Short answer: the Focal Alpha 50 EVO for the higher ranking, the Edifier R1280DB for the lower price. The Focal Alpha 50 EVO ranks #6 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers at $314. The Edifier R1280DB ranks #23 at $189.99, $124.01 cheaper.
What the Edifier R1280DB gets right: Excellent bass output and power handling for the price, not bottoming out or distorting even played loud. Set against that: Not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4.
On the Focal Alpha 50 EVO side: More neutral than the great HS5.
Buy the Edifier R1280DB if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the Focal Alpha 50 EVO if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DB | Focal Alpha 50 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 | $314.00 |
| Ranked | #23 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #6 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| 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 9.0"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 | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Per Speaker | 60w Per Speaker |
The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier R1280DB: $189.99 Amazon
Pros: Excellent bass output and power handling for the price, not bottoming out or distorting even played loud. Built-in remote and bass/treble tone controls, no separate preamp needed.
Cons: Not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4
| App | No |
|---|---|
| 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 Per Speaker |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Focal Alpha 50 EVO: $314.00 Amazon
Pros: More neutral than the great HS5
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 12.2"H x 9.0"W x 9.4"D (309.9 x 228.6 x 238.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| Output Power | 60w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs / 6.0 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Adam Audio T5V sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review APS Klasik 2020 vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs JBL 305P MKII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio A5X vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Eve Audio SC205 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Kali Audio LP-6 V2 (2nd Wave) vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Yamaha HS5 sound.DEMO
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs JBL 305P MKII
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Kali LP-UNF
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Adam Audio T5V
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Yamaha HS5
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Genelec 8020D
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Genelec 8030C
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Presonus Eris E5
- See all 18 comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.