Short answer: the KRK Classic 5 for better sound quality, the Edifier R1280T for the lower price. The KRK Classic 5 ranks #22 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $280. The Edifier R1280T ranks #28 at $129.99, $150.01 cheaper.
What the KRK Classic 5 gets right: Good soundstage. The catch: More hifi than studio monitors.
What the Edifier R1280T offers: 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. Watch for: 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 KRK Classic 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier R1280T if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | Edifier R1280T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $280 | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #22 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 9.7"H x 7.4"W x 11.2"D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) | 9.2"H x 7.7"W x 5.7"D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30KHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR | 2x RCA Input |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | 42w RMS Total |
| Outputs | - | None |
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The Two Speakers In Full
KRK Classic 5: $280 Amazon
Pros: Good soundstage
Cons: More hifi than studio monitors. Elevated, splashy highs above 4kHz stem from port/woofer resonance glitches, plus directivity error at the crossover dips the upper midrange. Distortion exceeds 100% below 50Hz, and the lack of a waveguide narrows the tweeter’s beam sharply, so toe-in and listening position matter a lot. Not recommended out of the box, but the reviewer said EQ correction turns it into a capable, high-power monitor.
Full KRK Classic 5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.7"H x 7.4"W x 11.2"D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30KHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
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- Audio Science Review Measurements
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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.
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