Short answer: the Topping MA4 for better sound quality, the Edifier R1280T for the lower price. The Topping MA4 ranks #30 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $449. The Edifier R1280T ranks #34 at $129.99, $319.01 cheaper.
What the Topping MA4 offers: Topping’s first loudspeaker, notable for deliberately skipping the DAC and DSP the company built its reputation on. Watch for: On axis deviation measures 0.503dB average, on the rougher side for this catalog, and listening window smoothness sits at a moderate 0.44.
The case for the Edifier R1280T: 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, 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.
Buy the Topping MA4 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier R1280T if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping MA4 | Edifier R1280T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 449 EUR/pair | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #30 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | 1" soft dome tweeter with waveguide, 4" paper cone woofer | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 5.5"W x 11.3"D (255 x 140 x 288 mm) (10.04 x 5.51 x 11.34 in) | 9.2"H x 7.7"W x 5.7"D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) |
| Weight | 8.3 lbs / 3.78 kg (8.33 lbs) each | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
| Power Output (Watts) | 75W total (50W woofer, 25W tweeter, Class D) | - |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz-20kHz +/-3dB | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Max SPL | 105dB @ 1m | - |
| Sensitivity | 92dB | - |
| Crossover Points | 1.3kHz | - |
| Warranty | 1-2 years (varies by region) | - |
| Country | China | - |
| Inputs | - | 2x RCA Input |
| Outputs | - | None |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 42w RMS Total |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Edifier R1280DB vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Edifier R1280DB vs Kali LP-UNF
- Kali Audio IN-5 vs Edifier R1280DB
- Topping MA4 vs Edifier R1280DB
- Edifier MR4 vs Topping MA4
The Two Speakers In Full
Topping MA4: 449 EUR/pair Audiophonics
Pros: Topping’s first loudspeaker, notable for deliberately skipping the DAC and DSP the company built its reputation on. A single balanced XLR input feeds a fully analog crossover, which Topping argues keeps the signal path free of extra conversion stages. The bass alignment measures a low Q of 0.452, rolling off cleanly rather than peaking, and extension reaches 49.8Hz at -3dB for a compact 4 inch two way, at a genuinely low price.
Cons: On axis deviation measures 0.503dB average, on the rougher side for this catalog, and listening window smoothness sits at a moderate 0.44. No USB, Bluetooth, or digital input of any kind, an unusual limitation from a DAC company and a real constraint if you want a simple all in one desktop setup. This is Topping’s first speaker with no track record in the category, and current US retail availability is limited, most confirmed stock is through European or Indian resellers.
Full Topping MA4 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Country | China |
| Crossover Points | 1.3kHz |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 5.5"W x 11.3"D (255 x 140 x 288 mm) (10.04 x 5.51 x 11.34 in) |
| Drivers | 1" soft dome tweeter with waveguide, 4" paper cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz-20kHz +/-3dB |
| Max SPL | 105dB @ 1m |
| Power Output (Watts) | 75W total (50W woofer, 25W tweeter, Class D) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB |
| Warranty | 1-2 years (varies by region) |
| Weight | 8.3 lbs / 3.78 kg (8.33 lbs) each |
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: $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
- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier S1000W
- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier R1280DB
- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Edifier R1280T vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- Edifier R1280T vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier MR4
- Edifier R1280T vs Klipsch The Fives
- See all 18 comparisons