Short answer: the Edifier S2000MKIII if sound quality matters most, the Edifier R1280T if price matters most. The Edifier S2000MKIII ranks #48 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 3.5/5, at $699.99. The Edifier R1280T ranks #62, rated 3.1/5, at $149.99, $550 cheaper.
Buy the Edifier R1280T if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Edifier S2000MKIII if sound quality is the priority over the price.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280T | Edifier S2000MKIII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 per pair | $699.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #62 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #48 of 68 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) | 13.5”H x 7.8”W x 10.8”D (342.9 x 198.1 x 274.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 40.5Hz at -3dB; 37Hz at -6dB (Spinorama) |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Outputs | None | None |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes, 5.0 |
| EQ | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 65w RMS Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.41 | 4.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 | 5.99 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX HD |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier R1280T: $149.99 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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Edifier S2000MKIII: $699.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: The available digitized response suggests substantial bass reach, with a -3dB estimate around 41Hz. Scores are 4.24 standalone and 5.99 with an ideal subwoofer. Digital inputs and a self-contained stereo-pair format are convenient for general music listening. Digital input handles high-resolution audio up to 192kHz/24-bit.
Cons: The 4.0dB midrange span and uneven predicted room response suggest meaningful coloration. Favorable modeled EQ results should not be treated as the sound of the stock speaker or as proof that all dispersion issues are correctable.
Full Edifier S2000MKIII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 65w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.5”H x 7.8”W x 10.8”D (342.9 x 198.1 x 274.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 40.5Hz at -3dB; 37Hz at -6dB (Spinorama) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.99 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier S2000MKIII sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
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- Archimago Measurements (spinorama.org)
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