Short answer: the Focal Alpha 50 EVO for neutrality, the Edifier R1280DB for bass value. The Alpha 50 EVO is more neutral than the great HS5, though it costs $658 against $189.99. The R1280DB offers excellent bass output and power handling for the price, not bottoming out or distorting when played loud, but it is not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4.
Buy the Edifier R1280DB if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Focal Alpha 50 EVO if sound quality matters more than the price.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DB | Focal Alpha 50 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 per pair | $658 per pair |
| Ranked | #94 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #53 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) | 12.2”H x 9”W x 9.4”D (309.9 x 228.6 x 238.8 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | - |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 60w Per Speaker |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 1.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.70 |
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