Short answer: the Edifier D12, and the reviews make it an easy read. Our notes list no cons at all for the D12, which ranks #2 of 14 in its powered desktop class at $179.99. The Acton II has no listed pros, ranks #10 at $195.60, and costs more.
The Acton II’s complaints are specific. Boosted upper bass without reaching as deep as competitors, boosted highs, and an overall sound our notes describe as mushy. That’s a lot working against a speaker at this price.
The D12 backs up its ranking with a genuine value case. Our notes call it a very good value speaker in this category, and it adds a subwoofer line out for anyone who wants to expand the system later, a feature the Acton II doesn’t offer.
Buy the D12. Between a speaker with no listed flaws and one with no listed strengths, at a lower price, this isn’t a close decision.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier D12 | Marshall Acton II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $193.63 |
| Ranked | #2 of 13 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers | #10 of 13 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 57Hz | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Wifi, Aux, RCA | Bluetooth, Aux |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Outputs | Subwoofer line out | - |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Drivers | 2x 4" woofers, 2x 19mm silk dome tweeters | 4" (midrange/woofer), 1x 4" midrange, 2x 0.75" Dome tweeters |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg | 6.4 lbs / 2.9 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | Ported | Ported |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 14.1" x 6.3" x 8.0" (359 x 159 x 203.5 mm) | 10.24" x 6.02" x 5.91" (260 x 153 x 150 mm) |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble controls) | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Wifi | No | No |
| Output Power | 70W (R/L treble: 15W+15W, R/L mid-bass: 20W+20W) | 50W (Woofer: 25W, Tweeters: 2x12.5W) |
| Voice Assistants | - | Yes |
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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Marshall Acton II: $193.63 Amazon
Cons: Boosted upper bass, not as deep bass as competitors. Boosted highs. Sounds mushy.
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 10.24" x 6.02" x 5.91" (260 x 153 x 150 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (midrange/woofer), 1x 4" midrange, 2x 0.75" Dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux |
| Output Power | 50W (Woofer: 25W, Tweeters: 2x12.5W) |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | No |
| Voice Assistants | Yes |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs / 2.9 kg |
| Wifi | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | Ported |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier D12 vs Marshall Acton II sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Marshall Stanmore II vs Marshall Acton II sound.DEMO
- Danny Pops: Marshall Acton 2 vs Klipsch The One 2 - which sounds better?
- One-month hobbyist: Klipsch The One ii vs Marshall Acton ii Sound Battle
- Storytripper HD: Marshall Acton 2 vs Marshall Kilburn 2
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 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.