Short answer: the Edifier R1280T. It ranks #95 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.1/5) at $149.99 and is still sold new; the Midiplus MI5 II ranks #97 (rated 3.0/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Midiplus MI5 II’s replacement, the Midiplus MI5 II V2, is rated 3.1/5 at $169.
The case for the Midiplus MI5 II: An inexpensive powered monitor pair with balanced inputs, Bluetooth and fairly deep bass for the size. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Edifier R1280T lacks. Watch for: The 2.24 standalone and 4.53 ideal-subwoofer scores show significant problems above the bass region.
What the Edifier R1280T does well: A cheap, simple powered bookshelf pair with a remote and bass and treble knobs, no amplifier needed. The catch: 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. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Midiplus MI5 II is discontinued.
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
| Midiplus MI5 II | Edifier R1280T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 per pair Discontinued | $149.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #97 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #95 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Weight | 9.1 lbs (4.14 kg) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch fiberglass woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS per pair | 42w RMS Total |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB | - |
| Inputs | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm, Bluetooth | 2x RCA Input |
| Dimensions | 10.1H x 6.7W x 9.4D in | 9.2”H x 7.7”W x 5.7”D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.24 | 2.41 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.53 | 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 | Yes | No |
| 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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