Short answer: the Edifier R1700BT. It ranks #88 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $175.99; the Edifier R1280DBs ranks #96, rated 3.1/5, and costs $199.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The case for the Edifier R1280DBs: Adds a subwoofer output and Bluetooth 5.0 to the Edifier R1280DB formula, so it can grow into a 2.1 system later. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Edifier R1700BT lacks. The catch: It shares its drivers and cabinet with the Edifier R1280T, which measured a preference score of only 2.41 standalone (5.02 with an ideal subwoofer), with bass rolling off near 63Hz and an uneven response.
Why pick the Edifier R1700BT: A compact powered pair with analog and Bluetooth connectivity for uncomplicated desktop listening. The catch: Listening impressions suggest a bass-and-treble-forward balance rather than strict neutrality.
Buy the Edifier R1700BT. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Edifier R1280DBs and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Worth knowing: the Edifier R1280DBs has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 2.9 to 3.3, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DBs | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 per pair | $175.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #96 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #88 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 4” mid/bass driver + 0.5” silk dome tweeter (each) | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS total (21W + 21W) (Manufacturer specified) | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (pair) | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| Dimensions | 5.7”W x 9.2”H x 7.7”D (146 x 234 x 196 mm) | 10”H x 6.1”W x 8.4”D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 51Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA line in, Optical, Coaxial; Sub out | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (bass and treble knobs) | No |
| Outputs | - | None |
| XLR Input | - | No |
| RCA Input | - | Yes |
| TRS Input | - | No |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| USB Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM 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 R1280DBs: $199.99 per pair Estimated Amazon $199.99 eBay
Pros: Adds a subwoofer output and Bluetooth 5.0 to the Edifier R1280DB formula, so it can grow into a 2.1 system later. Optical, coaxial and two RCA inputs plus a remote make it an easy TV or desktop pair, and bass and treble knobs allow basic tuning.
Cons: It shares its drivers and cabinet with the Edifier R1280T, which measured a preference score of only 2.41 standalone (5.02 with an ideal subwoofer), with bass rolling off near 63Hz and an uneven response. Tiny 0.5 inch tweeters and 21W per side limit how loud and clean it gets in a larger room, and there are no higher quality Bluetooth codecs.
Full Edifier R1280DBs review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS total (21W + 21W) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 5.7”W x 9.2”H x 7.7”D (146 x 234 x 196 mm) |
| Drivers | 4” mid/bass driver + 0.5” silk dome tweeter (each) |
| EQ | Yes (bass and treble knobs) |
| Frequency Response | 51Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA line in, Optical, Coaxial; Sub out |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (pair) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Top Shelf Media: Is This The Best Budget Speaker On The Market? Edifier R1280DBs Review
- DreaTek: Best Budget Speakers? Edifier R1280DBs Bluetooth - Review & Sound Test
- Tech Guided: Edifier R2180T vs R1280Ts vs R1280DB vs R1280DBs
- The Sonic Spectrum: The BEST Budget TV Speakers Edifier 1280DBs Full Review!
- Android Central: Edifier R1280DBs review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier R1700BT: $175.99 per pair Amazon $175.99 eBay
Pros: A compact powered pair with analog and Bluetooth connectivity for uncomplicated desktop listening. Its self-contained design avoids the need for a separate amplifier.
Cons: Listening impressions suggest a bass-and-treble-forward balance rather than strict neutrality. Its analog and Bluetooth connections are less convenient for sources that require optical or HDMI input.
Full Edifier R1700BT review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10”H x 6.1”W x 8.4”D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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