Short answer: the M-Audio BX5 D3 if sound quality matters most, the Edifier R1280T if price matters most. The M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks #30 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $149.50. The Edifier R1280T ranks #59 at $129.99, $19.51 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 M-Audio BX5 D3 offers: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 3.34 standalone and 5.94 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Balanced inputs and acoustic-space adjustment are useful for a basic studio setup. The measured -3dB estimate is about 64Hz. Watch for: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange. There is no digital input or automatic calibration, and the preference estimate does not verify distortion or output headroom.
Buy the Edifier R1280T if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the M-Audio BX5 D3 if sound quality matters more than the price.
Skip the Edifier R1280T if sound quality matters to you. It ranks near the bottom of the 65 powered bookshelf speakers.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280T | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 per pair | $299 per pair |
| Ranked | #59 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #30 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) | 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 | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 100W each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.70 | 3.34 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.31 | 5.94 |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB |
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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
M-Audio BX5 D3: $299 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 3.34 standalone and 5.94 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Balanced inputs and acoustic-space adjustment are useful for a basic studio setup. The measured -3dB estimate is about 64Hz.
Cons: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange. There is no digital input or automatic calibration, and the preference estimate does not verify distortion or output headroom.
Full M-Audio BX5 D3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W each |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Inputs | XLR and TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.34 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.94 |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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