Short answer: the JBL 305P MKII for studio-monitor value, the Edifier R1280DB for affordable bass output. The JBL is called a fantastic value in studio monitors, though it may hiss slightly from its amps at low levels. The R1280DB is not as neutral as the Edifier MR4, but it stays composed when played loud, and it costs $129.01 less.
What the Edifier R1280DB gets right: Excellent bass output and power handling for the price, not bottoming out or distorting even played loud. The tradeoff: Not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4.
Buy the JBL 305P MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $129.01 saving on the Edifier R1280DB is not enough to make up the difference.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DB | JBL 305P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 per pair | $319.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #94 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #18 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 | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 9.2”H x 5.7”W x 7.7”D (233.7 x 144.8 x 195.6 mm) | 11.7”H x 7.3”W x 9.1”D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | XLR, TRS |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 10.4 lbs (4.7 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 | 81w Per Speaker |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| 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 |
| Sensitivity | - | 91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.38 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.52 |
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