Short answer: the Edifier R2850DB. It ranks #32 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $424.99; the Focal Twin6 Be ranks #34 and costs $2200, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Edifier R2850DB offers: 3 way speaker. Watch for: Quite large and heavy.
On the Focal Twin6 Be side: High-output 2.5-way studio monitor with an inverted beryllium tweeter and two 6.5-inch W-composite drivers, one covering bass/midrange and the other reinforcing only 40-150Hz. Set against that: The response and directivity are not as uniformly neutral as newer waveguided three-way monitors, and Erin suspected intermodulation-related roughness even though conventional harmonic distortion was low.
Buy the Edifier R2850DB. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Focal Twin6 Be and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 40 powered bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R2850DB | Focal Twin6 Be | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $424.99 | $2,200 each |
| Ranked | #32 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 40 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) | - |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | Balanced XLR with +4dBu/-10dBV sensitivity |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg | - |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 1" inverted beryllium tweeter; dual 6.5" W-cone drivers |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker | - |
| Bass Extension | - | 40Hz manufacturer specified; Erin measured strong low-frequency linearity |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active studio monitor) |
| Amplification | - | 150W LF + 100W LF/MF + 100W HF |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Edifier S3000Pro vs Klipsch The Sevens
- JBL 306P MKII vs Adam Audio S2V
- Klipsch The Nines vs JBL 306P MKII
- Focal Twin6 Be vs Emotiva Airmotiv 6s
- Focal Twin6 Be vs JBL 306P MKII
The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier R2850DB: $424.99 Amazon
Pros: 3 way speaker. Deeper bass and more of a fun listen compared to the neutral sound of the HS8. Shockingly close to the HS8 at half the price.
Cons: Quite large and heavy
Full Edifier R2850DB review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| 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 |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R2850DB vs JBL 306P MKII
- Edifier R2850DB vs Kali Audio LP-6
- Edifier R2850DB vs Klipsch The Nines
- Edifier R2850DB vs Genelec 8341A
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio S2V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio T7V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Klipsch The Sevens
- Edifier R2850DB vs Emotiva Airmotiv 6s
- See all 19 comparisons
Focal Twin6 Be: $2,200 each Amazon
Pros: High-output 2.5-way studio monitor with an inverted beryllium tweeter and two 6.5-inch W-composite drivers, one covering bass/midrange and the other reinforcing only 40-150Hz. Erin measured excellent harmonic distortion at both 86 and 96dB, essentially quarter-decibel dynamic compression and clean subjective output around 95dB. Mirror-configurable driver orientation, front ports, shelving/notch controls and switchable +4dBu/-10dBV input sensitivity support professional installation.
Cons: The response and directivity are not as uniformly neutral as newer waveguided three-way monitors, and Erin suspected intermodulation-related roughness even though conventional harmonic distortion was low. The amplifier plate becomes notably warm after extended operation. Hiss is more audible in -10dBV mode, and safe output can be deceptive because the speaker gives little audible warning before excessive exposure. The active design has no passive impedance or sensitivity figure; low-bass extension should be augmented for full-range mastering.
Full Focal Twin6 Be review and specifications →
| Amplification | 150W LF + 100W LF/MF + 100W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension | 40Hz manufacturer specified; Erin measured strong low-frequency linearity |
| Drivers | 1" inverted beryllium tweeter; dual 6.5" W-cone drivers |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR with +4dBu/-10dBV sensitivity |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active studio monitor) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons