Short answer: the Edifier S3000MKII for better sound quality, the Edifier R1280T for the lower price. The Edifier S3000Pro ranks higher than the Edifier R1280T (#102 vs #95 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued. Its replacement, the Edifier S3000MKII, is rated 3.9/5 at $999.97; the Edifier R1280T is rated 3.1/5 at $149.99, $849.98 cheaper.
What the Edifier S3000Pro does well: A large powered pair with digital and analog inputs and tone controls, a complete music system with no separate amplifier needed. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Edifier R1280T lacks. Watch for: The substantial cabinet size requires more space than a typical desktop pair.
What the Edifier R1280T does well: 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 R1280T if price matters most. For better sound quality, the Edifier S3000MKII, the replacement for the discontinued Edifier S3000Pro, is rated higher but costs $999.97.
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 S3000Pro | Edifier R1280T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $900 per pair Discontinued | $149.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #102 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #95 of 108 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 7.7”W x 5.7”D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, XLR, RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax, USB | 2x RCA Input |
| Outputs | None | None |
| Drivers | 6.5” (165mm) woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD | - |
| 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) |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | Yes | 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) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 2.41 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.02 |
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