Short answer: the Genelec 8320A on measured sound quality, the Edifier R1280DB on price. The Genelec 8320A ranks #8 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.5/5, at $1,700. The Edifier R1280DB ranks #88, rated 3.1/5, at $139.99, $1,560.01 cheaper.
What the Edifier R1280DB does well: Optical/coaxial inputs and Bluetooth add practical flexibility over the analog R1280T, while remote and tone controls simplify everyday listening. The catch: The compact format is better suited to nearfield listening than high-volume playback across a large room.
The Genelec 8320A is the better-sounding pick. A measured 1.6dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 8.04 with an ideal subwoofer support accurate close-range monitoring. The tradeoff: The -3dB point is about 67Hz, making a subwoofer important for lower bass and giving the larger 8330A a practical advantage without one.
Buy the Edifier R1280DB when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the Genelec 8320A when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DB | Genelec 8320A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $1,700 per pair |
| Ranked | #88 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #8 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the R1280T driver and cabinet; read from that measurement | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 53.2Hz (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) | 9.5”H x 5.9”W x 5.6”D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | XLR |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 4.1” cone woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Warranty | - | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Country | - | Finland |
| Maximum SPL | - | Peak 107dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.52 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 8.04 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8320A compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8320A vs Genelec 8331A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8320A
- Genelec 8030C vs Genelec 8320A
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8320A
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Genelec 8320A
Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier R1280DB: $139.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Optical/coaxial inputs and Bluetooth add practical flexibility over the analog R1280T, while remote and tone controls simplify everyday listening. It is a convenient inexpensive stereo system rather than a separate amplifier-and-speaker setup. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The compact format is better suited to nearfield listening than high-volume playback across a large room. Basic tone controls offer less flexibility than parametric equalization.
Full Edifier R1280DB review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the R1280T driver and cabinet; read from that measurement |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Related-model measurements: Edifier R1280T (not R1280DB)
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1700BT Sound Demo w/ Bass Test More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1280DBs vs Edifier R1700BTs Sound Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1280DBs sound.DEMO
- Related-model Spinorama: Edifier R1280T (not R1280DB)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1280T
- Edifier R1280DB vs Midiplus MI5 II
- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1700BT
- Edifier R1280DB vs JBL One Series 104
- Edifier R1280DB vs Audioengine HD4
- Edifier R1280DB vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Edifier R1280DB vs Fluid Audio FX50 V2
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- See all 70 comparisons
Genelec 8320A: $1,700 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8330A (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5), the Genelec 8340A (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.4/5) and the Genelec 8350A (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.5/5).
Pros: A measured 1.6dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 8.04 with an ideal subwoofer support accurate close-range monitoring. The waveguide helps control the balance between direct and reflected sound. GLM room calibration is useful for matching levels and placement in a compact setup. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The -3dB point is about 67Hz, making a subwoofer important for lower bass and giving the larger 8330A a practical advantage without one. Calibration hardware is sold separately. The small woofer limits its intended listening distance and bass output; a favorable response-fit parameter is not evidence that it has uniquely well-damped bass or unusually high headroom.
Full Genelec 8320A review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 5.9”W x 5.6”D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 4.1” cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | Peak 107dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.04 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons