Short answer: the Edifier R1280DB. It ranks #25 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $159.98; the Dynaudio LYD 5 ranks #36 and costs $1000, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Edifier R1280DB: Same drivers and cabinet as the ASR-measured Edifier R1280T (identical 4” woofer, same 4.9kg enclosure) plus Bluetooth and digital optical/coax inputs the R1280T doesn’t have. The tradeoff: Shares the R1280T’s jagged on-axis response rather than a neutral one, with a woofer resonance around 5kHz and a tweeter peak near 10kHz that also show up in the directivity data.
What the Dynaudio LYD 5 offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with well-controlled low-frequency distortion. Watch for: A dip shows up around 1.64kHz on-axis, and the upper bass is boosted to compensate for a lack of real deep bass extension, giving a mild tubbiness.
Buy the Edifier R1280DB. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Dynaudio LYD 5 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Dynaudio LYD 5. It ranks near the bottom of the 42 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DB | Dynaudio LYD 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.98 | $1000 |
| Ranked | #25 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread’s chart | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread’s chart | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 9.2"H x 5.7"W x 7.7"D (233.7 x 144.8 x 195.6 mm) | 10.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.3"D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | - |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg each |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 5" woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | No |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Total | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| DSP | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier R1280DB: $159.98 Amazon
Pros: Same drivers and cabinet as the ASR-measured Edifier R1280T (identical 4” woofer, same 4.9kg enclosure) plus Bluetooth and digital optical/coax inputs the R1280T doesn’t have. ASR’s measurements of that shared platform found the woofer handled a demanding bass-heavy track without bottoming out or audible distortion, and distortion stayed low and inaudible at a normal 86dB SPL listening level. Built-in remote and bass/treble tone controls, no separate preamp needed.
Cons: Shares the R1280T’s jagged on-axis response rather than a neutral one, with a woofer resonance around 5kHz and a tweeter peak near 10kHz that also show up in the directivity data. The reviewer’s raw impression of that platform was “a bit bass heavy and after a track or two, somewhat bright,” and recommends EQ correction; vertical listening window is narrow, so the tweeter needs to be angled toward the ears. Not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4.
Full Edifier R1280DB review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart |
| 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 Total |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R1280DB vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
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- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1280T
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- Edifier R1280DB vs KEF LSX II LT
- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier S1000W
- Edifier R1280DB vs Presonus Eris E5
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Dynaudio LYD 5: $1000 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with well-controlled low-frequency distortion. Early reflections summation is smart engineering the reviewer called “pretty clever.” 100W total Class D amplification across a 5” woofer and 1” tweeter.
Cons: A dip shows up around 1.64kHz on-axis, and the upper bass is boosted to compensate for a lack of real deep bass extension, giving a mild tubbiness. Treble energy runs a bit hot, and the woofer beams around 4kHz, creating a directivity error there. Bass distortion exceeds acceptable levels above 1kHz at higher volumes. The reviewer said he’d personally reach for a JBL 305P MKII or Neumann KH80 DSP instead at this price.
Full Dynaudio LYD 5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.3"D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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