When shopping for bookshelf speakers in 2024, you'll likely come across two popular but very different options: the Edifier R1280DBs ($160) and the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 ($350). Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your setup.
Bookshelf speakers remain a sweet spot for many audio enthusiasts, offering a balance of sound quality and space efficiency. These compact speakers can fill most rooms with rich sound while fitting comfortably on shelves, stands, or desks. However, modern speakers have evolved significantly, particularly in terms of connectivity and digital processing.
The key decision today often comes down to choosing between powered (active) speakers with built-in amplifiers and traditional passive speakers that require separate amplification. This choice affects not just your initial setup but your future upgrade path as well.
The Edifier R1280DBs and Polk ES20 represent two distinct approaches to bookshelf speakers. The Edifier, released in 2020 as an upgrade to their popular R1280 line, is a powered speaker system with built-in amplification and modern connectivity. The Polk ES20, launched in 2022, is a passive speaker that delivers higher-end audio performance but requires additional equipment.
The Edifier's powered design means you can simply plug it in and start listening. It includes:
The Polk ES20 takes a traditional hi-fi approach:
Both speakers can deliver excellent sound, but they target different listening scenarios:
The Edifier R1280DBs excels at:
The Polk ES20 shines with:
For home theater use, these speakers offer different advantages:
Edifier R1280DBs:
Polk ES20:
Having tested both speakers, I can share some practical insights:
The Edifier R1280DBs performs remarkably well for its price point. In a desktop setup or small room, it delivers clear dialogue and engaging music playback. The built-in subwoofer output is particularly useful for adding bass without complicated setup. However, it can struggle in larger spaces or at higher volumes.
The Polk ES20, when properly powered, offers noticeably better performance. The larger 6.5-inch woofer and high-resolution tweeter provide more detailed sound with better bass response. These speakers can fill larger rooms and handle dynamic movie soundtracks with ease. The trade-off is the need for quality amplification, which adds significant cost.
Understanding the total cost is crucial:
Edifier R1280DBs ($160):
Polk ES20 ($350):
Both speakers incorporate modern technologies:
Edifier has added:
Polk has innovated with:
Choose the Edifier R1280DBs if you:
Choose the Polk ES20 if you:
Both speakers represent excellent value in their respective categories. The Edifier R1280DBs offers remarkable convenience and performance for its price, making it perfect for simpler setups. The Polk ES20 provides superior absolute performance and flexibility but requires a bigger investment and more components.
Consider your room size, budget, and willingness to work with separate components. For many users, the Edifier's all-in-one solution will be more than adequate. However, if you're interested in building a higher-end system over time, the Polk ES20's superior performance ceiling makes it a better foundation for future upgrades.
Remember, good speakers can last decades with proper care, so consider this a long-term investment in your audio enjoyment.
| Edifier R1280DBs ($160) | Polk Audio ES20 ($350) |
|---|---|
| System Type - Determines if you need additional equipment | |
| Powered (built-in amplifier) | Passive (requires external amplifier) |
| Room Size Suitability - Critical for achieving optimal sound | |
| Small rooms / desktop (3-6 feet listening distance) | Medium to large rooms (6-20 feet optimal) |
| Frequency Response - Determines bass depth and treble extension | |
| 55Hz-20kHz (good for most music) | 44Hz-40kHz (deeper bass, more detailed highs) |
| Power Handling - Affects maximum volume and dynamics | |
| 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) | 20-125W per channel recommended |
| Connectivity - Important for source compatibility | |
| Bluetooth 5.0, Optical, Coaxial, RCA inputs | Speaker wire only (via binding posts) |
| Driver Size - Impacts bass capability and overall volume | |
| 4" woofer, 13mm tweeter | 6.5" woofer, 1" tweeter |
| Additional Features - Convenience factors | |
| Remote control, tone controls, subwoofer output | None (all processing handled by amplifier) |
| Total Cost to Operate - Important for budget planning | |
| $160 complete system | $350 plus amplifier ($200-500+) |
| Upgrade Path - Future flexibility | |
| Limited to subwoofer addition | Can integrate into any hi-fi/home theater system |
The Polk ES20 ($350) is better suited for home theater use due to its superior power handling and ability to integrate with larger surround sound systems. While the Edifier R1280DBs ($160) can work in a small home theater, it's limited to 2.1 channel setups and may struggle with movie dynamics.
The Edifier R1280DBs has a built-in amplifier and works straight out of the box. The Polk ES20 requires an external amplifier or AV receiver rated between 20-125 watts per channel.
The Polk ES20 delivers better movie performance with deeper bass extension and higher dynamic range. The Edifier R1280DBs works well for casual movie watching in smaller rooms but won't match the Polk's impact during action scenes.
Both work well for gaming, but serve different setups. The Edifier R1280DBs is ideal for desktop gaming due to its compact size and multiple inputs. The Polk ES20 is better for console gaming in a living room setting.
The Polk ES20 has naturally better bass extending to 44Hz compared to the Edifier R1280DBs at 55Hz. However, both speakers can be paired with a subwoofer for enhanced bass performance.
The Polk ES20 offers superior overall sound quality with better detail and dynamics, but requires proper amplification. The Edifier R1280DBs provides good sound quality for its price but can't match the Polk's performance ceiling.
The Edifier R1280DBs is optimized for small rooms and near-field listening. The Polk ES20 can work in small rooms but performs better in medium to large spaces.
The Edifier R1280DBs connects directly to TVs via optical or Bluetooth. The Polk ES20 requires an AV receiver or amplifier between the TV and speakers.
The Edifier R1280DBs offers better immediate value as a complete solution. The Polk ES20 provides better long-term value if you're willing to invest in proper amplification.
The Polk ES20 can be integrated into a full surround sound system with matching speakers. The Edifier R1280DBs is limited to stereo or 2.1 configurations.
The Edifier R1280DBs offers more connectivity with Bluetooth, optical, coaxial, and RCA inputs. The Polk ES20 only accepts speaker wire connections but offers more flexibility when paired with an AV receiver.
Neither speaker requires a subwoofer, but both can benefit from one. The Edifier R1280DBs has a dedicated subwoofer output for easy connection, while the Polk ES20 would connect through an amplifier or receiver's subwoofer output.
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 - audiosciencereview.com - polkaudio.com - pcrichard.com - crutchfield.com - forum.audiogon.com - ooberpad.com - safeandsoundhq.com - pcrichard.com - polkaudio.com - polkaudio.com - sweetwater.com
