Short answer: the Edifier R1280T, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU6 ranks higher than it (#41 vs #95 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.9/5 vs 3.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Edifier R1280T is still sold new at $117.99. The Kanto YU6’s replacement, the Kanto YU6 G2, is rated 3.9/5 at $549.99.
The case for the Edifier R1280T: A cheap, simple powered bookshelf pair with a remote and bass and treble knobs, no amplifier needed. The catch: Preference scores of 2.41 standalone and 5.02 with an ideal subwoofer reflect substantial tonal limitations, not just missing bass.
The Kanto YU6 is the more accurate option. A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.28 against 2.41 for the Edifier R1280T. 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.
Buy the Edifier R1280T new; the Kanto YU6 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A cheap, simple powered bookshelf pair with a remote and bass and treble knobs, no amplifier needed.
A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system.
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 YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $117.99 per pair | $380.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #95 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #41 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) | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 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 | Yes |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.41 | 4.28 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 | 6.89 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.0 |
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