Short answer: the Edifier R1280T, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU ranks higher than it (#58 vs #95 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.7/5 vs 3.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Edifier R1280T is still sold new at $117.99.
Why pick 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 Kanto YU is the more accurate option. A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.46 against 2.41 for the Edifier R1280T. The catch: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
Buy the Edifier R1280T if you want one new; the Kanto YU is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A cheap, simple powered bookshelf pair with a remote and bass and treble knobs, no amplifier needed.
A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups.
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 | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $117.99 per pair | $349.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #95 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #58 of 108 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) | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Outputs | None | Subwoofer |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.41 | 3.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 | 6.38 |
| 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 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
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