Short answer: it comes down to bass value versus input specs. The Edifier R1280DB delivers excellent bass output and power handling for the price without bottoming out or distorting when played loud, though it is not quite as neutral as the Edifier MR4. The S2000MKIII counters with high resolution digital input up to 192kHz/24bit, and it costs $594.98 against $189.99.
Buy the Edifier R1280DB if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Edifier S2000MKIII if sound quality matters more than the price.
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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DB | Edifier S2000MKIII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 per pair | $594.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #94 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #71 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| 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) | 13.5”H x 7.8”W x 10.8”D (342.9 x 198.1 x 274.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 40.5Hz at -3dB; 37Hz at -6dB (Spinorama) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Outputs | None | None |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC, aptX HD |
| EQ | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 65w RMS Per Speaker |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.99 |
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