Short answer: the ADAM Audio A4V if sound quality matters most, the Edifier R1280T if price matters most. The ADAM Audio A4V ranks #67 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 3.6/5, at $1,079.98. The Edifier R1280T ranks #95, rated 3.1/5, at $117.99, $961.99 cheaper.
What the Edifier R1280T does well: A cheap, simple powered bookshelf pair with a remote and bass and treble knobs, no amplifier needed. Watch for: Preference scores of 2.41 standalone and 5.02 with an ideal subwoofer reflect substantial tonal limitations, not just missing bass.
The ADAM Audio A4V is the more accurate choice. A compact studio monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room correction support for tricky rooms. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.92 against 2.41 for the Edifier R1280T. The tradeoff: A small average-deviation figure hides a major localized response irregularity: the selected measurement spans 10.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.547.
Buy the Edifier R1280T when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the ADAM Audio A4V when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
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A cheap, simple powered bookshelf pair with a remote and bass and treble knobs, no amplifier needed.
A compact studio monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room correction support for tricky rooms.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280T | ADAM Audio A4V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $117.99 per pair | $1,079.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #95 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #67 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | - |
| Dimensions | 9.2”H x 7.7”W x 5.7”D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 41kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4” MLM woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 130W RMS each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.41 | 3.92 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 | 6.33 |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, dual front ports |
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