Short answer: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus for better sound quality, the Edifier R1280DB for the lower price. The Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus ranks #24 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $699.99. The Edifier R1280DB ranks #25 at $159.98, $540.01 cheaper.
What the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus gets right: Smooth, relatively flat on-axis response instead of the pronounced mid-bass-and-treble “V curve” common in this size class, which tends to cause listener fatigue over long sessions. The catch: A slight sibilance/edge in the 4-6 kHz lower-treble region stood out to the reviewer as mildly fatiguing, though a single band of parametric EQ (about -2dB) fixed it.
What the Edifier R1280DB offers: Same drivers and cabinet as the ASR-measured Edifier R1280T (identical 4” woofer, same 4.9kg enclosure) plus Bluetooth and digital optical/coax inputs the R1280T doesn’t have. Watch for: Shares the R1280T’s jagged on-axis response rather than a neutral one, with a woofer resonance around 5kHz and a tweeter peak near 10kHz that also show up in the directivity data.
Buy the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier R1280DB if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | Edifier R1280DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 | $159.98 |
| Ranked | #24 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #25 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25" passive radiator (rear), 1" aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| Output Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) | 42w RMS Total |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.5"W x 8"D (254 x 165 x 203mm) | 9.2"H x 5.7"W x 7.7"D (233.7 x 144.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (passive unit), 12.2 lbs (active unit) | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread’s chart |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread’s chart |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Outputs | - | None |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Edifier MR4 vs Klipsch The Fives
- Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus vs Edifier R2000DB
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier R2000DB
- Edifier R1280DB vs Klipsch The Fives
- Edifier R1280DB vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
The Two Speakers In Full
Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: $699.99 Amazon
Pros: Smooth, relatively flat on-axis response instead of the pronounced mid-bass-and-treble “V curve” common in this size class, which tends to cause listener fatigue over long sessions. A waveguide plus phase plug on the tweeter helps spread off-axis energy more evenly, giving good vertical consistency. Included remote controls volume, source, and separate treble/mid-bass trim, letting you tune the tonal balance without a computer or app. Subwoofer output with automatic 80/125 Hz crossover engagement when a sub is connected. Extensive wired inputs: USB, optical, coax, and analog, plus Bluetooth. 240W total power is enough headroom for near-field desktop use or a small-to-medium living room.
Cons: A slight sibilance/edge in the 4-6 kHz lower-treble region stood out to the reviewer as mildly fatiguing, though a single band of parametric EQ (about -2dB) fixed it; toeing the speakers off-axis reduces but doesn’t eliminate it. A minor scoop in the 1-2 kHz mid-range is audible in A/B comparison but not problematic on its own. No HDMI input, a drawback if you want to use these as TV speakers via ARC. Like most stand-mount speakers this size, real output below about 40 Hz needs a subwoofer - the reviewer recommends pairing one regardless of use case just to take headroom pressure off the mains.
Full Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.5"W x 8"D (254 x 165 x 203mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25" passive radiator (rear), 1" aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| Output Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (passive unit), 12.2 lbs (active unit) |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier MR4
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier R2000DB
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs KRK Classic 5
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Audioengine HD6
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Dayton Audio M4
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs KEF LSX II LT
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier R1280T
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- See all 21 comparisons
Edifier R1280DB: $159.98 Amazon
Pros: Same drivers and cabinet as the ASR-measured Edifier R1280T (identical 4” woofer, same 4.9kg enclosure) plus Bluetooth and digital optical/coax inputs the R1280T doesn’t have. ASR’s measurements of that shared platform 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: Shares the R1280T’s jagged on-axis response rather than a neutral one, with a woofer resonance around 5kHz and a tweeter peak near 10kHz that also show up in the directivity data. The reviewer’s raw impression of that platform was “a bit bass heavy and after a track or two, somewhat bright,” and recommends EQ correction; vertical listening window is narrow, so the tweeter needs to be angled toward the ears. Not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4.
Full Edifier R1280DB review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.2"H x 5.7"W x 7.7"D (233.7 x 144.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| 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