Finding a good pair of bookshelf speakers is easier said than done. Sure, you can get a high quality unit for a huge price. You could also get something cheap that won’t perform nearly as well as you need. Simply put, finding something that won’t cost a fortune, yet still sounds nice, is quite the challenge.
However, we have found one specific pair of speakers that feature high quality performance for a reasonable price. Let’s take a look at one specific pair of bookshelf speakers from a trusted brand name, Edifier.
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers: Review
Today, we want to take a closer look at the Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers. They come in at just over $100, so they definitely won’t break your bank.
However, they still come complete with some really nice features. They’ve got great sound quality, precision controls, they’re pretty durable, and look nice too. You really can’t ask for more than that when paying so little.
Who is this Product for?
The Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers are designed for people who need some simple yet effective speakers. The recommended use here is for computers.
However, they’ll work just as well to watch movies on your TV or to listen to music from a connected device.
Beware however that they don’t have Bluetooth. You have to use either an RCA cable or a good old 3.5 mm AUX cable. That small issue aside, they’re perfectly fine speakers for anyone working with a limited budget.
What’s Included?
When you purchase the Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers, you get a pair of speakers. They come in at 6.9 x 9.5 x 5.8 inches. They do also come with the required power cord.
However, they don’t come with any of the connector cables. That said, for the rock bottom price they come in at, not coming with RCA/AUX cables isn’t a big deal. You do however get a nice little remote control included as well.
Overview of Features
The Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers may not be expensive, but they still perform quite well. For one, they do feature fairly high quality components. They really do have studio quality sound. This is in part thanks to the 13 mm silk dome tweeter combined with the 4 inch full range unit.
These components allow the Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers to produce quite some volume. They’re definitely more than loud enough for basic home use. They’re so loud that you will likely never have to use them at full volume.
Moreover, they do also feature a fairly wide frequency range. This means that they reproduce both the high notes and the low notes very well. They feature crisp and clear sound quality without any crackling or distortion.
In terms of the bass, these speakers feature a 4 inch driver combined with a flared bass reflex port. In other words, the Edifier Bookshelf Speakers have enough bass to make your floors rumble. What you may also appreciate is the precision control these speakers feature. Both the bass and treble can be increase or decreased by 6db.
You might also appreciate how the Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers look fairly nice. They feature a high quality MDF wood finish, and they look really retro too. They work well with all sorts of décor. MDF might not be top quality wood, but it works just fine for this purpose. In case anything does go wrong with these speakers, they feature a robust two year warranty.
Tutorial
One of the cool things about the Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers is of course that they are easy to use. All you have to do is to plug them into power. Then, using an RCA or an AUX cable, hook them up to the device of your choosing. They can be plugged directly into TVs, computers, MP3 players, and more. The plug and play functionality they feature definitely helps make life a bit easier.
Pros
- High quality sound
- Rich bass
- Precise bass and treble control
- Easy setup
- Compact
- Affordable
- Look nice
- Good warranty
Cons
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- MDF shell could be more durable
Alternatives
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers
In case you are looking for something with Bluetooth connectivity, even louder volume, even better base, and a more durable exterior, the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers might be right for you. They are significantly more expensive than the speakers reviewed today, although also significantly better.
Conclusion
They might not be the world’s fanciest speakers, but they do everything you need them to do. They put out a lot of volume, they’ve got deep bass and clear treble, and they look nice too. For just over $100, we think that the Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers are a bargain. This kind of performance would easily warrant a much higher price tag.
