Short answer: the Edifier MR5 if sound quality matters most, the Edifier R1280T if price matters most. The Edifier MR5 ranks #78 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 3.3/5, at $349.99. The Edifier R1280T ranks #95, rated 3.1/5, at $149.99, $200 cheaper.
The Edifier MR5 is the deeper-bass choice. A three way desktop monitor pair with a dedicated midrange, LDAC Bluetooth, balanced inputs, app EQ and a headphone jack. Its bass reaches about 51Hz before falling 3dB, against 63Hz for the Edifier R1280T. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Edifier R1280T lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Edifier R1280T lacks. Watch for: Erin’s CTA-2034 data shows upper-midrange and treble irregularities, while off-axis response narrows more quickly than ideal above about 2-3kHz.
Why pick the Edifier R1280T: A cheap, simple powered bookshelf pair with a remote and bass and treble knobs, no amplifier needed. The catch: Preference scores of 2.41 standalone and 5.02 with an ideal subwoofer reflect substantial tonal limitations, not just missing bass.
Buy the Edifier MR5 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Edifier R1280T when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR5 | Edifier R1280T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair | $149.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #78 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #95 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 6.3”W x 10.4”H x 11”D (159 x 264 x 280 mm) (active); 159W x 264H x 257D mm (passive) | 9.2”H x 7.7”W x 5.7”D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 46Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux | 2x RCA Input |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone | None |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Drivers | 5-inch woofer + 3.75-inch midrange + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| App | Yes (Edifier ConneX) | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, SBC | - |
| EQ | Yes (app EQ and rear high/low controls) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 110W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) | 42w RMS Total |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Measurement Source | Erin’s Audio Corner | - |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 2.41 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.02 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Edifier MR5 compares with other leading options: