Short answer: the Kali Audio SM-5 for better sound quality, the Edifier R1280DB for the lower price. The Kali Audio SM-5 ranks #4 of 60 powered bookshelf speakers at $3000. The Edifier R1280DB ranks #35 at $159.98, $2840.02 cheaper.
What the Edifier R1280DB offers: Same drivers and cabinet as the ASR-measured Edifier R1280T (identical 4” woofer, same 4.9kg enclosure) plus Bluetooth and digital optical/coax inputs the R1280T doesn’t have. ASR’s measurements of that shared platform found the woofer handled a demanding bass-heavy track without bottoming out or audible distortion, and distortion stayed low and inaudible at a normal 86dB SPL listening level. Built-in remote and bass/treble tone controls, no separate preamp needed. Watch for: Shares the R1280T’s jagged on-axis response rather than a neutral one, with a woofer resonance around 5kHz and a tweeter peak near 10kHz that also show up in the directivity data. The reviewer’s raw impression of that platform was “a bit bass heavy and after a track or two, somewhat bright,” and recommends EQ correction; vertical listening window is narrow, so the tweeter needs to be angled toward the ears. Not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4.
What the Kali Audio SM-5 offers: True coaxial design with the tweeter mounted inside the midrange, and an unusually large waveguide that extends into the front baffle itself - directivity is excellent both horizontally (about +/-55 degrees) and vertically (+50/-40 degrees), so off-axis and low-seated listening positions still get a consistent tonal balance. Overall linearity is very good with in-room extension to about 40-45Hz. Distortion at 96dB is very low through the midrange, with only a mild, expected breakup around 3kHz tied to a small dip in the response there. Built-in DSP with free downloadable software lets you EQ each speaker individually for placement or room correction without an outboard processor, and the cabinet is wall-mountable - useful for surrounds, front heights, or tight desk setups. Compares very favorably to Kali’s own IN-8: similar raw linearity and distortion, but without the IN-8’s diffraction issues above 7kHz. Watch for: Bass output is limited by the 5” mid-bass driver - don’t expect much excursion or high-SPL low end, though extension itself is reasonable for the size. A mild high-Q resonance lingers around 2.5-4kHz in burst decay, though not strong. Instantaneous dynamic range is limited to roughly 96-102dB at 1m before compression sets in.
Buy the Edifier R1280DB if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Kali Audio SM-5 if sound quality matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DB | Kali Audio SM-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.98 | $3000 |
| Ranked | #35 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread’s chart | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread’s chart | 39Hz (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) | 15.7"H x 7.9"W x 9.8"D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) (15.6 x 7.9 x 9.8 in) |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg | 20.9 lbs / 9.5 kg (21 lb) each |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 1" coaxial tweeter, 4" coaxial midrange, 5" mid-bass woofer |
| App | No | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes, per-speaker DSP |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Total | 150W total |
| Max SPL | - | 117dB |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 AM 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: $159.98 Amazon eBay
Pros: Same drivers and cabinet as the ASR-measured Edifier R1280T (identical 4” woofer, same 4.9kg enclosure) plus Bluetooth and digital optical/coax inputs the R1280T doesn’t have. ASR’s measurements of that shared platform found the woofer handled a demanding bass-heavy track without bottoming out or audible distortion, and distortion stayed low and inaudible at a normal 86dB SPL listening level. Built-in remote and bass/treble tone controls, no separate preamp needed.
Cons: Shares the R1280T’s jagged on-axis response rather than a neutral one, with a woofer resonance around 5kHz and a tweeter peak near 10kHz that also show up in the directivity data. The reviewer’s raw impression of that platform was “a bit bass heavy and after a track or two, somewhat bright,” and recommends EQ correction; vertical listening window is narrow, so the tweeter needs to be angled toward the ears. Not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4.
Full Edifier R1280DB review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart |
| 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 Total |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- 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
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Reddit Search for Edifier R1280DB Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R1280DB vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO
- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1280T
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- Edifier R1280DB vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
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- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier MR4
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Kali Audio SM-5: $3000 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: True coaxial design with the tweeter mounted inside the midrange, and an unusually large waveguide that extends into the front baffle itself - directivity is excellent both horizontally (about +/-55 degrees) and vertically (+50/-40 degrees), so off-axis and low-seated listening positions still get a consistent tonal balance. Overall linearity is very good with in-room extension to about 40-45Hz. Distortion at 96dB is very low through the midrange, with only a mild, expected breakup around 3kHz tied to a small dip in the response there. Built-in DSP with free downloadable software lets you EQ each speaker individually for placement or room correction without an outboard processor, and the cabinet is wall-mountable - useful for surrounds, front heights, or tight desk setups. Compares very favorably to Kali’s own IN-8: similar raw linearity and distortion, but without the IN-8’s diffraction issues above 7kHz.
Cons: Bass output is limited by the 5” mid-bass driver - don’t expect much excursion or high-SPL low end, though extension itself is reasonable for the size. A mild high-Q resonance lingers around 2.5-4kHz in burst decay, though not strong. Instantaneous dynamic range is limited to roughly 96-102dB at 1m before compression sets in.
Full Kali Audio SM-5 review and specifications →
| App | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7"H x 7.9"W x 9.8"D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) (15.6 x 7.9 x 9.8 in) |
| Drivers | 1" coaxial tweeter, 4" coaxial midrange, 5" mid-bass woofer |
| EQ | Yes, per-speaker DSP |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control |
| Max SPL | 117dB |
| Output Power | 150W total |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs / 9.5 kg (21 lb) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons