Short answer: the Edifier R2850DB. It ranks #103 of 118 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $499.99. The Klipsch Reference R-50PM ranks #118, rated 1.8/5, at $449.99, $50 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Edifier R2850DB is the better-sounding choice. 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.
The case for the Klipsch Reference R-50PM: Step-up powered monitors utilizing larger 5.25-inch spun-copper TCP woofers and 120W total RMS Class-D amplification (240W peak) for noticeably deeper bass extension down to 55Hz (-3dB) and 104dB maximum peak output. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Edifier R2850DB lacks. The catch: Larger cabinet footprint requires more desk or shelf clearance than the Klipsch Reference R-40PM.
Buy the Edifier R2850DB. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $50 you would save on the Klipsch Reference R-50PM does not close the gap.
Worth knowing: the Klipsch Reference R-50PM has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 1.6 to 2.0, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R2850DB | Klipsch Reference R-50PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 per pair | $449.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #103 of 118 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #118 of 118 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Dimensions | 18.1”H x 10.1”W x 12.4”D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) | 14” x 7” x 10.8” (356 x 178 x 274 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | Bluetooth, Phono/Line RCA, 3.5mm Aux, USB, Optical |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer | 1” aluminum LTS tweeter on Tractrix horn, 5.25” spun-copper TCP woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker | 120W total (240W peak) |
| XLR Input | No | - |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes (switchable phono preamp) |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | - |
| USB Input | No | Yes (USB-B audio) |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | - | 104dB |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| 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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Klipsch Reference R-50PM: $449.99 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Klipsch Reference R-40PM (smaller bookshelf, estimated 1.5/5).
Pros: Step-up powered monitors utilizing larger 5.25-inch spun-copper TCP woofers and 120W total RMS Class-D amplification (240W peak) for noticeably deeper bass extension down to 55Hz (-3dB) and 104dB maximum peak output. Features the updated edge-to-edge Tractrix horn mated to a 1-inch aluminum LTS tweeter, dynamic bass EQ, switchable phono preamp, optical, USB-B, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth, and an RCA subwoofer output.
Cons: Larger cabinet footprint requires more desk or shelf clearance than the Klipsch Reference R-40PM. Lacks HDMI eARC or network streaming, which are reserved for the premium Heritage Powered series. Awaiting independent standardized Klippel NFS measurements.
Full Klipsch Reference R-50PM review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 120W total (240W peak) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Dimensions | 14” x 7” x 10.8” (356 x 178 x 274 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum LTS tweeter on Tractrix horn, 5.25” spun-copper TCP woofer |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Phono/Line RCA, 3.5mm Aux, USB, Optical |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes (switchable phono preamp) |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes (USB-B audio) |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons