Top budget speakers: Edifier R1280DB review

Edifier has quickly made a name for itself in the best speaker market, with a particular knack for bookshelf speakers that offer a blend of performance and always-welcome affordability. An upgrade from the R1280Ts, the R1280DB bookshelf speakers introduce the much sought-after Bluetooth connectivity and optical and coaxial inputs while retaining Edifier's distinctive wood grain aesthetic.

These speakers aim to serve everyone from casual listeners looking to upgrade their at-home audio to vinyl aficionados seeking a budget-friendly solution to external speakers.

With the addition of Bluetooth and multiple input options, these Edifier speakers couldn't be more versatile. Whether connected to a turntable, computer, smartphone, or television, they make everyday listening easy.

In a competitive, often oversaturated market, the R1280DB speakers' feature-rich profile makes them a compelling option for those seeking solid sound quality without breaking the bank.

Sound performance

The Edifier R1280DB provides a well-rounded sound profile suitable for a variety of music genres. Despite being budget speakers, they deliver remarkably strong audio – well above their weight and price point. The four-inch bass driver and a 13mm silk dome tweeter produce clear and rich sound versatile enough for any setting, whether streaming music via Bluetooth or enjoying your vinyl collection.

Ideal for vinyl

As a vinyl collector, I was particularly excited to see how well these speakers would capture the intricacies of vinyl. I was thrilled with the results. The warm, rich tones characteristic of vinyl are well-preserved, and the speakers' adjustable bass and treble controls provide an added layer of customisation. This allows you to fine-tune the sound to bring out the unique qualities of vinyl playback, offering a more satisfying listening experience. The speakers' built-in amplifier also means you won't need extra equipment to get started, making it an excellent choice for those just getting into vinyl or looking for a simple, no-frills setup.

When I played Michael Kiwanuka's KIWANUKA, the speakers did a great job of highlighting the rich, soulful tones of his voice. The same goes for The Strokes' The New Abnormal; the guitars were crisp and the vocals clear. To my surprise, the speakers handled the gritty bass of IDLES' Crawler with ease. However, what impressed me most was that even at high volumes, the sound didn't deteriorate nor hurt my ears.

Room-filling power with user control

Regarding power, the R1280DB delivers a reliably robust 42W RMS output, handling various media formats with surprising ease. When paired with my TV, these speakers add good depth to movies and shows, enhancing everything from dialogue clarity to the impact of action scenes. The bass is solid and grounded, though excessive bass sometimes muddied the overall clarity of the sound output.

One of the standout on-device features is the built-in EQ controls on the side of the active speaker. These allow for real-time adjustments without needing the remote – ideal for those who enjoy tailoring their audio output to suit different music genres. For optimal sound, refer to the following genre-specific EQ settings:

EQ Settings by Genre:

• Bass: Increase bass (+2 to +6) for more rumble and punch.
• Clear Voice: Increase treble (+2 to +6) for clearer vocals.
• Pop: Increase bass (+2 to +6) and treble (+3 to +6) for punch and shimmer.
• Rock: Increase bass (+2 to +4) and decrease treble (-1 to -3) if too harsh.
• Hip-hop: Increase bass (+4 to +6) and treble (+2 to +4) for clarity.
• Electronic/Techno: Increase both bass (+3 to +6) and treble (+3 to +6).
• Classical: Keep bass and treble neutral (0).
• Soul/Acoustic: Increase bass and treble (+2 to +4) for warmth and clarity.

However, for those seeking an effortless experience, try slightly increasing the bass and treble for a more well-rounded sound suitable for all music genres.

Design and build quality

The Edifier R1280DB's design is a standout feature in its price range. Compact and elegant, with a wood grain finish, they are an attractive addition to any room and blend well into a bookshelf should you have space between books. The choice of black, white or brown allows users to match and more seamlessly blend the speakers with their existing décor. It's also worth noting that while the speaker grilles are awkward to remove, leaving them on does not significantly impact the overall aesthetics or sound quality.

Connectivity and setup

With Bluetooth 4.0, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs, these speakers can easily integrate into any setup, whether connecting to a TV or turntable. The Bluetooth functionality is particularly helpful for those who prefer wireless streaming, offering reliable performance with minimal, though at times, slightly perceptible lag. This versatility makes the R1280DB a great choice for users who want to connect multiple devices without the hassle of constantly swapping cables. However, while Bluetooth is available, it cannot compete with the sound quality produced when connected to a turntable.

Easy setup and user-friendly controls

The setup is no hassle at all. The active speakers house all the control knobs and input ports, so you don't need the likes of an external amplifier. Likewise, the remote – albeit small and cheap-feeling – is handy for adjusting the volume and switching inputs from a distance. However, it would have been a nice touch if the remote could adjust the bass and treble, but you can only do this using the physical knobs on the active speaker.

Any downsides?

One potential issue to be aware of is occasional Bluetooth connectivity problems, especially with Chromecast devices. Although I didn't experience this problem – as I mainly used the speakers with my turntable via a reliable wired connection – some customer reviews mentioned it. So, if you plan to use Bluetooth mode, keep this in mind.

Another minor drawback is the slight vocal muddying when pushing the speakers to extremely high volumes. However, many will not have to contend with this, for maxing the volume will likely muddy your ears more than anything. Still, this can make certain types of content, like dialogue-heavy movies or podcasts, slightly less clear.

Lastly, while the remote control is convenient, its functionality is limited, allowing for volume adjustment and input switching but lacking EQ control. While only a minor inconvenience, it can be frustrating if you want to fine-tune the sound without having to get up and manually adjust the knobs – though this might be my laziness speaking!

Price and Competition

At £129.99, the Edifier R1280DB offers excellent value, especially considering its position in the budget to mid-range speaker market. Offering Bluetooth, optical, and coaxial inputs, it outshines its closest competitor and predecessor, the Edifier R1280T, which, while cheaper, lacks these connectivity options.

Another contender, the Micca PB42X, often praised for its clarity, falls short on bass depth and connectivity, making it a better choice only if refined sound is your top priority. It's also priced considerably higher than the Edifier R1280DB. The Audioengine A2+ also offers superior sound quality but, again, at a much higher price.

So, the R1280DB is hard to beat for its balanced performance and brilliant, albeit slightly flawed, mix of features.

Who is it for?

The Edifier R1280DB is an excellent speaker system for anyone seeking a budget-friendly balance of performance and reliability. Whether you're a casual listener or a vinyl enthusiast, these speakers cater to a wide range of users. Featuring Edifier's signature design, a solid build, ample connectivity options, and an easy setup, they are perfect for those who value convenience and flexibility. The R1280DB is also well-suited for enhancing TV or computer audio – particularly the latter – without investing in high-end equipment.

Would we recommend it?

Absolutely. The Edifier R1280DB is an excellent, budget-friendly speaker with a well-rounded sound profile. It offers great value with versatile connectivity, adding convenience to everyday listening despite occasional Bluetooth issues. While there may be slight vocal muddiness at high volumes and some imitations with the remote, these flaws are surpassed by the speaker's overall performance and reliable build quality. Ideal for TV, computer, and turntable use, the R1280DB provides a stylish upgrade to your audio setup without wasting your wallet.

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Who tested it?

Resident audiophile Harvey Isitt is your trusted speaker specialist. He thoroughly tests a wide range of speakers, from compact portables to high-end home theatre systems. His passion for sound quality and design ensures well-rounded insights for consumers.

How the product was tested?

To best test this speaker system, I connected it to multiple sources, including my turntable, TV, and Bluetooth for streaming music. I evaluated the sound quality across various music genres from my vinyl collection and tested vocal clarity using YouTube videos. Additionally, I assessed the bass and vocal balance while watching action-heavy films like Dunkirk, Top Gun: Maverick and Mad Max: Fury Road. Throughout, I adjusted the bass and treble using the on-device EQ settings to fine-tune the sound and create an EQ setting guide.

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Harvey Isitt is a Tech Writer and Reviewer for What's the Best. Harvey writes reviews, buyers and how-to guides, and listicles on a broad range of topics.

Besides writing, Harvey is an avid camera, turntable, and speaker enthusiast with a somewhat unhealthy obsession with movies. He is also a keen runner, cyclist, hiker, and swimmer.

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