Short answer: the Edifier R1280T. It ranks #89 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.1/5) at $119.99 and is still sold new; the NHT Pro M-00 ranks #98 (rated 1.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Edifier R1280T is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. ASR’s review found useful moderate-level bass output from an inexpensive powered pair. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 3dB, against 83.3Hz for the NHT Pro M-00. The tradeoff: Preference scores of 2.41 standalone and 5.02 with an ideal subwoofer reflect substantial tonal limitations, not just missing bass.
The case for the NHT Pro M-00: A sturdy metal enclosure, analog studio/consumer connections and selectable nearfield/farfield voicing give it practical features as an older powered monitor. The catch: The review identifies a pronounced upper-bass cancellation, treble peaks and problematic vertical response, and strongly prefers the JBL 305P MKII in direct listening.
Buy the Edifier R1280T. It is rated higher for sound quality; the NHT Pro M-00 is no longer sold new.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280T | NHT Pro M-00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.99 per pair | $498 per pair (used market; originally $249 each), Discontinued |
| Ranked | #89 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #98 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 83.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 59.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 9.2”H x 7.7”W x 5.7”D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) | 9H x 5.7W x 7.3D in |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 98Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input | RCA, XLR/TRS |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer | 1” ferrofluid-cooled fabric dome tweeter, 4.5” treated paper-cone woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 75W RMS continuous, 150W peak (per speaker) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.41 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
| DSP | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 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: $119.99 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 63Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Preference scores of 2.41 standalone and 5.02 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 →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.41 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
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NHT Pro M-00: $498 per pair (used market; originally $249 each) Discontinued eBay
Pros: A sturdy metal enclosure, analog studio/consumer connections and selectable nearfield/farfield voicing give it practical features as an older powered monitor. Measured bass extension of 83.3Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The review identifies a pronounced upper-bass cancellation, treble peaks and problematic vertical response, and strongly prefers the JBL 305P MKII in direct listening. Discontinued.
Full NHT Pro M-00 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75W RMS continuous, 150W peak (per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 83.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 9H x 5.7W x 7.3D in |
| Drivers | 1” ferrofluid-cooled fabric dome tweeter, 4.5” treated paper-cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 98Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR/TRS |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons