Short answer: the Edifier R2850DB for better sound quality, the Edifier R1280T for the lower price. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #103 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 3.8/5, at $499.99. The Edifier R1280T ranks #95, rated 3.1/5, at $149.99, $350 cheaper.
Why pick the Edifier R2850DB: A big three way powered pair with deep bass, enough output for a large room, and Bluetooth, optical and RCA inputs. Watch for: The big cabinets need real stand or furniture space, and their bass is slightly boomy.
The case for the Edifier R1280T: A cheap, simple powered bookshelf pair with a remote and bass and treble knobs, no amplifier needed. Watch for: Preference scores of 2.41 standalone and 5.02 with an ideal subwoofer reflect substantial tonal limitations, not just missing bass.
Buy the Edifier R2850DB if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier R1280T if the price matters more than sound quality.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R2850DB | Edifier R1280T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 per pair | $149.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #103 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #95 of 108 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 7.7”W x 5.7”D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | 2x RCA Input |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| 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 | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Outputs | - | None |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 2.41 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.02 |
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