Short answer: the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB for better sound quality, the Edifier R1280T for the lower price. The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB ranks higher than the Edifier R1280T (#11 vs #95 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued. Its replacement, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, is rated 4.4/5 at $3,998; the Edifier R1280T is rated 3.1/5 at $117.99, $3,880.01 cheaper.
The case for the Edifier R1280T: A cheap, simple powered bookshelf pair with a remote and bass and treble knobs, no amplifier needed. The tradeoff: Preference scores of 2.41 standalone and 5.02 with an ideal subwoofer reflect substantial tonal limitations, not just missing bass.
The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.87 against 2.41 for the Edifier R1280T. Its bass reaches about 30Hz before falling 3dB, against 63Hz for the Edifier R1280T. The catch: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume.
Buy the Edifier R1280T if price matters most. For better sound quality, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, the replacement for the discontinued Devialet Phantom II 98 dB, is rated higher but costs $3,998.
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A cheap, simple powered bookshelf pair with a remote and bass and treble knobs, no amplifier needed.
A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound.
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 | Devialet Phantom II 98 dB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $117.99 per pair | $2,998 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #95 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #11 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 9.2”H x 7.7”W x 5.7”D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 18Hz - 21kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 400W RMS each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.41 | 6.87 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 | 7.95 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Maximum SPL | - | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
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