Short answer: the KEF LSX II LT for the higher ranking, the Edifier R1280DB for the lower price. The KEF LSX II LT ranks #17 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers at $449.99. The Edifier R1280DB ranks #23 at $189.99, $260 cheaper.
What the Edifier R1280DB gets right: Excellent bass output and power handling for the price, not bottoming out or distorting even played loud. The catch: Not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4.
On the KEF LSX II LT side: Coaxial (Uni-Q-style) driver keeps the tweeter centered in the midrange. The tradeoff: Small drivers mean it’s SPL-limited: bass compression kicks in around 88-92dB/1m per speaker.
Buy the Edifier R1280DB if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the KEF LSX II LT if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DB | KEF LSX II LT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 | $449.99 |
| Ranked | #23 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #17 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) | 9.5"H x 6.1"W x 7.1"D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | None | RCA Subwoofer |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Per Speaker | 100w RMS 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 |
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KEF LSX II LT: $449.99 Amazon
Pros: Coaxial (Uni-Q-style) driver keeps the tweeter centered in the midrange, giving wide and consistent dispersion both horizontally and vertically (about ±60° each) - a wide sweet spot for multiple seats or positions. The KEF Connect app provides genuinely useful DSP control: desk/wall boundary compensation, adjustable bass contour (standard/less/extra), treble trim, and subwoofer integration, letting you tune the sound to wherever it’s placed. Distortion at a moderate 86dB looks good for the speaker’s compact size. Tonal profile stays consistent from 0° to 30° off-axis, so side-seat listeners hear essentially the same balance as someone centered. Extensive connectivity for its size: HDMI, USB, optical, sub output, plus Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. Clearly outperformed the reviewer’s soundbars, including ones bundled with their own subwoofers, as a TV audio replacement.
Cons: Small drivers mean it’s SPL-limited: bass compression kicks in around 88-92dB/1m per speaker, and multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold around 96dB - not intended for loud or large-room duty. F3 of 55Hz and F10 of 46Hz mean it loses much of its bass by around 50Hz; a subwoofer (controllable through the same app) is needed for real low end. Diffraction dips appear around 4-5kHz and again near 8kHz, likely tied to the tweeter housing or surround, giving a mild reduction in treble attack and sibilance. A possible port or enclosure resonance shows up around 800Hz in the rear-radiation measurements, though the reviewer wasn’t certain of the exact cause or whether it’s audible. No analog input on this LT variant, so a turntable can’t be connected directly - only the pricier standard LSX II model includes one.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 6.1"W x 7.1"D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Output Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer |
| Weight | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head 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.