Short answer: the Edifier R1280T, if you are buying new. The M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks higher than it (#42 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 case for 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 M-Audio BX5 D3 is the more accurate option. A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.09 against 2.41 for the Edifier R1280T. The tradeoff: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange.
Buy the Edifier R1280T, since the M-Audio BX5 D3 is discontinued and only worth hunting down 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 budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio.
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280T | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $117.99 per pair | $637.22 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #95 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 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) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input | XLR and TRS |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 100W each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.41 | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 | 6.69 |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| 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 | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to M-Audio BX5 D3: