Short answer: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus for better sound quality, the Edifier R1280T for the lower price. The Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus ranks #24 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $699.99. The Edifier R1280T ranks #28 at $129.99, $570 cheaper.
The case for the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: 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 tradeoff: 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 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 Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier R1280T if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | Edifier R1280T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 | $129.99 |
| Ranked | #24 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #28 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 | 2x RCA Input |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.5"W x 8"D (254 x 165 x 203mm) | 9.2"H x 7.7"W x 5.7"D (234 x 196 x 146 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) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Outputs | - | None |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
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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
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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.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier S2000MKIII
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- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Edifier R1280T vs Edifier MR4
- Edifier R1280T vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Edifier R1280T vs KRK Classic 5
- Edifier R1280T vs Klipsch The Fives
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