Short answer: the Edifier R1700BT. It ranks #84 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $175.99. The Edifier R1280T ranks #89, rated 3.1/5, at $119.99, $56 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The R1700BT adds Bluetooth and more power. Its 4-inch woofers run on 66W per speaker, and it pairs Bluetooth with analog inputs for a simple desktop or shelf system. Its balance leans toward boosted bass and treble rather than neutrality, and it has no optical or HDMI input.
The R1280T is the cheaper analog-only pair with known measurements. Audio Science Review found useful bass at moderate levels, reaching 63Hz before falling 3dB, but its response spans 5.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and its preference score is a low 2.41. It has a remote and bass and treble knobs. Sit at tweeter height, since its balance changes above and below.
Buy the Edifier R1700BT. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $56 with the Edifier R1280T does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280T | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.99 per pair | $175.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #89 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #84 of 100 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”H x 6.1”W x 8.4”D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Outputs | None | None |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.41 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| 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 |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 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: $119.99 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 63Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Preference scores of 2.41 standalone and 5.02 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 →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.41 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
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Edifier R1700BT: $175.99 per pair Amazon 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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