Short answer: the Neumann KH80 DSP for the higher ranking, the Edifier R1280DB for the lower price. The Neumann KH80 DSP ranks #4 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers at $598.98. The Edifier R1280DB ranks #23 at $189.99, $408.99 cheaper.
On the Edifier R1280DB side: 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.
The case for the Neumann KH80 DSP: Near identical sound to the 8020D. The catch: High price.
Buy the Edifier R1280DB if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the Neumann KH80 DSP if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DB | Neumann KH80 DSP | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 | $598.98 |
| Ranked | #23 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 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) | 13.6"H x 10.8"W x 9.6"D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | XLR |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg | 9 lbs / 4.1 kg each |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 4.1" woofer, 1" fabric dome tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (via DSP) |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Per Speaker | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 51Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 57Hz |
| DSP | - | Yes |
| Max SPL | - | 110.7dB @ 1m |
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
- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1700BT
- Edifier R1280DB vs KEF LSX II LT
- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier S1000W
- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- Edifier R1280DB vs Presonus Eris E5
- Edifier R1280DB vs Adam Audio T5V
- Edifier R1280DB vs JBL 305P MKII
- Edifier R1280DB vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO
- See all 12 comparisons
- Links
Neumann KH80 DSP: $598.98 Amazon
Pros: Near identical sound to the 8020D. 8020D is slightly cleaner, KH80 is slightly warmer.
Cons: High price. Companion app for EQ/setup is iPad-only - no Android or Bluetooth option despite being control-only. There’s a dip in energy around the crossover that gets worse with ceiling/rear-wall reflections, and in one reviewer’s listening test the smoother-measuring KH80 actually sounded smaller and less present than the cheaper JBL 305P MKII, which had more perceived bass and clarity despite measuring worse.
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 10.8"W x 9.6"D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.1" woofer, 1" fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Weight | 9 lbs / 4.1 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8020D Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Focal Shape 40 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs JBL 305P MKII Sound & Frquency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: KEF LSX vs Neumann KH80 DSP Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio A3X vs Neumann KH80 DSP Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8020D
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Kali LP-UNF
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8030C
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs JBL 305P MKII
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Adam Audio T5V
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Presonus Eris E5
- See all 14 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.