Short answer: the KEF LSX II LT for better sound quality, the Edifier R1280T for the lower price. The KEF LSX II LT ranks #20 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $600. The Edifier R1280T ranks #28 at $129.99, $470.01 cheaper.
On the KEF LSX II LT side: Coaxial (Uni-Q-style) driver keeps the tweeter centered in the midrange, giving wide and consistent dispersion both horizontally and vertically (about ±60° each) - a wide sweet spot for multiple seats or positions. Set against that: Small drivers mean it’s SPL-limited: bass compression kicks in around 88-92dB/1m per speaker, and multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold around 96dB - not intended for loud or large-room duty.
What the Edifier R1280T gets right: ASR’s Klippel-based measurements found the woofer handled a demanding bass-heavy track without bottoming out or audible distortion, and distortion stayed low and inaudible at a normal 86dB SPL listening level. The catch: On-axis response is jagged rather than neutral, with a woofer resonance around 5kHz and a tweeter peak near 10kHz that also show up in the directivity data.
Buy the KEF LSX II LT if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier R1280T if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF LSX II LT | Edifier R1280T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $600.00 | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #20 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 6.1"W x 7.1"D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) | 9.2"H x 7.7"W x 5.7"D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth | 2x RCA Input |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer | None |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| Weight | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Output Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker | 42w RMS Total |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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- Edifier S1000MKII vs Dayton Audio M4
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- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier S1000W
- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier S2000MKIII
The Two Speakers In Full
KEF LSX II LT: $600.00 Amazon
Pros: Coaxial (Uni-Q-style) driver keeps the tweeter centered in the midrange, giving wide and consistent dispersion both horizontally and vertically (about ±60° each) - a wide sweet spot for multiple seats or positions. The KEF Connect app provides genuinely useful DSP control: desk/wall boundary compensation, adjustable bass contour (standard/less/extra), treble trim, and subwoofer integration, letting you tune the sound to wherever it’s placed. Distortion at a moderate 86dB looks good for the speaker’s compact size. Tonal profile stays consistent from 0° to 30° off-axis, so side-seat listeners hear essentially the same balance as someone centered. Extensive connectivity for its size: HDMI, USB, optical, sub output, plus Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. Clearly outperformed the reviewer’s soundbars, including ones bundled with their own subwoofers, as a TV audio replacement.
Cons: Small drivers mean it’s SPL-limited: bass compression kicks in around 88-92dB/1m per speaker, and multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold around 96dB - not intended for loud or large-room duty. F3 of 55Hz and F10 of 46Hz mean it loses much of its bass by around 50Hz; a subwoofer (controllable through the same app) is needed for real low end. Diffraction dips appear around 4-5kHz and again near 8kHz, likely tied to the tweeter housing or surround, giving a mild reduction in treble attack and sibilance. A possible port or enclosure resonance shows up around 800Hz in the rear-radiation measurements, though the reviewer wasn’t certain of the exact cause or whether it’s audible. No analog input on this LT variant, so a turntable can’t be connected directly - only the pricier standard LSX II model includes one.
Full KEF LSX II LT review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 6.1"W x 7.1"D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Output Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- KEF LSX II LT vs Presonus Eris E5
- KEF LSX II LT vs KRK Classic 5
- KEF LSX II LT vs JBL 705P
- KEF LSX II LT vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
- KEF LSX II LT vs Edifier MR4
- KEF LSX II LT vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- KEF LSX II LT vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- KEF LSX II LT vs Edifier R1280DB
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Edifier R1280T: $129.99 Amazon
Pros: ASR’s Klippel-based measurements found the woofer handled a demanding bass-heavy track without bottoming out or audible distortion, and distortion stayed low and inaudible at a normal 86dB SPL listening level. Built-in remote and bass/treble tone controls, no separate preamp needed.
Cons: On-axis response is jagged rather than neutral, with a woofer resonance around 5kHz and a tweeter peak near 10kHz that also show up in the directivity data, making off-axis/room response uneven too - the reviewer’s raw impression was “a bit bass heavy and after a track or two, somewhat bright,” and he recommends EQ correction. Vertical listening window is narrow, so the tweeter needs to be angled toward the ears. Pushed to 96dB SPL the tonal balance shifts noticeably, a sign of compression starting even though the driver doesn’t audibly break up.
Full Edifier R1280T review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Total |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier S2000MKIII
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- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Edifier R1280T vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier MR4
- Edifier R1280T vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Edifier R1280T vs KRK Classic 5
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