If you're in the market for bookshelf speakers, you've probably noticed there are two distinct types: powered (active) and unpowered (passive). Today we're comparing two popular options that represent each approach - the $159.99 Edifier R1280DBs and the $299 Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M.
Bookshelf speakers remain one of the most versatile ways to get great sound in your home. Despite their name, they work well on stands, desks, or yes - actual bookshelves. Their compact size makes them perfect for apartments and smaller rooms, while better models can fill even medium-sized spaces with impressive sound.
The market has evolved significantly in recent years. We've seen major improvements in materials, driver design, and especially in powered speakers' built-in amplification and connectivity options. The line between traditional hi-fi and modern convenience continues to blur.
The Edifier R1280DBs represents the modern, all-in-one approach. Released in 2021 as an update to their popular R1280 line, it includes built-in amplifiers and multiple input options. Think of it like a soundbar split into two speakers - just plug it in and you're ready to go.
The Klipsch RP-500M, launched in 2018, takes the traditional audiophile route. These passive speakers require a separate amplifier but offer superior sound quality potential. It's like buying professional kitchen equipment - more initial setup, but higher performance ceiling.
The R1280DBs delivers surprisingly good sound for its price point. The 4-inch woofer (the speaker that handles bass and midrange) and silk dome tweeter (for high frequencies) work well together. Bass extends down to about 51Hz - that's low enough to handle most music convincingly.
Having tested these extensively, I find they excel at near-field listening (when you're sitting close to them, like at a desk). The soundstage - how wide and deep the audio appears - is quite good for the price. Vocals sound clear and natural, though complex musical passages can sometimes feel a bit compressed compared to higher-end systems.
The RP-500Ms are in a different league sonically. Their 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofer (made of ceramic-coated aluminum) provides faster, more detailed bass down to 48Hz. The horn-loaded titanium tweeter is a Klipsch signature - it projects high frequencies very efficiently and helps create an impressive sense of space.
In practice, these speakers reveal details in music you might have missed before. The dynamics - the difference between quiet and loud parts - are much more pronounced. They can play louder without strain and handle complex music more gracefully.
The R1280DBs shines in connectivity:
Setup is straightforward: connect power, link the speakers with the included cable, and you're ready to play music. The remote control handles volume, input selection, and basic EQ adjustments.
The RP-500M requires more components but offers more flexibility:
While setup is more involved, this approach lets you upgrade components separately over time.
The Edifier R1280DBs works adequately for TV sound, especially in smaller rooms. The optical input makes connection easy, and dialogue clarity is good. However, they're limited in maximum volume and impact for movie effects.
The Klipsch RP-500M excels in home theater. They're often used as front speakers in a surround setup, and their efficiency (93dB sensitivity) means they play loud easily. The horn tweeter design helps with dialogue clarity, and they handle movie soundtracks with authority.
For casual music listening, the Edifiers are perfectly enjoyable. They handle most genres well, though very bass-heavy music might show their limitations. Bluetooth convenience means you'll probably use them more often.
The Klipsch speakers offer a more engaging experience. Their superior dynamics make jazz and classical music particularly impressive. Rock and electronic music benefit from their better bass control and higher volume capability.
The total cost difference is significant. The Edifiers are a complete solution at $159.99. The Klipsch setup requires:
However, the Klipsch approach allows gradual upgrades and integration into larger systems.
Pros:
Cons:
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Consider these key factors:
In my experience, both speakers serve their intended purposes well. The Edifiers are perfect for desktop use or small rooms where convenience matters. The Klipsch speakers reward those willing to invest in a proper setup with significantly better sound quality and future flexibility.
Remember, there's no wrong choice - just different approaches for different needs. Consider your specific situation and choose accordingly.
| Edifier R1280DBs - $159.99 | Klipsch RP-500M - $299.00 |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Determines whether you need additional equipment | |
| Active (powered) with built-in amp | Passive (requires external amplifier) |
| Total System Cost - Real cost to get up and running | |
| $159.99 complete solution | $500-800 (speakers + required amp) |
| Power Output - Affects volume capability and room size suitability | |
| 42W RMS total (limiting for larger rooms) | Up to 300W peak (with proper amp) |
| Connectivity - Important for source flexibility | |
| Bluetooth, Optical, Coaxial, RCA inputs | Speaker wire only (needs amp for inputs) |
| Frequency Response - Determines bass depth and overall range | |
| 51Hz - 20kHz (good for most music) | 48Hz - 25kHz (superior range) |
| Driver Size - Larger generally means better bass and dynamics | |
| 4-inch woofer (suitable for near-field) | 5.25-inch woofer (better for room-filling) |
| Sensitivity - Efficiency in converting power to volume | |
| Not specified (less relevant for powered) | 93dB (very efficient, excellent for dynamics) |
| Setup Complexity - Consider your comfort with audio equipment | |
| Plug-and-play, minimal setup needed | Requires amp setup and proper positioning |
| Upgrade Path - Future flexibility matters for enthusiasts | |
| No upgrades possible (all-in-one system) | Can upgrade amp or add to home theater |
| Best Use Case - Different strengths for different needs | |
| Desktop, small rooms, convenience priority | Critical listening, home theater, larger rooms |
The Klipsch RP-500M is significantly better for home theater use. Its higher power handling, superior dynamics, and ability to integrate into a larger surround system make it ideal. While the Edifier R1280DBs can work for TV audio in small rooms, it lacks the power and impact needed for a true home theater experience.
The Edifier R1280DBs has built-in amplification - just plug and play. The Klipsch RP-500M requires an external amplifier or receiver, typically costing an additional $200-500.
The Klipsch RP-500M delivers superior movie performance with better dynamics and clearer dialogue through its horn-loaded tweeter. The Edifier R1280DBs is adequate for casual TV viewing but can't match the Klipsch's impact for movie soundtracks.
The Edifier R1280DBs costs $159.99 total. The Klipsch RP-500M starts at $299 for the speakers, plus you'll need an amplifier ($200-500) and cables, bringing the total to $500-800.
The Klipsch RP-500M is designed for home theater and works excellently in surround setups. The Edifier R1280DBs is a standalone stereo system and cannot be integrated into a surround sound setup.
Both work well in small rooms, but the Edifier R1280DBs is often the more practical choice due to its compact size and built-in amplification. The Klipsch can be overkill in very small spaces.
The Edifier R1280DBs connects directly to TVs via optical or RCA inputs. The Klipsch RP-500M needs an AV receiver to connect to your TV.
The Klipsch RP-500M has deeper, more controlled bass with its larger 5.25" woofer. The Edifier has good bass for its size but can't match the Klipsch's low-end performance.
The Edifier R1280DBs has built-in Bluetooth 5.0. The Klipsch RP-500M has no wireless capabilities unless connected to a receiver with Bluetooth.
The Edifier R1280DBs is more convenient for streaming with built-in Bluetooth. The Klipsch RP-500M requires additional components but delivers superior sound quality.
The Edifier R1280DBs setup takes minutes - just connect power and your source. The Klipsch requires more technical knowledge, proper amplifier matching, and speaker wire installation.
Both can work with subwoofers. The Edifier R1280DBs has a dedicated subwoofer output. The Klipsch RP-500M needs an AV receiver or amplifier to integrate a subwoofer.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: techradar.com - youtube.com - dapperandgroomed.com - audiosciencereview.com - androidcentral.com - bestbuy.com - edifier.com - youtube.com - edifier-online.com - kbaudio.co.uk - pixelrefresh.com - bhphotovideo.com - edifier.reactwebdesign.com - erinsaudiocorner.com - crutchfield.ca - target.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - f072605def1c9a5ef179-a0bc3fbf1884fc0965506ae2b946e1cd.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com - snapav.com - crutchfield.com - d2um2qdswy1tb0.cloudfront.net - youtube.com - sweetwater.com - audioadvisor.com
