If you’re shopping for a budget-friendly set of bookshelf speakers, Edifier’s R1280 series offers several great options. But with names like R1280T, R1280Ts, R1280DB, and R1280DBs, it can be a bit confusing to know exactly what you’re getting.
In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between each model, including connectivity, features, remote control functions, color availability, and pricing—so you can find the best speaker set for your needs.
Shared Features Across All Edifier R1280 Models
Before we dive into the differences, let’s cover what all four speaker models have in common:
- Drivers: 13mm silk dome tweeter + 4-inch mid-woofer
- Power Output: 21 watts per speaker (42W total per set)
- Size & Design: Nearly identical physical dimensions
- Grill Design: Removable front mesh for an exposed or covered look
- Manual Controls: Treble, bass, and volume knobs on the active speaker
- Remote Control: Included with every model
Sound-wise, all of the R1280 speakers deliver similar audio performance out of the box, making your choice more about features than raw sound quality.
Connectivity: RCA, Sub-Out, Optical, Bluetooth & More
The main area where these speakers differ is in connection options:
| Model | RCA Inputs | Sub-Out | Bluetooth | Optical | Coax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1280T | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| R1280Ts | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| R1280DB | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| R1280DBs | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Soundfield Spatializer: Virtual Surround with Just 2 Speakers
Edifier includes a feature called Soundfield Spatializer on the R1280Ts and R1280DBs models. It simulates surround sound by creating “wide-filed sound by optimizing each channel, sending out opposite signals to eliminate mutual interference and improve separation.”
This feature can be toggled on/off via the remote and aims to give you a more immersive soundstage—great for movies or games.
| Model | Soundfield Spatializer |
|---|---|
| R1280T | ❌ |
| R1280Ts | ✅ |
| R1280DB | ❌ |
| R1280DBs | ✅ |
Remote Control Differences
Each speaker set comes with a different remote layout and functionality. Here’s how they compare:
R1280T Remote
- Volume Up / Down
- Mute
R1280Ts Remote
- On / Off
- Volume Control
- Mute
- Soundfield Spatializer On / Off
R1280DB Remote
- On / Off
- Volume / Mute
- Input select: Line 1, Line 2, Optical, Coax
- Bluetooth On/Off
- Play/Pause
- Previous/Next Track
R1280DBs Remote
- On / Off
- Volume / Mute
- Play/Pause, Previous/Next (Bluetooth)
- Soundfield Spatializer On / Off
- Toggle Optical/Coax + Line 1/2
- Bluetooth On/Off
Color Options by Model
| Model | Walnut | Black | White |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1280T | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| R1280Ts | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| R1280DB | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| R1280DBs | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
Price Comparison
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| R1280T | $149.99 |
| R1280Ts | $169.99 |
| R1280DB | $189.99 |
| R1280DBs | $199.99 |
💡 Discount Available: Go to Edifier’s website and use the discount code TECHGUIDED10 to get 10% off any of these speaker sets.
Final Thoughts: Which Edifier R1280 Model Should You Buy?
If you’re looking for basic high-quality bookshelf speakers, the R1280T set gets the job done for the lowest price.
Need a subwoofer connection? Step up to the R1280Ts or R1280DBs.
Want Bluetooth and optical input? The R1280DB and R1280DBs are your best bet.
Want it all—Bluetooth, optical, sub-out, and Soundfield Spatializer? The R1280DBs set is the full-featured flagship of the line.
