Short answer: the M-Audio BX4 D3. It ranks #75 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $149; the Edifier R1280T ranks #95, rated 3.1/5, and costs $149.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The M-Audio BX4 D3 is the more accurate pick. An inexpensive desktop pair with balanced TRS, RCA and front aux inputs, a headphone jack and tone controls. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.29 against 2.41 for the Edifier R1280T. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Edifier R1280T lacks. Watch for: A rising response of about 0.62dB per octave and listening-window deviation of 0.546 indicate bright, locally uneven reproduction.
The case for the Edifier R1280T: 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 M-Audio BX4 D3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Edifier R1280T and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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
| M-Audio BX4 D3 | Edifier R1280T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 per pair | $149.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #75 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #95 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered stereo pair, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1” dome tweeter, 4.5” Kevlar woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 8.9H x 6.1W x 6.9D in | 9.2”H x 7.7”W x 5.7”D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg)/pair | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 120W peak system | 42w RMS Total |
| Inputs | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm aux; headphone output | 2x RCA Input |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.29 | 2.41 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.03 | 5.02 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 69Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Outputs | - | None |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
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