Short answer: the AsciLab C8C for better sound quality, the Edifier R2850DB for the lower price. The AsciLab C8C ranks #1 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers at $5799. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #60 at $499.99, $5299.01 cheaper.
What the Edifier R2850DB offers: A large self-powered three-way pair with digital and analog source switching and proper left/right separation. Consumer Reports found accurate, detailed sound with strong, deep bass, a broad enough soundfield and enough clean output for a large room. It is a compelling simple system for TV, desktop or living-room music without buying a separate amplifier. Watch for: The big cabinets need real stand or furniture space, and their bass is slightly boomy. Consumer Reports also hears mildly grainy/hazy mids, subdued treble and a two-dimensional image despite the two cabinets. As an integrated system it is less upgradeable than separate passive speakers and an amplifier.
What the AsciLab C8C offers: ASR’s revised measurement combines an 8.02 ideal-subwoofer preference score with a 1.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, supporting highly even vocal and instrumental balance. Bass reaches 30.8Hz at -3dB and 23.4Hz at -6dB, giving substantial low-end reach without an added subwoofer. Watch for: The result applies to the revised measured configuration; confirm that the speaker’s tuning matches it. Each cabinet weighs about 27.5kg and needs a substantial stand. Deep extension and excellent tonality do not guarantee unlimited bass output or eliminate the need to adjust placement.
Buy the Edifier R2850DB when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the AsciLab C8C when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Skip the Edifier R2850DB if sound quality matters to you. It ranks near the bottom of the 67 powered bookshelf speakers.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R2850DB | AsciLab C8C | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 per pair | $6,200 per pair |
| Ranked | #60 of 67 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 67 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) | 22"H x 10"W x 13.8"D (560 x 254 x 350 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | - |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) | 60.6 lbs (27.5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 1" alumina ceramic dome tweeter with waveguide, 2x 6" alumina ceramic midrange/woofers, 2x 8" side mounted opposed cardioid subwoofers |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker | 600W total (100W tweeter, 250W midrange, 250W subwoofer) |
| Enclosure | - | sealed |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 23.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 30.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 20.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 150Hz, 1.2kHz |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |
| Country | - | South Korea |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 7.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 8.02 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How AsciLab C8C compares with other leading options:
- AsciLab C8C vs Mesanovic CDM65
- AsciLab C8C vs Neumann KH 150
- AsciLab C8C vs Buchardt A10
- AsciLab C8C vs GGNTKT M1
- AsciLab C8C vs Neumann KH 310 A
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 R2850DB: $499.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A large self-powered three-way pair with digital and analog source switching and proper left/right separation. Consumer Reports found accurate, detailed sound with strong, deep bass, a broad enough soundfield and enough clean output for a large room. It is a compelling simple system for TV, desktop or living-room music without buying a separate amplifier.
Cons: The big cabinets need real stand or furniture space, and their bass is slightly boomy. Consumer Reports also hears mildly grainy/hazy mids, subdued treble and a two-dimensional image despite the two cabinets. As an integrated system it is less upgradeable than separate passive speakers and an amplifier.
Full Edifier R2850DB review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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AsciLab C8C: $6,200 per pair Audiophonics eBay
Pros: ASR’s revised measurement combines an 8.02 ideal-subwoofer preference score with a 1.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, supporting highly even vocal and instrumental balance. Bass reaches 30.8Hz at -3dB and 23.4Hz at -6dB, giving substantial low-end reach without an added subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 30.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The result applies to the revised measured configuration; confirm that the speaker’s tuning matches it. Each cabinet weighs about 27.5kg and needs a substantial stand. Deep extension and excellent tonality do not guarantee unlimited bass output or eliminate the need to adjust placement.
Full AsciLab C8C review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 600W total (100W tweeter, 250W midrange, 250W subwoofer) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 20.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 23.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | South Korea |
| Crossover Frequency | 150Hz, 1.2kHz |
| Dimensions | 22"H x 10"W x 13.8"D (560 x 254 x 350 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" alumina ceramic dome tweeter with waveguide, 2x 6" alumina ceramic midrange/woofers, 2x 8" side mounted opposed cardioid subwoofers |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.02 |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 60.6 lbs (27.5 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons