Short answer: the Kii THREE if sound quality matters most, the Edifier R2850DB if price matters most. The Kii THREE ranks #3 of 79 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.9/5, at $16,970. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #71, rated 3.8/5, at $499.99, $16,470.01 cheaper.
The Kii THREE is the better-sounding option. Exceptionally even measured balance: the 300Hz-5kHz response spans only 1.2dB, with preference scores of 7.70 standalone and 8.35 with an ideal subwoofer. The catch: Deep-bass output has limits: demanding low-frequency material at high levels can trigger compression or audible distress.
The case for the Edifier R2850DB: 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.
Buy the Kii THREE when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Edifier R2850DB when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kii THREE | Edifier R2850DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $16,970 per pair | $499.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 79 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #71 of 79 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 20.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Drivers | Four 6.5” woofers; 5” midrange; 1” waveguided tweeter | 8” (203mm) woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 1,500W total per speaker; Six Ncore channels | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| Coverage | DSP-controlled cardioid above approximately 70-90Hz | - |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 7.9”W x 15.7”D | 18.1”H x 10.1”W x 12.4”D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Weight | 42.1 lbs (19.1 kg) each | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) |
| DSP | Yes; boundary, contour, phase-exact and low-latency modes | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.70 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.35 | - |
| Inputs | XLR (analog), XLR AES/EBU (digital), proprietary KiiLink digital multi-pin | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (-6dB at 20Hz; ±0.5dB 100Hz-10kHz; ±1dB 10kHz-20kHz) (Manufacturer specified) | 42Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| EQ | - | No |
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How Kii THREE compares with other leading options:
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- Yamaha HS8 vs Kii THREE
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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
Kii THREE: $16,970 per pair Vintage King eBay
Pros: Exceptionally even measured balance: the 300Hz-5kHz response spans only 1.2dB, with preference scores of 7.70 standalone and 8.35 with an ideal subwoofer. Cardioid control reduces rearward low-midrange energy, while measured -3dB extension of 29.3Hz provides convincing full-range bass in a compact system. Measured bass extension of 28Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Deep-bass output has limits: demanding low-frequency material at high levels can trigger compression or audible distress. The reviewer preferred a small treble reduction, so the high score is not a promise of ideal tonal balance for every listener. Linear-phase operation adds latency, and the system is expensive.
Full Kii THREE review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 1,500W total per speaker; Six Ncore channels |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 20.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Coverage | DSP-controlled cardioid above approximately 70-90Hz |
| DSP | Yes; boundary, contour, phase-exact and low-latency modes |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 7.9”W x 15.7”D |
| Drivers | Four 6.5” woofers; 5” midrange; 1” waveguided tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (-6dB at 20Hz; ±0.5dB 100Hz-10kHz; ±1dB 10kHz-20kHz) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR (analog), XLR AES/EBU (digital), proprietary KiiLink digital multi-pin |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.35 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 42.1 lbs (19.1 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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