Short answer: the Edifier R2850DB on measured sound quality, the Edifier R1280DB on price. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #61 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 3.8/5, at $499.99. The Edifier R1280DB ranks #60, rated 3.1/5, at $159.99, $340 cheaper.
The case for the Edifier R2850DB: A large self-powered three-way pair with digital and analog source switching and proper left/right separation. The tradeoff: The big cabinets need real stand or furniture space, and their bass is slightly boomy.
What the Edifier R1280DB does well: Optical/coaxial inputs and Bluetooth add practical flexibility over the analog R1280T, while remote and tone controls simplify everyday listening. Watch for: The compact format is better suited to nearfield listening than high-volume playback across a large room.
Buy the Edifier R2850DB if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Edifier R1280DB if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R2850DB | Edifier R1280DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 per pair | $159.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #61 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #60 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) | 9.2"H x 5.7"W x 7.7"D (233.7 x 144.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker | 42w RMS Total |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart |
| Outputs | - | None |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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.
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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 →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Edifier R1280DB: $159.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Optical/coaxial inputs and Bluetooth add practical flexibility over the analog R1280T, while remote and tone controls simplify everyday listening. It is a convenient inexpensive stereo system rather than a separate amplifier-and-speaker setup. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The compact format is better suited to nearfield listening than high-volume playback across a large room. Basic tone controls offer less flexibility than parametric equalization.
Full Edifier R1280DB review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 9.2"H x 5.7"W x 7.7"D (233.7 x 144.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Related-model measurements: Edifier R1280T (not R1280DB)
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1700BT Sound Demo w/ Bass Test More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1280DBs vs Edifier R1700BTs Sound Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1280DBs sound.DEMO
- Related-model Spinorama: Edifier R1280T (not R1280DB)
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