A Complete Guide to Choosing Between Two Popular Bookshelf Speakers

When it comes to adding quality sound to your home, bookshelf speakers can be an excellent choice. Today, we're comparing two popular but very different options: the budget-friendly Edifier R1280T ($100) and the more premium Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M ($300).

Understanding Bookshelf Speakers in 2024

Bookshelf speakers, despite their name, aren't just for bookshelves. They're compact speakers designed to deliver quality sound in smaller to medium-sized rooms. What makes them interesting is how they've evolved over the years to serve different needs and budgets.

The key divide in today's market is between powered (active) and unpowered (passive) speakers. Think of it like the difference between a laptop with everything built-in versus a desktop PC where you choose each component. Both approaches have their merits, which we'll explore.

The Tale of Two Approaches

The Edifier R1280T represents the modern, simplified approach. Released in 2016 and regularly updated, these powered speakers include their own amplifier—just plug them in and connect your music source. They're part of Edifier's successful R1280 series, which has become something of a benchmark in budget audio.

On the other hand, the Klipsch RP-500M, released in 2018 as part of Klipsch's Reference Premiere line, takes the traditional audiophile approach. These passive speakers require a separate amplifier but offer more flexibility and potential for superior sound quality when paired with good equipment.

Deep Dive: Performance and Features

Edifier R1280T

The R1280T's built-in amplifier delivers 42 watts of total power (21 watts per speaker), which is plenty for desktop use or small room listening. The speakers feature:

• Two audio inputs (useful for connecting multiple devices)
• Bass and treble controls on the side
• A handy remote control
• 4-inch woofers (the speakers that handle low frequencies)
• 13mm silk dome tweeters (for high frequencies)

In real-world use, these speakers deliver surprisingly good sound for their price. The bass is present but not overwhelming, and the overall sound is warm and pleasant. They're particularly good for near-field listening, which means sitting close to them at a desk.

Klipsch RP-500M

The RP-500M represents a significant step up in technology and capability:

• 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofers (a proprietary Klipsch technology that makes the speakers more rigid and reduces distortion)
• 1-inch titanium tweeter with Klipsch's famous Tractrix horn design (which helps project sound more efficiently)
• Frequency response of 48Hz-25kHz (meaning they can reproduce deeper bass and higher treble)
• 93dB sensitivity (they're very efficient, requiring less power to play loud)

These speakers can fill larger rooms with sound and offer better detail and dynamics. They're also more revealing of both good and bad recordings, which audiophiles often appreciate.

Real-World Performance

Having spent time with both speakers, here's how they perform in different scenarios:

Music Listening

• The Edifier R1280T handles most music well, with a forgiving sound that makes even compressed streaming music enjoyable. They're particularly good with vocal-focused music and acoustic recordings.
• The Klipsch RP-500M offers more detail and better dynamics. You'll hear more of everything: the space between instruments, the texture of voices, the impact of drums. However, they need good amplification to shine.

Home Theater Use

While both can work in a home theater setup, they serve different needs:

• The Edifiers are good for improving TV sound in a bedroom or small living room. Their built-in amplification makes setup simple.
• The Klipsch speakers excel in proper home theater setups, where their efficiency and dynamic range make movie soundtracks more impactful. They can also be matched with other Klipsch speakers for a cohesive surround system.

Desktop/Near-Field Use

• The Edifiers shine here, with their compact size and built-in controls making them perfect for computer use.
• The Klipsch speakers, while excellent, are generally too large and powerful for desk use—it's like using a sports car for grocery runs.

Value Considerations

The true cost comparison isn't as simple as $100 versus $300. Remember:

• The Edifiers are a complete solution—just add a source.
• The Klipsch speakers require an amplifier (budget at least $200-300 for a decent one) and speaker wire.
• However, the Klipsch speakers offer an upgrade path—you can improve the sound by upgrading your amplifier later.

How to Decide

Choose the Edifier R1280T if:

• You want good sound without complications
• Your budget is strictly under $150
• You're primarily using them on a desk
• You don't plan to expand to a larger system
• You prefer a warmer, more forgiving sound

Choose the Klipsch RP-500M if:

• You're willing to invest in separate amplification
• Sound quality is your top priority
• You want the option to upgrade later
• You're building a home theater system
• You have space for larger speakers

Long-Term Ownership

Both speakers have proven reliable over the years. The Edifiers are well-built for their price point, while the Klipsch speakers are built to last decades with proper care. The main difference is in their upgrade paths:

• The Edifiers are what they are—you can't upgrade components.
• The Klipsch speakers can be part of an evolving system, improving as you upgrade other components.

Conclusion

Both the Edifier R1280T and Klipsch RP-500M excel at their intended purposes. The Edifiers represent exceptional value for those wanting good sound without complexity, while the Klipsch speakers offer a gateway to higher-end audio for those willing to invest in a proper system.

The choice ultimately depends on your priorities: simplicity and immediate satisfaction versus potential for growth and ultimate performance. Either way, both options represent solid choices in their respective categories.

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Pair Deals and Prices

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M Bookshelf Speakers - Pair Deals and Prices