Short answer: the Edifier R1280DBs. It ranks #96 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $199.99; the JBL One Series 104-BT ranks #102, rated 2.8/5, at $198. The price gap is small enough that the sound-quality ranking should decide it.
The Edifier R1280DBs is the better-sounding option. Adds a subwoofer output and Bluetooth 5.0 to the Edifier R1280DB formula, so it can grow into a 2.1 system later. 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.
The case for the JBL One Series 104-BT: The JBL One Series 104 with Bluetooth 5.0 added: the same 4.5” coaxial woofer and 3/4” tweeter, 30W per speaker and RCA, 1/8” and balanced 1/4” inputs, so it works as a compact desktop system with or without a cable. The catch: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
Buy the Edifier R1280DBs. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $1.99 with the JBL One Series 104-BT does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: Edifier R1280DBs 2.9 to 3.3; JBL One Series 104-BT 2.6 to 3.0). Treat this verdict as provisional.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DBs | JBL One Series 104-BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 per pair | $198.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #96 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #102 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Drivers | 4” mid/bass driver + 0.5” silk dome tweeter (each) | 1x 0.75” soft dome tweeter, 1x 4.5” coaxial low-frequency driver |
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS total (21W + 21W) (Manufacturer specified) | 60W (30W per speaker, Class D) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (pair) | - |
| Dimensions | 5.7”W x 9.2”H x 7.7”D (146 x 234 x 196 mm) | 9.7”H x 6”W x 4.9”D (247 x 153 x 124 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 51Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 88Hz - 20kHz (-3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA line in, Optical, Coaxial; Sub out | Bluetooth 5.0, 1/8” Aux, RCA, 1/4” TRS balanced |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (bass and treble knobs) | - |
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- Edifier R1280DBs vs Edifier R1700BTs
- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1280DBs
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
JBL One Series 104-BT: $198.00 per pair Estimated Amazon $198.00 eBay
Older model: the JBL One Series 104 (ranked higher, rated 2.8/5). See every JBL One Series 104 generation.
Pros: The JBL One Series 104 with Bluetooth 5.0 added: the same 4.5” coaxial woofer and 3/4” tweeter, 30W per speaker and RCA, 1/8” and balanced 1/4” inputs, so it works as a compact desktop system with or without a cable.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. Bass rolls off at 88Hz (-3dB), so it sounds thin without a subwoofer, and output is modest for anything beyond a desk.
Full JBL One Series 104-BT review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60W (30W per speaker, Class D) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Dimensions | 9.7”H x 6”W x 4.9”D (247 x 153 x 124 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 0.75” soft dome tweeter, 1x 4.5” coaxial low-frequency driver |
| Frequency Response | 88Hz - 20kHz (-3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth 5.0, 1/8” Aux, RCA, 1/4” TRS balanced |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons