High-End vs Budget Bookshelf Speakers: How to Choose Between the B&W 707 S2 and Edifier R1280T

When diving into the world of bookshelf speakers, the gap between high-end and budget options can seem massive. Today, we're comparing two popular but very different choices: the audiophile-focused Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 at $959 and the budget-friendly Edifier R1280T at $159. These speakers represent opposite ends of the bookshelf speaker spectrum, each with their own compelling strengths.

Understanding Bookshelf Speakers in 2024

Bookshelf speakers remain a popular choice for both music and home theater, offering a sweet spot between performance and space efficiency. The key factors that separate great bookshelf speakers from good ones include:

• Sound imaging (how accurately they create a "soundstage" where instruments appear to come from specific locations)
• Frequency response (how evenly they reproduce different sound frequencies)
• Power handling (how they manage volume and dynamic range)
• Build quality (affecting both durability and sound performance)

The B&W 707 S2 and Edifier R1280T approach these challenges very differently, largely due to their target markets and price points.

Design Philosophy and Technology

B&W 707 S2's Premium Approach

Released in 2017, the 707 S2 represents B&W's trickle-down technology from their flagship 800 Series. The speaker's Continuum™ cone material, which replaced their long-used Kevlar, significantly reduces unwanted resonances that can color the sound. Think of it like the difference between a drum head that rings cleanly versus one that produces unwanted overtones.

The Carbon Dome tweeter (the small speaker that handles high frequencies) can reproduce sounds up to 47kHz - well beyond human hearing. While this might seem unnecessary, it ensures that audible frequencies are reproduced with minimal strain or distortion. It's like having a car that can do 200mph - you'll never use the full capability, but it means cruising at 70mph is effortless.

Edifier R1280T's Practical Solution

The R1280T, released around 2020, takes a more pragmatic approach. These powered speakers integrate their amplification, making them a plug-and-play solution. The 4-inch woofer and silk dome tweeter are proven designs that prioritize good sound over bleeding-edge technology.

Performance Deep Dive

Sound Quality

The 707 S2 excels in ways that justify its premium price:

• Exceptional detail retrieval (you'll hear subtle nuances in familiar recordings)
• Precise imaging (instruments and vocals have clear spatial positioning)
• Natural timbre (instruments sound like their real-world counterparts)
• Controlled bass that extends surprisingly low for their size

The R1280T performs admirably for its price point:

• Pleasant, slightly warm sound signature
• Good vocal clarity
• Decent bass response for near-field listening
• Some limitations in dynamic range and ultimate detail

Room Integration

Both speakers handle room placement differently:

The 707 S2 requires careful positioning and benefits from:

• Quality speaker stands
• At least 12 inches from walls
• Proper toe-in (angling towards the listener)
• Acoustic room treatment (not strictly necessary but beneficial)

The R1280T is more forgiving:

• Works well on desks or shelves
• Less sensitive to placement
• Built-in tone controls help compensate for positioning

Value and Long-Term Ownership

The Premium Path

Investing in the 707 S2 means:

• Need for a separate amplifier ($500-1000+ for appropriate quality)
• Potential for system upgrading over time
• Excellent resale value
• 5+ year lifespan with proper care

The Practical Choice

The R1280T offers:

• Complete solution out of the box
• No additional equipment needed
• Excellent price-to-performance ratio
• 2-3 year expected lifespan

Home Theater Applications

B&W 707 S2 in Home Theater

These speakers excel in home theater use:

• Can be matched with other 700 series speakers for perfect timbre matching
• Handle dynamic movie soundtracks well
• Excellent dialogue clarity
• Need a receiver or separate amplification

Edifier R1280T in Home Theater

More limited but still useful:

• Can work as TV speakers through RCA connections
• Good for small rooms or apartments
• Limited by stereo-only design
• No digital inputs for modern sources

Technical Evolution Since Release

The 707 S2's Continuum cone technology has aged well, still competing with newer designs. The speaker market hasn't seen revolutionary changes since 2017, though newer competitors have emerged at similar price points.

The R1280T represents a mature design in the budget space. While newer models offer features like Bluetooth, the core acoustic performance remains competitive in its price range.

How to Decide

Choose the B&W 707 S2 if:

• Sound quality is your top priority
• You have or plan to invest in quality amplification
• You appreciate long-term value and upgradeability
• You have a dedicated listening space
• Critical listening is important to you

Choose the Edifier R1280T if:

• You want immediate, hassle-free setup
• Budget is a primary concern
• You're using them in a desktop setting
• You prefer simplicity over ultimate performance
• You're new to quality audio

Final Thoughts

The beauty of today's speaker market is that both ends of the spectrum offer compelling choices. The 707 S2 represents a serious investment in sound quality that can serve as the foundation of a high-end system for many years. The R1280T proves that good sound doesn't have to break the bank, offering a complete solution that significantly outperforms computer speakers or soundbars at similar prices.

Your choice should ultimately depend on your listening habits, space, and budget - including associated equipment. Remember that while the 707 S2 offers superior performance, it needs quality amplification to shine. The R1280T, while more limited in absolute performance, provides everything needed for enjoyable listening right out of the box.

Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 Bookshelf Speaker - Pair Deals and Prices

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Pair Deals and Prices