Review of the Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers: A Perfect Blend of Quality and Affordability
In the realm of audio equipment, finding a balance between quality, functionality, and price can be a challenging task. Enter the Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers, a product that has garnered positive attention since its launch on October 15, 2015. Designed as 2.0 active near-field monitors, these speakers promise a studio-quality sound experience without breaking the bank. With an RMS power of 42 watts and an elegant wooden enclosure, the R1280T is an attractive option for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Design and Build Quality
The R1280T features a classic wood finish that beautifully complements any home décor. The MDF wood construction not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the overall sound quality by reducing resonance. Measuring 6.9 inches deep, 5.7 inches wide, and 9.5 inches high, these compact speakers are perfect for tabletop mounting, making them an ideal choice for small spaces like bedrooms or home offices.
The speakers are equipped with side panel controls for volume, bass, and treble adjustments, allowing users to fine-tune their listening experience easily. The remote control adds an extra layer of convenience, enabling users to adjust sound levels from a distance. While some users have noted that the remote could be more intuitive—especially regarding the power button’s placement—the overall functionality is satisfactory.
Sound Quality
The Edifier R1280T is equipped with a 4-inch dynamic woofer and a 13mm silk dome tweeter, which work in harmony to deliver exceptional sound reproduction across various audio genres. Users have praised these speakers for their natural sound quality, making them suitable for everything from classical music to hard rock. The 85 dB signal-to-noise ratio ensures that sound remains clear and crisp, even at higher volumes.
Feedback from users reveals that the bass response is surprisingly robust for a speaker of this size, with many describing it as “more than enough” for an average listener. It’s important to manage expectations; while the bass isn’t as deep as that produced by larger systems or dedicated subwoofers, it is certainly adequate for casual listening and even for reference monitoring in home recording setups.
As one user eloquently puts it, “You can hear the strings rubbing across the fingers when you hear a guitar in your music,” highlighting the clarity and detail present in the audio. While some users suggest that these speakers might not serve as ideal studio monitors in a professional setting, they excel at providing a satisfying listening experience for home users and hobbyists who want to ensure their mixes translate well on consumer-grade systems.
Versatility and Connectivity
The R1280T is designed for versatility, boasting dual RCA inputs that allow users to connect multiple devices simultaneously via auxiliary cables. This feature is especially useful for those looking to switch between a computer, television, or music player without constantly plugging and unplugging cables.
The speakers are compatible with a wide range of devices, including laptops, gaming consoles, and smartphones, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking a compact sound solution. Whether you’re watching movies, playing video games, or enjoying vinyl records from a turntable, the R1280T delivers solid performance across the board.
User Experience
User reviews consistently highlight the ease of setup and quality of sound for the price. Many users who previously relied on larger, bulkier systems have found that the R1280T meets or exceeds their audio expectations, often remarking on the modern convenience of having an all-in-one speaker solution. The compact design not only saves space but also reduces clutter, making it a practical choice for smaller living areas.
However, some users have pointed out minor drawbacks, such as the remote control’s limitations and the absence of a subwoofer output in the R1280T model. While these factors may deter some audiophiles, they do not significantly detract from the overall value offered.
Conclusion
The Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers are a commendable choice for anyone seeking high-quality audio within a reasonable price range. With their classic design, versatile connectivity options, and impressive sound quality, they cater to both casual listeners and budding audiophiles.
While they may not replace high-end studio monitors, the R1280T serves its purpose well in home environments, providing an enriching auditory experience for various uses—from music listening to movie watching. Given their affordable price point, these speakers represent an excellent value, making them a worthy investment for anyone looking to upgrade their audio setup.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
In summary, if you’re in the market for a pair of bookshelf speakers that strike a balance between quality, versatility, and affordability, look no further than the Edifier R1280T. Whether you’re a music lover, a gamer, or a budding recording artist, these speakers are poised to enhance your listening experience significantly.
Christopher Blanar –
These speakers offer great value with impressive sound quality for the $90 I spent on the pair. I purchased them for my home recording setup, and I kept my expectations realistic given the price, which is why I’m pleased with them! Just to clarify, for more serious recording and monitoring, I rely on my SONY MDR7506 headphones and a set of older 5″ JBL LSR2325Ps. I intend to use these Edifiers to check how my mixes translate on decent “normal” speakers, and they’ve performed admirably so far. For $90, they exceed my expectations (hence the 5-star rating), and I am completely satisfied with my purchase. Naturally, there is a noticeable loss in power and clarity at this size and price point (like muddy deep bass and some high frequencies dropping out), but I mention this because the listing refers to them as “studio monitors,” which might set unrealistic expectations. They could work well in a smaller space or a beginner’s home studio. Overall, they serve as a solid testing ground for mixes and are perfect for everyday use (like gaming). Additionally, they are aesthetically pleasing—the wood finish is beautiful, and I’ve received compliments from anyone who has passed by my workstation.
Amandeep Kaur –
These speakers are absolutely amazing! As other reviewers have mentioned, the sound quality from these compact and affordable gems is unbelievable—I’m truly in audio paradise! The delivery was quicker than I anticipated and came via a reliable courier. Just a heads-up: the speakers I received are designed for the US/Canada market, so my boyfriend had to make a quick trip to the store for a plug converter since they come with a USA plug, but it was a minor hassle. Plus, registering for the online warranty was a breeze!
Averst –
These speakers are absolutely fantastic for the price! After upgrading from a pair of $70 bookshelf speakers, the sound quality of these studio speakers is simply incredible.
Setting them up was effortless and took only about 5 minutes. Right out of the box, the sound is excellent, with a great balance of bass and treble. As a bass enthusiast, I find these speakers deliver more than enough bass to satisfy me. I’m already convinced they are worth every penny, especially compared to my previous speakers.
However, the remote leaves something to be desired; it only has volume controls and a mute button. It would have been more convenient to have the power button located on the side with the other controls instead of on the back.
The speakers have a retro aesthetic and a lovely wooden finish. While the inside looks even better than the exterior, you’ll definitely want to keep the cover on as they do release a lot of air, which can be a bit annoying, but it’s manageable.
Overall, these are my second pair of speakers, and I highly recommend them for anyone seeking new speakers or an upgrade.
Jesse –
As a metalhead, I’ve been on the lookout for reviews from fellow fans regarding these speakers in this price range. Am I an audiophile? In many respects, yes. I write and record my own music for Spotify and Bandcamp and need speakers that the average person would own for regular use. Throughout my life, I’ve been a working-class individual, often only able to afford items in this price range. You don’t always need a $500 – $800 setup to find quality that meets your everyday needs.
Now, onto the core of the matter: these speakers are fantastic. Are they perfect? Not quite. But as someone who can be quite discerning, I’ve been listening to them all day, and they truly excel in a medium-sized bedroom where I want to review my recordings (not as studio monitors, which they aren’t). After listening to my own tracks, I dove into my favorite bands, and they sounded amazing. I’ve kept the volume under halfway because they are impressively loud! I’m already concerned about disturbing my neighbors.
Treble: Bright, clear, and not metallic at all. I adjusted the treble knob slightly to help it cut through the more prominent bass and lower mids, which were more pronounced than I expected. The wooden casing undoubtedly enhances the resonance compared to lower-quality plastic speakers.
Mids: Solid performance. Nothing that irritated me, and they added clarity to the overall sound.
Bass: A bit too strong for my taste, so I dialed it down just a notch, and it was perfect. This was an easy adjustment. I listen to a lot of death metal with low guitar, bass tunings, and heavy kick drums, and the bass was immediately noticeable, hence the slight reduction. Now it’s just right!
I see no reason why these wouldn’t work well for electronic or hip-hop genres. I played some Dead Prez and Kendrick Lamar with the bass turned up, and it delivered quite the rumble. However, some may prefer even more bass, so keep that in mind.
Beyond metal, I explored some flamenco, classical, country, and folk music, all of which sounded fantastic and crystal clear. I highly recommend this setup for the $100 price tag. What a delightful find in this price range!
Oswaldo Parra –
I’ve been using the R1280T speakers for about three years now. The build quality of the enclosure, along with the 4-inch cone and tweeter, is excellent. The cables are also of good quality. My only complaint would be the remote control; for someone like me, who has the speakers set at an appropriate level and uses them with a computer, it’s not an issue. However, if you consider it important, it might be a drawback. It’s worth noting that the “T” model, as opposed to the “TS,” does not have a subwoofer output.
Regarding sound quality, these are powered speakers that don’t require an external amplifier, but they are designed for small to medium-sized spaces. They are fidelity speakers, not meant for blasting sound across the block. Overall, the sound is quite flat, which is great since you can adjust the bass and treble using the built-in amplifier controls, significantly altering their sound profile. The treble is well-controlled and doesn’t become annoying even at higher volumes. The midrange performance is outstanding, with clear vocals. The bass is sufficient for those who don’t want their entire house shaking; they don’t distort even at 40Hz, although the 4-inch driver can struggle with low mid-range frequencies, sometimes causing the sound to become muddled.
These speakers shine when paired with a crossover or audio interface that allows for subwoofer integration and equalization if needed. I have mine connected to my PC using a dedicated Sound Blaster ZSE sound card, configured as a 2.1 system with two speakers and one subwoofer, cutting off low frequencies below 80Hz for the subwoofer. This setup prevents the speakers from becoming overwhelmed by bass and low mids, resulting in a more balanced and higher-quality sound. Additionally, I’ve slightly boosted the treble and bass in the software to suit my preferences.
Without a doubt, the speakers perform much better when accompanied by a subwoofer and proper crossover settings. If you consider yourself more discerning, I highly recommend this setup. If not, rest assured that the sound from the speakers alone will fully meet your expectations.
MarkM007 –
I purchased these speakers to replace my older, bulkier floor speakers connected to an amplifier and my Audio-Technica LP 120 turntable. I wanted to reduce the clutter in my room and had never been completely satisfied with the sound quality from the amp and floor speakers. The all-in-one design of the Edifier R1280T speakers caught my attention. With the amplifier and speakers in a compact package, they seemed ideal. Having owned larger, pricier speakers for years, I figured that advancements in speaker and amp technology might mean these Edifiers could rival or even surpass them. At $100, I thought it was worth a shot; if they didn’t work with my turntable, I could always use them elsewhere in the house.
Thanks to my Prime membership, the speakers arrived the next day, securely packaged by Edifier to prevent damage during shipping. Upon unboxing, I was struck by their impressive build quality and aesthetics. They’re compact—perfect for bookshelves—and look and feel much more premium than you’d expect from a $100 pair of speakers. Setting them up was a breeze, taking only about five minutes. The remote is straightforward, which I appreciate—just volume control and mute. To adjust the treble and bass, you simply turn knobs on the side of one speaker, and the on/off switch is conveniently located there as well.
As I placed my first record on the turntable, I held my breath. Initially, the speakers didn’t sound quite right. After some troubleshooting, I realized I hadn’t connected the wires correctly. They are color-coded for positive and negative, but I overlooked that and the small instruction manual. Once I corrected the wiring and replayed the record, a smile crossed my face. Yes! The sound was exactly what I hoped for—clean and well-balanced, with decent treble and bass. After adjusting them to my taste, I thoroughly enjoyed the music.
Once I was satisfied with the basic sound, I cranked up the volume to test how well the speakers handled higher levels without distortion. Again, they passed with flying colors—plenty loud for my liking, though I never needed to push them to maximum volume.
I’m aware that there are better speakers out there, and these don’t come with Bluetooth or WiFi capabilities. However, that wasn’t my priority. These speakers are dedicated to my phonograph, and for me, they are perfect. Given the rave reviews on Amazon, it’s clear that many others share my sentiments. In fact, they are reportedly Amazon’s best-selling speakers. I want to express my gratitude to the other Amazon reviewers whose insights influenced my decision, as I tend to rely on star ratings when shopping.
In conclusion, I highly recommend these Edifier speakers for their outstanding price, beautiful design, and excellent sound. In my opinion, you won’t find a better value in this price range—or even slightly higher.
Dali Kilman –
The exterior boasts a beautiful, sleek wooden finish, and the volume control is conveniently located on the side. The sound quality is impressive, with no scratchiness when adjusting the volume and excellent amplification. These bookshelf speakers are a worthwhile investment if you want compact yet powerful speakers for your turntable, especially after experiencing declining quality with PreSonus.
Oswaldo Parra –
These speakers are seriously underrated and deserve to be on every audiophile’s list. The soundstage and treble are standout features that set them apart. The clarity is remarkable compared to typical PC speakers; you can actually hear the strings gliding across fingers when a guitar plays, showcasing the exceptional detail these speakers provide.
Don’t be fooled into thinking the bass suffers without a subwoofer. The bass is more than sufficient for any audio needs, providing enough thump to rattle your windows and chairs.
Overall, this is a fantastic value for money, and you can’t go wrong with this choice. Edifier has certainly earned my respect with this product. Cheers!
P.S. I’ve been using these for a few months now, and I’m continually impressed with their quality and performance. I primarily listen to classical, jazz, instrumentals, and some psychedelics. The clarity of both dialogues and music is outstanding for the price.