Short answer: the Edifier R1280T. It ranks #28 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $129.99; the Edifier S1000MKII ranks #31 and costs $499.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Edifier R1280T side: ASR’s Klippel-based measurements found the woofer handled a demanding bass-heavy track without bottoming out or audible distortion, and distortion stayed low and inaudible at a normal 86dB SPL listening level. Set against that: On-axis response is jagged rather than neutral, with a woofer resonance around 5kHz and a tweeter peak near 10kHz that also show up in the directivity data.
The case for the Edifier S1000MKII: High resolution digital input up to 192khz/24bit. The tradeoff: No independent measurements exist - reviews are limited to informal YouTube sound-comparison videos.
Buy the Edifier R1280T. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Edifier S1000MKII and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280T | Edifier S1000MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 | $499.99 |
| Ranked | #28 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #31 of 42 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) | 13.6"H x 7.6"W x 11.6"D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Outputs | None | None |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg | 37 lbs / 16.8 kg |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 5.5" (140mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Total | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
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- Edifier R1700BT vs Edifier R2000DB
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Presonus Eris E5
- Edifier S1000W vs Presonus Eris E5
- Edifier S1000MKII vs JBL One Series 104
- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier S1000MKII
The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier R1280T: $129.99 Amazon
Pros: ASR’s Klippel-based measurements found the woofer handled a demanding bass-heavy track without bottoming out or audible distortion, and distortion stayed low and inaudible at a normal 86dB SPL listening level. Built-in remote and bass/treble tone controls, no separate preamp needed.
Cons: On-axis response is jagged rather than neutral, with a woofer resonance around 5kHz and a tweeter peak near 10kHz that also show up in the directivity data, making off-axis/room response uneven too - the reviewer’s raw impression was “a bit bass heavy and after a track or two, somewhat bright,” and he recommends EQ correction. Vertical listening window is narrow, so the tweeter needs to be angled toward the ears. Pushed to 96dB SPL the tonal balance shifts noticeably, a sign of compression starting even though the driver doesn’t audibly break up.
Full Edifier R1280T review and specifications →
| 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 |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Total |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier S1000W
- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier R1280DB
- Edifier R1280T vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier MR4
- Edifier R1280T vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Edifier R1280T vs KRK Classic 5
- Edifier R1280T vs Klipsch The Fives
- See all 17 comparisons
Edifier S1000MKII: $499.99 Amazon
Pros: High resolution digital input up to 192khz/24bit. Very close to the S2000MKIII, almost no reason to pay more
Cons: No independent measurements exist - reviews are limited to informal YouTube sound-comparison videos. As one of Edifier’s warmer-tuned lifestyle HiFi speakers, it isn’t voiced for the flat, neutral response of a measurement-verified monitor.
Full Edifier S1000MKII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 7.6"W x 11.6"D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Output Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 37 lbs / 16.8 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier S1000W
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Klipsch The Fives
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier R2000DB
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Audioengine HD4
- See all 20 comparisons