The Edifier R1280T (see image) and R1280DB are very chic and good-looking bookshelf speakers. Each speaker has a matte top panel with grills made of removable gray cloth material.
Edifier is a well-respected speaker manufacturer recognized for its reasonably priced, high-quality speakers. There is a major difference between the R1280T and R1280DB speakers when it comes to connectivity options. The s-series speakers - R1280Ts and R1280DBs, on the other hand, feature an external subwoofer.
In summary, the Edifier R1280T and R1280DB are extremely similar. The most noticeable difference is that the Edifier R1280DB has two RCA inputs, Bluetooth, and two additional inputs for optical and coax in addition to the two RCA inputs. In contrast, the Edifier R1280T has just two RCA inputs. Additionally, the Edifier R1280DB remote has more control than the R1280T remote. However, you'll have to fork up an additional $30 to $40. If you want to splurge, though, the R1280Ts and R1280DBs feature an external subwoofer for added audio power - for an added price, of course.
So, which Bluetooth bookshelf speaker set is better? Let's take a closer look.
Sound Quality
Have you ever noticed that there often tends to be quite the opposite opinions about a speaker?
I can understand this for more "personal taste" kinda products like clothing, for example.
But for engineering products like speakers? Personal tastes and preferences probably still play a role. But shouldn't it be less?
Why is it that we can't set a universal metric for sound quality?
First time I asked this question to myself has been a pivotal day.
Because it turns out that in the mid 90's, Electrical Engineer PhD Floyd Toole came up with a method called Spinorama. This is exactly what he accomplished with this. Turns out that his book Sound Reproduction is like the bible of audiophiles.
Put it simply, Spinorama is a set of measurements that gives a comprehensive overview of a speaker's performance from various angles.
It allows you to compare the performances of different speakers before even laying your ears hands on them.
Isn't that amazing?
This is why Spinorama was apparently groundbreaking news for audio industry. Hence in the mid-late 2010's, most brands and magazines began publishing Spinorama measurements, despite the challenges of making such measurements.
Fortunately, now we have the Spinorama data for a bunch of quite popular speakers. Pierre Aubert put all this untidy data together and put it into https://www.spinorama.org/. This is a stunning source. Pretty valuable stuff from him right there.
All good up to this point.
Now there comes a caveat.
Since the sound speakers propagate are in the form of omnidirectional waves, all measurements are obtained in anechoic or semi-anechoic chambers (a super-quiet room where soundwaves don't bounce back, here's how different that room sounds [a mind blowing time-adjusted video]).
This is a problem because it means that Spinorama alone, unfortunately, won't give us all we need. Placement and reflections play an equally important role there too.
This is why most A-class brands (like SVS, Bang & Olufsen, etc) often come up with room correction features, adjusted either manually or automatically. The EQ adapts itself to the placement (room, corner, center, etc) for a better (deeper and more accurate) sound. Which is great.
Additionally they often emphasize the importance of placement, here is an example: https://www.svsound.com/blogs/subwoofer-setup-and-tuning/75365187-the-art-of-subwoofer-placement
Anyways...
The source code under Pierre Aubert's work is licensed under GPL (General public license). He didn't perform any of the measurements himself, and instead he compiled all of them into one place, so that makes sense.
At this point, I thought that if there was a tool that combined both the Spinorama with the room acoustics data, it'd be extremely useful.
Unfortunately, it turns out that there wasn't any.
This is where I stepped in and partnered with an Acoustics and Audio Engineering PhD in order to achieve this.
We combined Spinorama data with room acoustics and came up with Soundton. A very simple, 2D online tool that allows you to:
- Reveal optimal speaker positions in a room,
- Test with real speakers from real brands,
- Compare different speakers and different positions in the room.
It can be very valuable for the vast majority.
The colormap provides you the locations with the best (green) and worst (red) listening experience.
It works the best with subwoofers since Soundton processes low frequency response waves only.
- Soundton is going to be, say, 80% accurate. Not 100%.
- Because, other parameters such as the age/materials of the building, furniture/windows in place also have an impact on room acoustics.
- If you want absolutely the most detailed room analysis, then what you need is an acoustics consultant. Mind you that's going to require deep pockets and patience though... assuming you find the right person and they get the job done.
Anyways...
The Edifier R1280T and R1280DB produce a nice, punchy bass with its built-in subwoofer. The sound is rich and full while also being detailed and crisp. The sound feels larger than it actually is, probably due to the subwoofer.
The sound produced by the Edifier R1280T has a strong lower end that you can feel through the little port grille on top of each one. However, the 1280DB's slightly larger subwoofer allows it to produce an even stronger bass. The bass sounds great, but it can be overpowering at high volumes.
The Edifier 1280DB produces decent quality sound with plenty of volumes and a decent separation of instruments within the music. The sound is neutral and natural, especially at low volumes. Unlike many other small speakers, which tend to sound boxy, you can tell that this speaker is made of quality components.
In short, the Edifier R1280T does have slightly better highs than the R1280DB. However, the difference is not big, and it's certainly not noticeable unless you're looking for it. While the Edifier R1280T boasts precise highs, the 1280DB offers slightly richer mids and fuller bass.
When you listen to music after a long break, your ears will immediately go back to their old frequency response. After a long break of over 30 seconds, the sound quality of the Edifier R1280DB's is back to its original state.
If you really want to hear the full potential of the Edifier R1280T or R1280DB, then you should think about upgrading to the R1280Ts or R1280DBs. The external subwoofer plays a major role in improving sound quality, especially when listening to louder volumes.
Compared to the Edifier R1280T, the R1280DB has a stronger bass. The bass is not as punchy as the bass of the R1280T, but it still offers enough frequency response to feel it.
The highs and mids of the Edifier R1280T are clearer than those of the R1280DB. However, both speakers produce similar accurate sound quality at moderate volumes. The high-mids produced by both these speakers are quite smooth, and neither produces harsh or buzzy sounds.
Design and Build
The Edifier R1280T and R1280DB are very chic and good-looking bookshelf speakers. Each speaker has a matte top panel with grills made of removable gray cloth material. They feature wooden housing on both sides of the speaker.
Below each grill, you'll find a strategically-placed logo of Edifier. On the right side of the right speaker, you'll find three panels that control treble, bass, and volume - allowing for easy access.
Meanwhile, the MDF wood enclosure is made so that it helps curb distortions of any sort. The volume knob also has an LED indicator at its bottom, so it's easier to spot.
It's important to note that all four speakers boast the same design save for the output and connectivity options, remote control functionalities, and the external subwoofers on the R1280Ts and R1280DBs.
Here are a few more things to note:
- The speakers' dimensions are 5.75 x 9.5 x 7"
- They both weigh about 12.5kg, which is decent
- They’re very easy to install in your home or office without help
Although the R1280Ts and R1280DBs are a bit heavier than the other two sets, it's still very negligible when compared to the speakers it's meant to be placed on.
If you’re looking for a more lightweight bookshelf speaker, then the s-series might not be a good choice for you. Nevertheless, there’s no denying that the heft of these speakers greatly accentuates the quality.
Even then, the weight doesn’t really bear much of a difference here since they don’t weigh that much. And although they certainly aren’t portable, they’re lightweight enough to take them with you when you move houses or would like to move them to a different room without straining a muscle.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions for Edifier’s Bookshelf Speakers.
Drivers
Using a 4-inch bass driver and a well-measured, flared bass reflex port, the Edifier R1280T speaker can deliver deep, rich bass. The sound quality enthralls those who have used the speakers, and this is because the drivers are regarded as audiophile-grade speakers.
It contains a 13mm silk tweeter that provides a high-quality audio experience and a wide spectrum of frequencies, along with a 4inch (106mm) woofer. The Edifier R1280T has a frequency response of 75Hz-18kHz.
If you take the grilles off the Edifier R1280DB, you'll find two drivers and a single bass port. The Edifier R1280DB has a slightly larger driver than the R1280T, the only variation between the two. Due to the front-firing bass port on the Edifier R1280DB, you won't miss any bass performance and will be able to enjoy the full strong bass and depth it provides.
The Edifier 1280DB (see image) produces decent quality sound with plenty of volumes and a decent separation of instruments within the music.
A 4-inch (116mm) subwoofer and 13mm silk dome tweeter are included in the R1280DB. The Edifier R1280DB's frequency response ranges from 55Hz to 20kHz, which is rather good.
The frequency response ranges might not seem all that impressive. However, you’ll see the difference when you turn up the bass. Thanks to the high response, you won’t hear much of a buzzing sound - although it’s still there if you listen very carefully.
On the other hand, the Edifier R1280DBs and R1280Ts feature an external subwoofer that provides a more immersive, surround-sound experience. While the performance difference between the Edifier R1280DB, R1280DBs, R1280T, and R1280Ts is subtle, it's still a difference that you'll notice when your tunes are on full blast.
When using the R1280Ts and DBs for gaming, you'll notice that the sound field is more precise. The high sounds are crisp and clear but not high enough to be ear-piercing or pain-inducing.
Overall, the Edifier R1280T and R1280Ts are excellent in the high-frequency ranges. The Edifier R1280T and Ts feature a 21W RMS. Meanwhile, the Edifier R1280DB and DBs are slightly advantageous with a 42W RMS.
Silk dome tweeters with a diameter of 13mm produce high-frequency detail. Although the upper-end highs are quite thin, they are well-balanced.
These speakers sound fantastic when listening to indie or jazz music. For acoustic music, the mid-range is ideal. They also have a smooth and balanced midrange, which is very good for the clarity of the vocals.
Turning the bass too much causes some distortion, which marred the otherwise great highs and middle. In terms of bass, they're fine at moderate levels. Although the bass isn't loud enough to cover a large room, it's adequate for smaller spaces like dormitories, bedrooms, and workplaces.
While the Edifier 1280DB and DBs may be an upgrade from the older models, there's certainly no real difference in sound quality. In fact, you're most likely paying for upgraded electronics and connectivity.
Connectivity
As far as connectivity and outputs are concerned, the Edifier 1280DB and 1280DBs have an advantage over the older 1280T and 1280Ts models. The DB and DBs models are designed as an upgrade from the older models, meaning they have a greater range of connectivity and features.
For example, the Edifier 1280DB and 1280DBs boast Bluetooth connectivity - a feature the 1280T and 1280Ts simply didn't have. A wireless range of up to 33 feet is expected from these speakers, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 94dB. They also feature two RCA input jacks for connecting to additional devices such as a TV or audio source.
Unlike the Edifier R1280T and R1280Ts, the R1280DB features two auxiliary inputs - one for coaxial and one for optical - rather than just one optical input. This is a great advantage for those who own DVD players or game consoles.
If you want to listen to music on a wired connection, you can plug in your smartphone and begin streaming. While many smartphones have disabled the 3.5mm headphone jack, you could always use a 3.5mm to RCA adapter and plug it into the Edifier R1280DBs input jacks.
The Edifier R1280T and R1280Ts can connect to any stereo or home theater system up to 33 feet away. The speakers connect to the devices via:
- three 1/8th inch audio inputs
- two AC adapters
- a subwoofer for added bass
- and a remote control
All the devices must be plugged into the same AC outlet.
Check out some Special Offers on Edifier’s website.
Remote Controls
As we mentioned before, the Edifier R1280DB and R1280DBs feature an upgraded remote control. This convenience comes with the upgrade, but it's not really necessary. The older R1280Ts and R1280T feature a remote control for full functionality.
The Edifier R1280Ts (see image) and R1280DBs have an external subwoofer. This external subwoofer is detachable, which is both a good and bad thing.
The Edifier R1280T's remote control is straightforward. In addition to the volume buttons, it also contains a mute button. As for treble and bass, you'll have to use the controls on the active speaker's left side to fine-tune them.
A more advanced remote control feature is available in the Edifier R1280DB than in the Edifier R1280T. There are 12 buttons on the remote control of the Edifier R1280DB compared to three buttons on the remote control of the Edifier R1280T.
Using these 12 buttons, you may toggle between various inputs and volume control, including volume up, volume down, mute, Coaxial, Optic, Line 1, Line 2, and more. To operate Bluetooth pairing, there are controls for on/pairing/connecting and play/stop and program forward and back.
The Edifier R1280DB allows you to connect many devices at once.
Speaker Placement
All four speaker models are bookshelf speakers, which means they're designed to be placed on an elevated surface. The sound is more directional when placed on a flat surface.
Keep in mind that there's no real difference when placing them on the floor or an elevated surface. However, your listening experience will be different if you put them against a wall or place them in the center of a room.
The Edifier R1280T and R1280Ts sound great wherever you place them, but they sound best when they're at least six feet away from walls. The bass is not as strong at this distance, and the sound isn't as full. However, it's still a good sound.
The Edifier R1280DB can also be placed pretty much anywhere, with the only difference being that at higher volumes, it produces more bass through its port grille.
If you place the Edifier R1280T and R1280s between one and three feet away from the walls, then you will hear some buzzing because of the lack of bass and high-mids. Use the foam pads provided on the stands to fix this problem.
The Edifier R1280DB sounds best when placed one to two inches away from walls. However, you should still keep it at least eight feet away from other speakers or furniture. Otherwise, some high-mids and bass will leak through the ports.
Check out Edifier deals on their Certified Refurbished Products.
Durability
All four of these models are made of quality materials, making them more durable than most small speakers on the market. Their wood panels, silk tweeters, and cloth grills increase the speakers' lifespans. If you look after the Edifier R1280T, R1280s, and R1280DB well, then they will serve you well for many years to come.
The Edifier 1280DB and 1280DBs (see image) boast Bluetooth connectivity - a feature the 1280T and 1280Ts simply didn't have.
The built-in subwoofer of the Edifier R1280T makes it highly durable compared to other bookshelf speakers with no subwoofers. The high-quality subwoofer produces strong bass, accompanied by a long lifespan compared to other types of speakers on the market.
The Edifier R1280Ts and R1280DBs have an external subwoofer. This external subwoofer is detachable, which is both a good and bad thing. The subwoofer can be removed by simply unplugging it from the active speaker. This means that you can upgrade to another external subwoofer if you want to.
There's also the fact that Edifier speakers are designed to provide many years of use. The drivers and components are of high quality, and the speaker enclosures are made from quality materials that survive a lot of traveling.
Warranty
Edifier speakers purchased new and in their original packaging are protected for two (2) years from the date of purchase against defects in materials or workmanship. Edifier North America, or an authorized service provider, will pay for any damaged components or speakers returned to Edifier North America.
They will be repaired using new or refurbished parts after being thoroughly inspected for flaws. Repairs will be exchanged for refurbished speakers if they cannot be repaired, as assessed by Edifier North America or its approved service partner.
Repairs will be made after inspecting the damaged parts for flaws and after returning them to Edifier North America or an approved service provider for inspection. It's always a good idea to take a screenshot of your Edifier R1280 speakers along with their receipt and save it to your computer as proof that the manufacturer will honor its lifetime warranty.
Pricing
These bookshelf speakers are what you would call mid-range. They're priced on the higher end of the bookshelf speaker range, but they're fairly affordable. Take a closer look at how much they cost below:
- Edifier R1280T - $99.99
- Edifier R1280Ts - $119.99
- Edifier R1280DB - $139.99
- Edifier R1280Dbs - $149.99
As you can see, there's not that much of a difference between the Edifier R1280 and their subwoofer-series counterparts. However, there is a $20 gap between the T and DB models.
As discussed earlier, there's really not much of a difference between the Edifier R1280T and R1280DB other than the fact that the R1280DB has a lot more going for it in terms of connectivity and electronics.
That said, if you're looking at either of these models, we highly suggest splurging the extra $10 for the s-series models to get the best audio experience. But if you're looking for overall value, you can't go wrong with the Edifier R1280Ts.
Conclusion
The Edifier R1280T, R1280s, and R1280DB are some of our favorite bookshelf speakers. We can easily say that they're some of the best bookshelf speakers on the market as they're quite affordable and produce great sound quality.
The Edifier R1280s will go down as one of the best small bookshelf speaker sets on the market in its price range, and we believe that there are very few mid-range speakers with this kind of quality.
Overall, while the regular Edifier R1280T and R1280DB are a great choice for any home, it's definitely worth the extra cash if you decide to upgrade to the R1280Ts or R1280DBs.