Short answer: the Edifier R1280T, if you are buying new. The Edifier S3000Pro ranks higher than it (#60 vs #61 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.8/5 vs 3.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Edifier R1280T is still sold new at $149.99.
What the Edifier S3000Pro does well: A convenient home-listening system with digital and analog input options, avoiding the need for a separate power amplifier. Watch for: The substantial cabinet size requires more space than a typical desktop pair.
What the Edifier R1280T does well: ASR’s review found useful moderate-level bass output from an inexpensive powered pair. 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, since the Edifier S3000Pro is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S3000Pro | Edifier R1280T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $900 per pair Discontinued | $149.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #60 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #61 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 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, 5.0 | No |
| 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| 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) | - | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 2.41 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.02 |
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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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Edifier R1280T: $149.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: ASR’s review found useful moderate-level bass output from an inexpensive powered pair. Remote volume and bass/treble controls make it easy to use without separate amplification. Measured bass reaches -3dB around 63Hz. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Preference scores of 2.41 standalone and 5.02 with an ideal subwoofer reflect substantial tonal limitations, not just missing bass. The response spans 5.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.650. Resonances and treble unevenness affect reflected sound too. Listening height is important, and high-level compression changes the balance.
Full Edifier R1280T review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.2"H x 7.7"W x 5.7"D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.41 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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