Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII for better sound quality, the Edifier R1280T for the lower price. The Neumann KH120 MKII ranks #2 of 60 powered bookshelf speakers at $2000. The Edifier R1280T ranks #36 at $129.99, $1870.01 cheaper.
What the Edifier R1280T offers: ASR’s Klippel-based measurements found the woofer handled a demanding bass-heavy track without bottoming out or audible distortion, and distortion stayed low and inaudible at a normal 86dB SPL listening level. Built-in remote and bass/treble tone controls, no separate preamp needed. Watch for: On-axis response is jagged rather than neutral, with a woofer resonance around 5kHz and a tweeter peak near 10kHz that also show up in the directivity data, making off-axis/room response uneven too - the reviewer’s raw impression was “a bit bass heavy and after a track or two, somewhat bright,” and he recommends EQ correction. Vertical listening window is narrow, so the tweeter needs to be angled toward the ears. Pushed to 96dB SPL the tonal balance shifts noticeably, a sign of compression starting even though the driver doesn’t audibly break up.
What the Neumann KH120 MKII offers: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz, and bass response that stays flat almost down to 50Hz. Predicted in-room response is superb despite not being strictly valid for a near-field monitor at this distance. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is nice and well controlled. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is exceptionally low. Even at 96dB SPL/1m - just 1dB before the clipping indicator engages - it stays very clean outside of deep bass. Watch for: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz. Vertical directivity narrows quickly above the reference axis, so the reviewer recommends staying right at it. Distortion rises substantially in the deep bass under 50Hz at higher output (96dB SPL/1m). Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a resonance in the upper midrange. High price.
Buy the Edifier R1280T if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if sound quality matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280T | Neumann KH120 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 | $2000 |
| Ranked | #36 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 9.2"H x 7.7"W x 5.7"D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) | 11.3"H x 7.2"W x 8.9"D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input | XLR |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (via DSP) |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Total | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| DSP | - | Yes |
| Max SPL | - | 116.8dB @ 1m |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 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 Amazon eBay
Pros: ASR’s Klippel-based measurements found the woofer handled a demanding bass-heavy track without bottoming out or audible distortion, and distortion stayed low and inaudible at a normal 86dB SPL listening level. Built-in remote and bass/treble tone controls, no separate preamp needed.
Cons: On-axis response is jagged rather than neutral, with a woofer resonance around 5kHz and a tweeter peak near 10kHz that also show up in the directivity data, making off-axis/room response uneven too - the reviewer’s raw impression was “a bit bass heavy and after a track or two, somewhat bright,” and he recommends EQ correction. Vertical listening window is narrow, so the tweeter needs to be angled toward the ears. Pushed to 96dB SPL the tonal balance shifts noticeably, a sign of compression starting even though the driver doesn’t audibly break up.
Full Edifier R1280T review and specifications →
| 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 |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Total |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
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Neumann KH120 MKII: $2000 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz, and bass response that stays flat almost down to 50Hz. Predicted in-room response is superb despite not being strictly valid for a near-field monitor at this distance. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is nice and well controlled. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is exceptionally low. Even at 96dB SPL/1m - just 1dB before the clipping indicator engages - it stays very clean outside of deep bass.
Cons: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz. Vertical directivity narrows quickly above the reference axis, so the reviewer recommends staying right at it. Distortion rises substantially in the deep bass under 50Hz at higher output (96dB SPL/1m). Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a resonance in the upper midrange. High price.
Full Neumann KH120 MKII review and specifications →
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 7.2"W x 8.9"D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8030C
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