Short answer: the Adam Audio A4V if sound quality matters most, the Edifier R1280T if price matters most. The Adam Audio A4V ranks #42 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $599.99. The Edifier R1280T ranks #59 at $129.99, $470 cheaper.
What the Edifier R1280T offers: ASR’s review found useful moderate-level bass output from an inexpensive powered pair. Remote volume and bass/treble controls make it easy to use without separate amplification. Measured bass reaches -3dB around 63Hz. Watch for: Preference scores of 1.70 standalone and 4.31 with an ideal subwoofer reflect substantial tonal limitations, not just missing bass. The response spans 5.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.650. Resonances and treble unevenness affect reflected sound too. Listening height is important, and high-level compression changes the balance.
What the Adam Audio A4V offers: Compact monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room-correction integration. ASR’s Klippel data gives a -3dB point around 59Hz and preference scores of 3.02 standalone and 5.43 with an ideal subwoofer. Its adjustment facilities are useful when placement or tonal correction is needed. Watch for: 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. The native response should therefore not be called smoothly neutral. Correction potential is not the same as stock performance, and analog audio inputs mean a separate interface is needed for USB sources.
Buy the Edifier R1280T when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the Adam Audio A4V when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
The Edifier R1280T is not a sound-quality pick. It sits near the bottom of the 65 powered bookshelf speakers; there are better options higher up.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280T | Adam Audio A4V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 per pair | $1,199.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #59 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| 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) | - |
| 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 | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 130W RMS each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.70 | 3.02 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.31 | 5.43 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, dual front ports |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 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 R1280T: $129.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: ASR’s review found useful moderate-level bass output from an inexpensive powered pair. Remote volume and bass/treble controls make it easy to use without separate amplification. Measured bass reaches -3dB around 63Hz. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Preference scores of 1.70 standalone and 4.31 with an ideal subwoofer reflect substantial tonal limitations, not just missing bass. The response spans 5.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.650. Resonances and treble unevenness affect reflected sound too. Listening height is important, and high-level compression changes the balance.
Full Edifier R1280T review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.2"H x 7.7"W x 5.7"D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input |
| Outputs | None |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.31 |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Adam Audio A4V: $1,199.98 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Compact monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room-correction integration. ASR’s Klippel data gives a -3dB point around 59Hz and preference scores of 3.02 standalone and 5.43 with an ideal subwoofer. Its adjustment facilities are useful when placement or tonal correction is needed.
Cons: 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. The native response should therefore not be called smoothly neutral. Correction potential is not the same as stock performance, and analog audio inputs mean a separate interface is needed for USB sources.
Full Adam Audio A4V review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 130W RMS each |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in |
| Drivers | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4" MLM woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, dual front ports |
| Inputs | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.02 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.43 |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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