Short answer: the Presonus Eris E5. It ranks #10 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers at $109.99; the Edifier R1280DB ranks #23 and costs $189.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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.
Buy the Edifier R1280DB if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the Presonus Eris E5 if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DB | Presonus Eris E5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 | $109.99 |
| Ranked | #23 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #10 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) | 10.2"H x 7.0"W x 7.7"D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg each |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Per Speaker | 80w 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 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Presonus Eris E5: $109.99 Amazon
Cons: More HiFi sounding than the HS5 and not quite as detailed, although with deeper bass and a more fun listen.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 10.2"H x 7.0"W x 7.7"D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Output Power | 80w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio T5V vs Presonus Eris E5 5 Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS5 vs Presonus Eris E5 Sound Demo
- DSAUDIO.review: Fluid Audio F5 vs Presonus Eris E5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Presonus Eris E5 5 Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: PreSonus Eris E5 XT vs PreSonus Eris E5 (new vs old) Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: JBL 305P MKII vs PreSonus Eris E5 6-Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Mackie CR5 BT vs Presonus Eris E5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 5 RP5G3 vs Presonus E5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: JBL LSR305 vs Presonus Eris E5 Sound Demo
- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 vs Presonus Eris E5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Presonus Eris E5 vs KRK Rokit 5 G4
- Presonus Eris E5 vs Yamaha HS5
- Presonus Eris E5 vs Presonus Eris E5 XT
- Presonus Eris E5 vs Adam Audio T5V
- Presonus Eris E5 vs JBL 305P MKII
- Presonus Eris E5 vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO
- Presonus Eris E5 vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- Presonus Eris E5 vs Edifier S1000W
- 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.