Edifier R1280T Bookshelf Speaker Review
Edifier R1280T
| Speaker Type: | Power: | Dimensions: | Freq. Response: |
| Active | 42W | 6.9″x 9.5″x 5.8″ | 75Hz-18kHz ±9dB |
At about $100, the Edifier R1280T provides excellent value. They are incredibly adaptable for PC audio, TV speakers, and vinyl players thanks to their small size and active speaker technology. Additionally offering audio flexibility are the tone knobs. The R1280T has some very forward bass, and at most volume levels, the mids and highs are distinct and lively.
The Edifier R1280T had won the hearts of many customers when I first looked into these speakers before buying them, and in some cases, it was even chosen over slightly more expensive alternatives. I decided to give these a try because I was intrigued by the thought of a $100 pair of active bookshelf speakers.
The R1280 range from Edifier includes a number of product variations. The R1280T is the series’ original model, though the R1280DB, which was unveiled a few years later, added Bluetooth connectivity as a bonus feature. Similar to the model we reviewed, the R1280Ts also have a subwoofer output jack. The R1280DBs, Edifier’s newest addition to the R1280 line, offers Bluetooth functionality as well as a slight increase in the lower frequency response range with a cut-off of 51Hz.
First Impressions
I was surprised by how small the Edifier R1280T was when I first opened the box. Their small size, 6.9 x 9.5 x 5.8 inches, was a pleasant surprise because I frequently have trouble finding enough desk space near my computer and the TV in my bedroom. However, this size format is common among bookshelf speakers on the more affordable end of the spectrum and is comparable in size, for instance, to the Klipsch R-14M.
The speakers and all the cables required to set them up were included in the box. You’ll discover everything you require already included in the package, whether you’re running these directly to a television or to your computer. A tiny remote is provided in the package, which is especially helpful for some older TVs that might not allow control of the aux output through the TV software.
Although I am aware that not everyone prefers wood finishes, the neutral grey grills do help to soften the look and make it appear more balanced, so they wouldn’t look out of place in the majority of homes.
A 4″ bass driver, a 12″ tweeter, and a flared bass reflex port are visible after the grilles have been removed. A set of controls on the right (active) speaker allows you to adjust the speaker’s bass and treble separately. Additionally, it features a single volume dial.
Design
The Edifier R1280T manages to strike a pleasing balance between being light enough to be moved around easily despite being small in size and having a sturdy enough build to avoid looking cheap or poorly made.
The color scheme, as mentioned, might not be to everyone’s taste. Even though the finish is touted as being easily incorporated into any home aesthetic, I have the impression that they might look a little out of place in a room with a lot of black furniture, like a hipster at a goth’s lunch table.
When surrounded by interior decor that emphasizes woodgrain or brown tones and is specially brought to life by the presence of indoor plants, this speaker design really shines.
I admired Edifier’s approach to the speaker’s right-side control panel. The concave element’s darker color scheme slightly improves the overall design. The dials themselves have an excellent feel and a solid response that doesn’t feel at all cheap.
The treble can also be adjusted using the same dials, which have a range of -6 to +6 for the bass. Although it won’t let you fully EQ your speakers, at least not without the aid of additional software or hardware, it does offer versatility and a simple way to position your speakers for the purpose for which you want to use them.
Active speakers like the Edifier R1280T don’t require a separate amplifier to be used. Connecting them to your device and plugging them into a power source are all that is required.
It would have been preferable if the side panel had been extended and the power switch had been attached to the tone and volume panel instead of being located at the back of the speaker.
The upgraded version of these, the R1280DB bookshelf speakers, are available for less than $40.00 more and provide Bluetooth, Coaxial, and Optical cable connectivity for more flexible connectivity options.
Sound
I believe it’s critical to approach the conversation with that consideration in mind when choosing speakers that are more based on price. Audiophiles frequently approach inexpensive speakers with the same level of scrutiny as expensive speakers. And while I think it’s important to be critical and analyze the sound as thoroughly as possible, it’s also crucial to make apples-to-apples comparisons.
I was a little concerned that the bass wouldn’t sound wide enough with a frequency response of 75Hz to 18kHz, but I was pleasantly surprised by the bass output.
In fact, these speakers’ bass response right out of the box is, to put it mildly, impressive. Although some other reviewers claim that the default setting of the speaker’s bass is too dominant, I believe that this is more a matter of personal preference and the speaker’s intended use. I didn’t find it to be much of a problem overall because I’m a bit of a bass-head at heart, but there are some tracks where I can tell the sound quality could be improved by lowering the bass a little.
I don’t mind louder bass because I mostly listen to electronic music, but if I choose to use these speakers for podcasts or streaming videos, I can definitely see myself choosing a lower bass influence. In this kind of circumstance, the bass and treble controls really come in handy because you can quickly change your settings for your playing media.
If you’re looking to host a house party, there are undoubtedly better options available, but for a casual listening area, bedroom TV setup, or even as computer speakers, they can more than hold their own. Volume was never an issue for me in a 4x4m room space.
While not flawless, the Edifier R1280T does a good job of delivering a generally full sound. Pushing the volume to a certain point can produce a slightly muddy sound; in this case, EQing the sound or lowering the bass a little will give you more control over the volume, as some of the lack of clarity at higher volumes appears to be caused by the bass overpowering some of the mid frequencies.
You can always use a third-party EQ program, such as Equalizer APO if you’re connecting the R1280T to a PC. I’m always hesitant to offer fixed frequency adjustments because sound is frequently a matter of personal opinion for the listener. I discovered that the audio was the clearest when the midrange frequencies between 500Hz and 2kHz were just +1.4dB higher and the 75Hz-200Hz range was reduced to -2.6 dB. This appeared to reduce the bass bleed a little bit for me.
Conclusion
The versatility of the Edifier R1280T is one of its advantages. These speakers are able to cover all of your needs and perform admirably whether you’re looking for speakers for your computer, TV, or vinyl player.
While some do use these as studio speakers and refer to them as such, I personally do not recommend them if your production or mixing goes beyond a hobby because there are more neutral options available. Since you’ll need to dig much deeper into your wallet to find true “audiophile grade” bookshelf speakers, I also wouldn’t suggest these to anyone looking for true audiophile quality bookshelf speakers.
Instead, if you want to switch from built-in TV speakers to something with better clarity and wider frequency response, the Edifier R1280T is a fantastic option. They are also perfect for a desk arrangement. Given that many vinyl players have an aesthetic that seems to preserve the wood grain finish popular in the 1970s, they go very well with the majority of vinyl players.
They are also simple to move around your home because of how small they are. Unquestionably one of the R1280best T’s qualities is its adaptability.
The Edifier R1280T, which costs about $100, is more than capable of competing head-to-head with more established brands in this market.
