Short answer: the Edifier R1700BTs. It ranks #92 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $184.99. The Edifier R1280DB ranks #94, rated 3.1/5, at $153.94, $31.05 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
What the Edifier R1280DB does well: Optical/coaxial inputs and Bluetooth add practical flexibility over the analog Edifier R1280T, while remote and tone controls simplify everyday listening. Watch for: The compact format is better suited to nearfield listening than high-volume playback across a large room.
What the Edifier R1700BTs does well: Builds on the Edifier R1700BT with Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX HD, plus a subwoofer output for an easy 2.1 upgrade. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Edifier R1280DB lacks. The catch: No published measurements, so neutrality is unverified; reviewers describe a leaner bass balance than the older model, and 4 inch woofers still run out of low bass without a sub.
Buy the Edifier R1700BTs. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $31.05 saving on the Edifier R1280DB is not enough to make up the difference.
About the ratings: the Edifier R1700BTs’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 3.0 to 3.4, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Optical/coaxial inputs and Bluetooth add practical flexibility over the analog Edifier R1280T, while remote and tone controls simplify everyday listening.
Amazon $153.94 eBay
Builds on the Edifier R1700BT with Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX HD, plus a subwoofer output for an easy 2.1 upgrade.
Amazon $184.99 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 19, 2026 at 10:32 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DB | Edifier R1700BTs | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $153.94 per pair | $184.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #94 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #92 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the R1280T driver and cabinet; read from that measurement | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | - |
| Dimensions | 9.2”H x 5.7”W x 7.7”D (233.7 x 144.8 x 195.6 mm) | 6.1”W x 10”H x 8.4”D (154 x 254 x 214 mm) (active speaker) |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | Bluetooth, 2x RCA line in; Sub out |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) (pair) |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer | 4” mid/bass driver + 0.75” (19mm) silk dome tweeter (each) |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC, aptX, aptX HD |
| EQ | No | Yes (bass and treble knobs, DSP and DRC) |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 66W RMS total (2x 18W woofer + 2x 15W tweeter) (Manufacturer specified) |
| XLR Input | No | - |
| RCA Input | Yes | - |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | Yes | - |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
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