Short answer: the Edifier R1280DB for better sound quality, the Neumi BS5P for the lower price. The Edifier R1280DB ranks #35 of 58 powered bookshelf speakers at $159.98. The Neumi BS5P ranks #54 at $150, $9.98 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 Neumi BS5P offers: Exceptionally broad connectivity for the price: Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs, remote control and 75W total amplification. The 5-inch fiberglass woofer/1-inch silk-dome platform has generally useful directivity outside port resonances and therefore responds well to corrective EQ. Compact dimensions and ample nearfield volume make it practical for a desk or small room. Watch for: The original firmware Erin reviewed produces a pronounced V-curve—excess midbass and treble with recessed dialogue/midrange—and is a fidelity step backward from the passive BS5. Nearfield treble above 8kHz rises as much as 4dB relative to farfield, distortion is already substantial at 86dB, and compression becomes severe above 96dB. Port resonances further contaminate the response. Erin later measured improved firmware, but buyers must confirm revision. Passive sensitivity and impedance are not applicable.
Buy the Edifier R1280DB if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Neumi BS5P if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Neumi BS5P. It ranks near the bottom of the 58 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DB | Neumi BS5P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.98 | $150/pair |
| Ranked | #35 of 58 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #54 of 58 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 | 90.8Hz (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 | 56.1Hz (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) | - |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg | - |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 1" silk-dome tweeter; 5" fiberglass woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Total | - |
| Bass Extension | - | Erin’s response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Power | - | 75W total |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Edifier R1280T vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1280T
- Adam Audio T5V vs Edifier R1280T
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Neumi BS5P
- Edifier R1280DB vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
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
- Edifier R1280DB vs Topping MA4
- Edifier R1280DB vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- Edifier R1280DB vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Edifier R1280DB vs Presonus Eris E5
- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier MR4
- Edifier R1280DB vs KRK Classic 5
- See all 36 comparisons
Neumi BS5P: $150/pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Exceptionally broad connectivity for the price: Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs, remote control and 75W total amplification. The 5-inch fiberglass woofer/1-inch silk-dome platform has generally useful directivity outside port resonances and therefore responds well to corrective EQ. Compact dimensions and ample nearfield volume make it practical for a desk or small room.
Cons: The original firmware Erin reviewed produces a pronounced V-curve—excess midbass and treble with recessed dialogue/midrange—and is a fidelity step backward from the passive BS5. Nearfield treble above 8kHz rises as much as 4dB relative to farfield, distortion is already substantial at 86dB, and compression becomes severe above 96dB. Port resonances further contaminate the response. Erin later measured improved firmware, but buyers must confirm revision. Passive sensitivity and impedance are not applicable.
Full Neumi BS5P review and specifications →
| Bass Extension | Erin's response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56.1Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1" silk-dome tweeter; 5" fiberglass woofer |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA |
| Power | 75W total |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons