Short answer: the Edifier R1280DB, if you are buying new. The Edifier S3000Pro ranks higher than it (#60 vs #60 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.8/5 vs 3.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Edifier R1280DB is still sold new at $159.99.
The case for the Edifier S3000Pro: A convenient home-listening system with digital and analog input options, avoiding the need for a separate power amplifier. The tradeoff: The substantial cabinet size requires more space than a typical desktop pair.
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 R1280DB if you want one new; the Edifier S3000Pro is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S3000Pro | Edifier R1280DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $900 per pair Discontinued | $159.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #60 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #60 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 14.5"H x 9.1"W x 14"D (368.3 x 231.1 x 355.6 mm) | 9.2"H x 5.7"W x 7.7"D (233.7 x 144.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, XLR, RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax, USB | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Outputs | None | None |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 78w RMS Per Speaker | 42w RMS Total |
| Weight | 29.8 lbs (13.5 kg) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes | 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 |
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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 S3000Pro: $900 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: A convenient home-listening system with digital and analog input options, avoiding the need for a separate power amplifier. Its large cabinets and tone adjustments offer flexibility for a music-focused setup.
Cons: The substantial cabinet size requires more space than a typical desktop pair. High-resolution digital input support does not itself guarantee better sound. Discontinued.
Full Edifier S3000Pro review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 78w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 14.5"H x 9.1"W x 14"D (368.3 x 231.1 x 355.6 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, XLR, RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax, USB |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 29.8 lbs (13.5 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- See all 23 comparisons
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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