Short answer: the Kanto YU6 for better sound quality, the Edifier R1280T for the lower price. The Kanto YU6 ranks #29 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $579.99. The Edifier R1280T ranks #59 at $129.99, $450 cheaper.
What the Edifier R1280T offers: 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. Watch for: Preference scores of 1.70 standalone and 4.31 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.
What the Kanto YU6 offers: ASR’s measurements give preference scores of 3.37 standalone and 5.98 with an ideal subwoofer, stronger than several smaller lifestyle pairs. Phono input, optical connections and remote control make it useful for a simple multi-source system. The overall response trend is close to level rather than strongly tilted. Watch for: Local response variation remains despite the mild overall tilt: the midrange span is 3.8dB and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.419. Bass reaches -3dB around 75Hz, so the preference model’s 58Hz LFX value should not be quoted as full-level bass extension. A subwoofer improves bandwidth but does not remove tonal irregularities.
Buy the Edifier R1280T if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Kanto YU6 if sound quality matters more than the price.
The Edifier R1280T is not a sound-quality pick. It sits near the bottom of the 65 powered bookshelf speakers; there are better options higher up.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280T | Kanto YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 per pair | $579.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #59 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 65 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) | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Outputs | None | Subwoofer |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 1" silk dome tweeter, 5.25" Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.70 | 3.37 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.31 | 5.98 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Genelec 8331A vs Kanto YU6
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Kanto YU6
- Genelec 8030C vs Kanto YU6
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Kanto YU6
- Kanto YU6 vs Dynaudio LYD 5
Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 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: $129.99 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 80Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Preference scores of 1.70 standalone and 4.31 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 →
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Outputs | None |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.31 |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kanto YU6: $579.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: ASR’s measurements give preference scores of 3.37 standalone and 5.98 with an ideal subwoofer, stronger than several smaller lifestyle pairs. Phono input, optical connections and remote control make it useful for a simple multi-source system. The overall response trend is close to level rather than strongly tilted.
Cons: Local response variation remains despite the mild overall tilt: the midrange span is 3.8dB and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.419. Bass reaches -3dB around 75Hz, so the preference model’s 58Hz LFX value should not be quoted as full-level bass extension. A subwoofer improves bandwidth but does not remove tonal irregularities.
Full Kanto YU6 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Country | Canada (design) |
| Dimensions | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Drivers | 1" silk dome tweeter, 5.25" Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.37 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.98 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons