Edifier R1280DB Speakers Review
Dubbed as a speaker duo which can output up to 42w of sound in a true stereo speaker package that allows for wireless and wired inputs, and all at £129.99, this immediately sounds quite appealing, especially when you see its design. We’ve been hitting play on all our audio playback through these speakers over the past few weeks, to determine if the Edifier R1280DB speakers have what it takes for a dedicated setup on desk, bookshelves, or to fill a room.
Design
While maintaining a classic bookshelf speaker aesthetic (146mm×234mm×196mm), they boast a refined build with a solid MDF enclosure, available in plain white, black or brown wood grain variants (all 100% MDF). These sculpted speakers are easy to dust, and their smooth finish conveys a premium feel. They are versatile for various setups, resisting scratches and handling everyday bangs and scrapes, whether on a desk or in a living room.
Although we haven’t seen the wood grain finishes of the R1280DB in person, we have experience with other Edifier speaker models featuring wood grain finishes that still look new after years. We’re pleased with our white aesthetic and contrasting grey speaker grills, which can be removed to reveal the drivers. The clean, cool tone of the white finish allows these speakers to blend seamlessly into various desk setups, regardless of our yellow iMac M1, desk surfaces, or decorations.
Controls & Bluetooth
On the left speaker, there’s a panel with three control knobs for volume, bass and treble. Additionally, a remote control is included for convenience, which we prefer. Since the left speaker has power, a supplied speaker cable connects to the right speaker using spring clips, which are easy to use but may wear the cable quicker, possibly requiring occasional splicing.
These days, wireless connectivity is our main method with speakers. Although these support line-in, coaxial, RCA, and optical ports, Bluetooth (version 4.0) is more convenient despite some drawbacks. It connects quickly with a range of around 8-10 metres and we have had no connectivity issues in our usage. Perhaps worth noting is the absence of a subwoofer out port.
Sound Quality
For the price point of £129.99, the Edifier R1280DB speakers offer 42 watts of total output with a 4-inch bass driver and a 13mm silk dome tweeter. They excel in both near-field and mid-field listening environments, making them ideal for our iMac desk setup. Whether used for casual music listening, movie watching, or gaming, they deliver ample volume to fill our open-plan studio environment if needed.
Stereo performance is, of course, very good. An advantage of speakers of this style is that they can be placed on either side of a desk, apart from one another across a room, or on a shelf. This creates a real soundstage with noticeable separation of music elements. However, they are not quite as impressive as our previously reviewed Edifier R1700BT speakers. The sound profile is a bit hazier, albeit with a credible amount of bass that suits most music genres. However, we found the mid-range to be narrower compared to the high and low bass ranges, which are comparable to the substantially more expensive wavemaster TWO NEO speakers. Adjusting the onboard control knobs can help on a track-to-track basis, but the mid-range remains the weakest element of the sound signature, sometimes causing the music to sound flat.
While Bluetooth is a convenient connectivity option, the difference in sound quality between a line-in connection and Bluetooth is more noticeable than with other recent speakers we've tested. The mid-range performs better with a wired connection, offering greater detail and a more enjoyable listening experience. In case you were wondering, Bluetooth is the only wireless functionality on the R1280DB as they have no Wi-Fi or AirPlay functionality. However, on a desk setup, where it is easier to have a wired connection, this is not really a concern.
Verdict
You can’t really argue with the economics of the Edifier R1280DB speakers; they’re good value. Plus, they’re multipurpose, between being a room-filling stereo pairing to simple placement on a desk, which is how we mostly use them. Their aesthetically pleasing design complements our various desk setups, and the wide range of wired connectivity options and straightforward controls adds more appeal. Music and general audio listening are smooth and generally pleasing. There’s detail and substantial stereo to make music stand out and feel energetic. The mid-range is just a little closer than we’d like, detracting from the otherwise likeable audio profile.