Short answer: the Genelec 8330A for better sound quality, the Edifier R1280T for the lower price. The Genelec 8330A ranks #7 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.5/5, at $2,250. The Edifier R1280T ranks #89, rated 3.1/5, at $119.99, $2,130.01 cheaper.
The case for the Edifier R1280T: ASR’s review found useful moderate-level bass output from an inexpensive powered pair. The tradeoff: Preference scores of 2.41 standalone and 5.02 with an ideal subwoofer reflect substantial tonal limitations, not just missing bass.
The Genelec 8330A is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. ASR’s measurements give a 2.3dB midrange response span and a -3dB point around 56Hz. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.54 against 2.41 for the Edifier R1280T. Its bass reaches about 55.7Hz before falling 3dB, against 63Hz for the Edifier R1280T. The catch: The listening-window response has more local variation than the Genelec 8030C or KH80 in the selected measurements, so DSP capability should not be mistaken for superior native neutrality.
Buy the Edifier R1280T if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Genelec 8330A if sound quality matters more than the price.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280T | Genelec 8330A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.99 per pair | $2,250 per pair |
| Ranked | #89 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #7 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 9.2”H x 7.7”W x 5.7”D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) | 11.8”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 5.1” cone woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.41 | 5.54 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 | 7.79 |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Warranty | - | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Country | - | Finland |
| Maximum SPL | - | 104dB (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8330A compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8330A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
- Genelec 8030C vs Genelec 8330A
- Genelec 8330A vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Genelec 8330A
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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Genelec 8330A: $2,250 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8320A (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.5/5), the Genelec 8340A (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.4/5) and the Genelec 8350A (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.5/5).
Pros: ASR’s measurements give a 2.3dB midrange response span and a -3dB point around 56Hz. Scores of 5.54 standalone and 7.79 with an ideal subwoofer indicate solid tonal accuracy, while deeper bass than the Genelec 8320A helps without a sub. GLM calibration, the waveguide and rounded aluminum enclosure make it a practical compact studio system. Measured bass extension of 55.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The listening-window response has more local variation than the Genelec 8030C or KH80 in the selected measurements, so DSP capability should not be mistaken for superior native neutrality. GLM calibration hardware costs extra. Small-driver bass headroom remains finite, and neither the modeled ideal-subwoofer score nor the fitted bass Q establishes maximum output or freedom from resonances.
Full Genelec 8330A review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 11.8”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 5.1” cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.54 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.79 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons