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Compact size, quality sound, and reasonable price, the Edifier R1280DB is one of the best sound systems that you can buy today.
Established in 1996, Edifier now exports its range of sound systems and speakers to over 70 countries. They even have a signature speaker line designed by audio engineer extraordinaire Phil Jones.
If you’re looking for a quality speaker for your space, this review of the Edifier R1280DB speakers can definitely come in handy.
Related: Looking for a bookshelf speaker? This guide can help you find out the best speaker for your needs!
Let’s dive into the speaker’s features, first impressions, what’s good, and what needs to be considered to help you decide if this is the right fit for you.
Adjust the volume and toggle inputs at your fingertips. Bass and treble control located on the side of main speaker.
Key Specifications of the Edifier R1280DB
Before we get into the specifics of this speaker, let’s take a look at the specifications.
| Total Power output | R/L: 21W+21W RMS ( 2.0 Sound System) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-55Hz (+/-1.5dB) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Other connections | RCA * 2 ;Optical/Coaxial: AUX; Spring port |
| Remote Control | Yes |
| Dimensions | 5.75in x 9.5in x 7in (Per speaker) |
| Warranty | 2 YEARS |
| Latest price | Click here for the latest price |
Core Features of the Edifier R1280DB
The Edifier R1280DB brings back the classic bookshelf design without the hassle to connect any wires. It’s the perfect fit for a desk, workstation, or any small space and can really turn up the mood with its crisp quality.
Sleek Design
The Edifier R1280DB is ranked as one of the top-selling bookshelf speakers online and its sleek design is definitely a big reason why. You can choose between two color options – black and wood – both of which are great and can appeal to different types of users.
Instead of the typical plastic finish like many desktop speakers, it boasts a hefty MDF construction which features an all-black look of elegance. This gives the speakers a very modern, minimal look that allows them to work well in modern homes.
My personal preference would be the classic option though. It has a wood grain vinyl finishing that gives it a very retro look. This color can definitely complement spaces with wooden furniture and warm lights, giving you the perfect throwback setting on a budget.
Connectivity
Hasslefree connectivity to your smartphone, tablet, laptop, and desktop makes this speaker a perfect addition to your desk.
The Edifier R1280DB comes with multiple connectivity options. Two classic RCA inputs make it easier to connect the speakers with your TV or DVD player. It also comes with optical and coaxial inputs for lossless connectivity to most tv, computers, and music systems.
The Bluetooth connectivity option adds a modern touch to this classic bookshelf speaker. With its premium design and wireless connectivity, I found it really convenient to place the speakers literally anywhere in my house without giving up on style points.
As the standard is in most speakers, Edifier R1280DB comes with an AUX port to complete the connectivity options set. You can even add extra speakers to your current 2.0 system by using the speaker cable and enhance your audio experience.
Adjust the volume and toggle inputs at your fingertips. Bass and treble control located on the side of main speaker.
Sound Quality
Now let’s get to the nitty-gritty of this review. Relative to the compact size, the Edifier R1280DB has a very crisp sound. Edifier is really one of the best brands out there, especially for budget quality speakers and the R1280DB is a perfect example of that.
I placed them on my workstation, in a room with minimal furniture, and the sound output was surprisingly close to the studio quality level.
It has naturally fine-tuned sound reproduction from 4-inch bass and 13mm silk tweeter on each speaker. This provides a powerful and well balanced audio experience.Â
With its onboard sound control panel, you can set the bass and treble according to your preference, giving you complete control over the sound output. Overall, I feel this is one of the better speakers in the budget price range that can give some of the high-end ones a run for their money.
Other Features
The Edifier R1280DB comes with a slim remote control that allows you to adjust the volume, play, pause, or switch off the sound system, and channel through the different input options conveniently. I found the range to be decent as well so there’s definitely an upside to setting this up in a large room as part of a sound system.
The Edifier R1280DB comes with a 2-year warranty, which is the industry standard. Edifier products are known for their durability and the general consensus is that this is a sturdy, reliable product you can use for a long time.
Related: Check Out Our Essential Guide to the Best Speakers for Small Rooms
Edifier R1280DB Performance
Given the quality of other Edifier products that I have used, I was expecting the R1280DB to live up to some pretty high standards. Thankfully, it didn’t disappoint.
The overall sound quality was just as good as I’ve come to expect from this brand.
I found that its real beauty came to the fore when experimenting with the two adjustable dials on the back of the unit. Both overall volume and crossover levels are totally up to the listener, meaning you can create a jarring ‘in your face’ bass or you can create a more subtle and delicate balance between the highs, mids, and lows.
Whether you want an intimate setting with music that fills the room or want to host a movie night, the Edifier R1280DB will definitely live up to your expectations.
The spring clips give an additive bonus to connect more speakers or even a subwoofer, if you are really into bass, to exponentially enhance the listening experience. Its warm and fine-tuned sound, style and connectivity makes it a great buy for personal use on PC/TV and works effectively in small or mid-sized rooms.
Pros of Edifier R1280DB
There are plenty of good points to discuss the R1280DB. I’ve outlined many throughout this review, but you can skim through them below.
Great overall sound quality
The exceptional build quality enables the R1280DB to produce clear and audible sound. The 21W RMS left and right speakers fill the room with your favorite tunes and TV shows without compromising on the quality of the sound. Dance to the tune of your jam, or just sit back and watch a movie or TV show with a great audible experience.
The option to add more speakers or plug in a subwoofer just makes it all the more desirable. You’re getting surprisingly good levels of sound upgrades for this speaker.
Connectivity
The variety of input options make it a one-stop solution for many devices in a household. You can literally connect it to any audio output that supports Bluetooth, aux, coaxial and optical inputs be it TV, computers, heck you can easily connect your turntable, mixers, or any other music systems and control them easily with the remote control that comes with the sound system.
Design
Good build quality with an elegant design, the R1280DB covers all the necessary requirements for a useful yet modern and premium designed bookshelf speaker that elevates any surrounding it is incorporated with.
A powerful design even if one considers the size of the speakers and the features it offers without compromising on its sound quality and style.
Cons of Edifier R1280DB
The negatives of this product are not much and very subjective. Listed below are 2 cons of the Edifier R1280DB you must consider before purchasing.
Too Many Connectivity Options
Not like it’s a bad thing. While the Edifier R1280DB boasts a sleek design, it’s definitely not minimal with all the options you have. So if you’re a person who’s looking for a speaker that can fit your open floor space or minimal decor, this might have a little more detail on it.
Not Ideal for Large Rooms
For its price bracket, the Edifier R1280DB is a great speaker for a small to mid-sized room. However,it might feel slightly lacking the top-end sparkle when used in a large room or loud atmosphere. That said, it does well as an add-on in a home theater system.
Alternatives to Consider
Despite the fact that the Edifier R1280DB is easily one of the best options available in the budget bookshelf speaker segment, it’s always good to know what alternatives are out there.
Let’s take a look at the four alternatives to the R1280DB and how it ranks amongst them.
Klipsch R-15M
Klipsch is another great brand you can definitely invest in. With a woofer and tweeter combo, Klipsch R-15M is a great alternative to the R1280DB.
It boasts the classic black and wood color finishes similar to its Edifier counterpart and comes in a compact form factor that makes it convenient to set up anywhere you want.
Klipsch R-15M features a Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) tweeter that minimizes the distortion to give you a clear, crisp playback.
It has slightly more frequency than the R1280DB, but the audio output is more or less the same. That being said, the Klipsch R-15M does come with a higher price tag as well, so that’s something to keep in mind while comparing the two.
These speakers perform beautifully as a left, center, right, or surround. Dual 5.25" copper-spun high-output IMG woofers. Brushed black polymer veneer cabinet.
Polk Audio TSi100
The whole USP of Polk Audio is great, reliable speakers that are easy on the wallet. The Polk Audio TSi100 is a prime example of a solid, performance-oriented bookshelf speaker. It boasts built-in wall-hanging brackets that allow you to set it up easily as part of your home theater system.
The Polk Audio TSi100 has solid MDF construction that allows it to eliminate resonance and minimize vibrations for better energy use and subsequently, better audio output.
It has a very classic, black look with wood patterns and is comparable in size to its Edifier counterpart. Definitely a good bookshelf speaker to consider that holds up well with the R1280DB.
Pair of high performance bookshelf speakers equipped with one 1 inch silk/polymer composite dynamic balance dome tweeters.
JBL L830
JBL is perhaps the most recognizable speaker brand and for good reason. The JBL L830 is a fantastic, high-performance bookshelf speaker that features the same tweeter as the high-end JBL Synthesis series.
Pair the speakers with a good subwoofer and you have an audio experience that competes with some of the high-end speakers out there.
As is the trend in this review, The JBL L830 also boasts a classy, polished look. It performs seamlessly between high and low volumes, offering a dynamic sound on the higher ranges with minimal distortion. While it’s priced higher than the Edifier R1290DB, JBL L830 is worth looking at for its high-end performance.
Freeflow port technology delivers great sound and makes sure you get the lowest amount of distortion.
Pioneer SP-BS22-LR
I think you’ll agree with me that Pioneer is one of the most iconic sound system brands of all time. From homes and cars to cruises, you can find a Pioneer sound system just about anywhere and everywhere. The Pioneer SP-BS22-LR is a true example of a budget speaker, offering quality sound output and excellent value for money.
As outlined in our Pioneer SP-BS22-LR review, the Pioneer has a decent woofer, with the core tech being the 6 element crossover which produces a refined sound across all ranges.
While not the most refined audio in a speaker out there, not many can match the audio quality levels at this price range. All in all, a very functional speaker that can be used well in a small room.
These speakers utilize a true curved cabinet design. Not only aesthetically pleasing, this stiffer design reduces standing sound waves inside the cabinet, resulting in high-performance and exceptional sound quality.
FAQs
Question: Can I Connect R1280DB with more Speakers?
Answer: Yes, you can easily connect the R1280DB with your home theater systems, subwoofer, and other speakers. It has a full list of inputs that gives you complete connectivity with all types of sound systems, including optical and coaxial inputs.
Question: Does It Really Have Studio Sound Quality?
Answer: Yes, and in this price range, not many can match the sound quality of the Edifier R1280DB. It has 4-inch bass and 13mm silk dome tweeter that produce fine-tuned sound, giving you a high definition audio experience every time you use them. While I did use them for the sake of the review, I still have them set up on my workstation because the audio quality for the size is undeniably great.
Question: Will There Be An Audio Lag When Connected to A TV?
Answer: This is one of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to budget Bluetooth speakers. You can easily connect the R1280DB to your TV, smartphone, or computer without experiencing audio lag. It has a high Bluetooth input frequency for its price which allows you to enjoy your favorite movies and music videos without any lag.
Final Thoughts – Should You Buy Edifier R1280DB?
Consider this. You’re getting studio sound quality, a complete set of input options, an elegant design to match any space, and a compact form factor that makes it easy to set up the speakers anywhere. Not many speakers out there can match all these features for the price. The Edifier R1280DB, however, does all that and more.
The R1280DB is a great option to consider when buying a compact, quality, and affordable bookshelf speaker. Its warm and fine-tuned sound, modern style, and universal connectivity make it a great buy for small to mid-sized rooms while adding great value to an existing home theater system.
For your money’s worth, the Edifier R1280DB is a solid, durable bookshelf speaker that can deliver performance well beyond its price tag.
Adjust the volume and toggle inputs at your fingertips. Bass and treble control located on the side of main speaker.