Edifier R1280DB Review – Extra Features and Great Sound

Power and versatility are not normally something you’d associate with affordable speakers. Usually, you’d have to sacrifice one or the other to save your bank account from being emptied for a decent pair of speakers. 

The current speaker market is saturated with speakers and it can be difficult to find out what’s worth spending your money on and what is worth skipping. 

Whether you’re a budding producer or looking for some easy-to-function bookshelf speakers for your PC, home Hi-Fi system, or even to connect to your TV, you’ll want something that produces crisp and quality sound, has versatile connectivity options, and also comes at a reasonable price.

Well, the Edifier R1280DB Bookshelf Speakers match all our above criteria and more but without breaking the bank.

So if you’d like to find out more about some powerful and versatile speakers, then keep on reading. 

Edifier R1280DB Review – Extra Features And Great Sound

Specifications

• Dimensions: 5.75 x 9.5 x 7 inches (per speaker)
• Power Output: R/L: 21W+21W RMS 
• Frequency Response: 0Hz-55Hz (+/-1.5dB)2
• Noise Level:
• Bluetooth: Yes
• Other Inputs: Digital and Analogue
• Remote: Included
• Warranty: 2 years

Key Features

• Bluetooth Audio Connectivity
• 4.57” Woofers
• 55 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
• Up to 42W of Total RMS Power
• Optical, Digital Coaxial, 2x RCA Inputs
• Remote Control Operation

Edifier R1289DB Review

Design

Opinions of designs of speakers are pretty subjective and what designs we may love, others may despise. However, it’s typically quite difficult to get it wrong when it comes to speaker designs and the same goes for the Edifier R1289DB model.

The speakers are available in a sleek black ultra-modern design for those who love a clean look to their home but they’re also available with a wood grain finish to bring some warmth and depth to your living space and also add a mid-century modern touch. 

Unlike typical speakers, the Edifier R12890DB doesn’t sport the plastic finish that often makes them look less expensive. 

They also come with removable grills which will cover up the front panel to create a more seamless display where you decide to place them. As the bass is situated at the front of the design, you’ll be able to mount these speakers flush to the wall or in confined spaces without losing quality in their performance. 

Opting for either choice will prove as an inoffensive speaker system in your home that doesn’t look cheap or overly flashy. 

Size

Each speaker measures 5.75 x 9.5 x 7 inches and comes up larger than regular PC speakers but is quite a bit smaller when you compare them to average Hi-Fi speakers.

Paired with laptop or computer screens under 25 inches then the speakers may look abnormally large, which shouldn’t be too much of an issue if they’re located in a designated studio but on a desk in a communal living space, it may not look normal. 

However, if you’re going to use these paired next to your large TVs or tucked onto one of the shelves of your bookshelf, then they will make a great addition. 

Usability

Even if these speakers are the first kind of audio equipment you’ve bought for your home, setting them up out of the box will be pretty straightforward, and if you struggle then there is an informative manual to help you get everything running.

All it takes is plugging the speakers into a wall outlet, switch the power on, then use the speaker connecting cable to connect the 2 speakers and then plug it into a device like a TV or PC, or use the Bluetooth connectivity to be able to control what plays from your phone.

You’ll need to make sure that you choose the correct input on the remote or nothing will play through the speakers.

All ports and inputs on the rear of the speakers are clearly labeled with what they are, so as long as you follow the manual’s instructions when you’re trying to set up your speakers, you’ll be able to do it quickly. 

You can easily function your speakers without having to manually do it yourself on the speaker design, this is through the inclusive remote that comes with the model. 

The remote allows you to choose your input options, adjust the volume, skip or pause songs, and also switch off your speakers from the comfort of your couch. 

Sound Quality

Now let’s get down to the most important part about these speakers – the sound quality and performance. 

Considering these are entry-level studio speakers, they offer impressive sound and will offer more than enough sound for a PC set up, and will be sufficient to fill out moderate to large-sized living rooms. 

When watching movies on your TV or PC, you’ll want to use the Soundfield Specializer which will add a cinematic and panoramic sound in the room you’re sitting.

This won’t affect the spoken dialogue in films/TV shows you’re watching as everything still seems to sound even despite the lack of a center channel.

As for DJs or music producers, mastering your music should come as a breeze as the speakers will produce some good mids and highs, allowing you to get your mixes just right. 

For only a 4 inch woofer, the lows are respectable enough to get you through basic listening and working on music production, however, if you’re looking for some super bassy speakers then these won’t be it.

Unfortunately, these bookshelf speakers don’t come with a subwoofer, but for a middle-of-the-range pair of speakers that still offer good bass depths, there won’t be an inherent need for one just yet. 

However, for budding music producers, DJs, or anyone who wants to perfect their movie night, you’ll be able to plug in a subwoofer via the sub out port beneath the coax input on the rear of the speakers.

For smaller bookshelf speakers, they produce generous volume, however, when trialing out with different songs at the highest volume, we did experience some distortion so if you’re going to be using these at the top volume all the time then the sound quality won’t be as good. 

You’ll need to be aware that connection through the RCA will produce the highest quality sound and audio through the Bluetooth connection will noticeably decrease the sound quality making it sound a bit more hollow. This shouldn’t be an issue for general listening if you’re cleaning around the home, however, for high-energy parties you host, this could be more problematic. 

Compared to top-of-the-line speakers you’ll be able to notice that these are less full-bodied when it comes to sound, however, there aren’t any complaints on our end as it’s completely justifiable with the affordable price tag. 

Tuning Versatility

You’ll be able to adjust your bass and treble on the side of the speakers, above where the volume dial is located. This is more convenient than being placed on the back of speakers, where most models normally design them. 

Adjusting the treble and bass on the control panel will provide you with more versatility to your audio and also adjust it to your preferences for the listening you are doing, for example, more bass for certain musicians or films. 

Connectivity

The speakers come with Bluetooth connectivity enabled, allowing you to place your speakers anywhere in your home and still be able to choose and play whatever music you like with your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. 

Activating Bluetooth on the device is simple and done so by changing the speaker’s input on the remote to Bluetooth and then connecting your Bluetooth device to the speakers. 

When activating Bluetooth mode on your speakers, they may automatically connect to the last paired device meaning you won’t have to manually reconnect them each time.

When connected via Bluetooth, you shouldn’t experience any sound intermissions or stutters when your connected device is in the same room.

However, once you start wandering outside the room that the speakers are placed in, you may experience some stuttering and will then disconnect after a certain distance. 

However, you’re not just limited to using Bluetooth connection as they also come with a standard AUX port which allows you to plug into your PC, TV, or stand-alone HiFi system. 

Warranty

Edifier is proud and confident in producing quality components for their speakers that are built to last, that’s why they offer a 2 year warranty period when you purchase this speaker.

This will cover you for any defective parts that are noticeable upon arrival or if the speakers happen to stop through no fault of your own within the first 2 years of owning them. 

This is pretty impressive considering most tech and audio companies will only offer a 90-day warranty period on their speaker products. 

Many will translate this as the products being poor quality, but predominantly it’s because the companies would like you to spend more money if your product does have to break or become defective instead of them sending you a free replacement. 

In most cases, Edifier sends out replacement speakers if they deem the one that you’ve been sent is defective and unrepairable.

Pros:

• Bluetooth Connectivity – Select and play songs from your phone across the room
• 2-year warranty – Provides peace of mind after purchase
• Respectable lows, mids, and highs – No serious need for a subwoofer
• Crisp sound quality – Great for music and watching TV
• Easy to use – No over complicated instructions or controls
• Attractive sleek design – Will make a great addition to any living space 

Cons:

• Distortion at highest volumes – Not ideal when hosting parties
• Bluetooth range is not amazing – Disconnects when you leave the room

Should You Buy The Edifier R1280DB?

Yes, if you’re looking to upgrade your current bookshelf or PC speakers, these would be a brilliant option to go for.

We probably wouldn’t recommend these as a first resort for designated TV speakers due to the lack of a subwoofer that provides earth-shattering bass when watching action movies or shows. 

However, as the Edifier R1280DB is capable of being connected to an additional subwoofer then these would help you create that cinematic feel in your living without breaking the bank on a high-end surround system. 

These should be a top contender if you’re looking for some budget but quality speakers as they are some of the best ones around in terms of versatility and sound quality. 

If you have no experience in this sort of equipment and don’t know what you’re looking for, then purchasing a top-of-the-line model that has endless features and professional sound quality may be beyond what you require and also leave you largely out of pocket.

There may be cheaper speakers around compared to the Edifier speakers, however, these are the best value for money and won’t disappoint when it comes to performance.

If you’re shopping for speakers to be placed in a living room, office, or even bedroom then these speakers will do a fine job and produce quality sound at a good volume.

However, if you’re looking to use these speakers for use in large basements or outhouses around your home, then they won’t match up to the more expensive models. 

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, a highly recommended pair of speakers for a bargain price that also doesn’t skimp on features like Bluetooth, remote-controlled functioning, and also allows you to adjust the treble and the bass to your preference. 

For such affordable prices, the build quality is flawless and also has an attractive design that will seamlessly blend into any living space.

You’d expect the design of these speakers to be marketed at double the price, but that’s the beauty of the Edifier R1280DB and it’s what makes them so insanely popular with consumers. 

The compact design of these speakers makes them easy to set up anywhere in your home and more convenient if you want to transfer them from your bedroom into the living room for a movie night on the couch. 

The general consumer such as a gamer, movie buff, or everyday music listener will find these hit all the criteria, whereas DJs and producers will want to go lean towards Edifier’s higher-end models as they’ll have much more selective criteria for their requirements.