x 159 x 203.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 4" woofers, 2x 19mm silk dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble controls) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Wifi, Aux, RCA |
| Output Power | 70W (R/L treble: 15W+15W, R/L mid-bass: 20W+20W) |
| Outputs | Subwoofer line out |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg |
| Wifi | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | Ported |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Links
Edifier R1280DB: $151.99 Amazon
Pros: Excellent bass output and power handling for the price, not bottoming out or distorting even played loud. Built-in remote and bass/treble tone controls, no separate preamp needed.
Cons: Not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.2"H x 5.7"W x 7.7"D (233.7 x 144.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 7, 2026 at 5:43 AM UTC and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.