When you're looking to upgrade your audio experience, bookshelf speakers can transform how you enjoy music, movies, and games. Today, we're comparing two popular but very different options: the budget-friendly Edifier R1280TS ($119.99) and the premium Klipsch RP-600M II ($649.00).
Bookshelf speakers, despite their name, aren't just for bookshelves. These compact audio powerhouses are designed for elevated placement and near-field listening (meaning you sit relatively close to them). They've come a long way in recent years, with improvements in materials, digital processing, and design making even affordable models sound impressive.
The biggest choice you'll face is between powered and passive speakers. Powered speakers (like the Edifier R1280TS) have built-in amplifiers, while passive speakers (like the Klipsch RP-600M II) need a separate amplifier or receiver. This fundamental difference shapes everything from setup to sound quality and future upgrades.
The Edifier R1280 series has been around for several years, with the TS model representing a refined version of their popular design. It's received updates to its digital signal processing and connectivity options while maintaining the approachable price point that made it popular.
The Klipsch RP-600M II, released in 2022, is the second generation of their Reference Premiere bookshelf speaker. It features significant improvements over the original, including a redesigned horn (the distinctive trumpet-shaped part that helps project high frequencies), better internal bracing, and refined crossover components (which direct different frequencies to the appropriate drivers).
The R1280TS delivers impressive sound for its price point. The 4-inch woofer (for bass and midrange) and silk dome tweeter (for high frequencies) provide clear, balanced audio that works well for music and casual movie watching. The built-in amplifier provides 42 watts of power, which is plenty for desktop use or small rooms.
In my experience testing these speakers, they excel with genres like indie rock, jazz, and acoustic music. The bass is present but not overwhelming, and the high frequencies are clear without being harsh. However, they can start to show their limitations with bass-heavy music or during complex movie soundtracks at higher volumes.
The RP-600M II operates in a different league entirely. The 6.5-inch Cerametallic woofer (made from ceramic-coated aluminum) and horn-loaded titanium tweeter deliver exceptional detail and dynamics. The horn design, which Klipsch calls Tractrix, helps project high frequencies more efficiently and creates a wider "sweet spot" where the sound is optimal.
These speakers can reveal details in music you might have missed before. They're also excellent for home theater use, producing clear dialogue and handling action scenes with authority. The catch? You'll need a good amplifier to make them sing, adding $300-1000+ to the total cost.
Setting up the R1280TS is straightforward:
You get two RCA inputs for connecting different devices, and there's even a subwoofer output if you want to add more bass later. The included remote control handles volume, input selection, and muting.
The RP-600M II requires more planning:
The dual binding posts allow for bi-wiring or bi-amping if you want to get fancy with your setup. While more complex, this flexibility means you can upgrade individual components over time.
The Edifiers handle everyday music listening well, especially at moderate volumes. They're perfect for a desktop setup or small room where you'll be sitting close to them. The sound is balanced and pleasant, though not particularly exciting.
The Klipsch speakers bring music to life with more dynamic range (the difference between quiet and loud sounds) and detail. They can fill larger rooms and handle any genre convincingly. The horn tweeter gives them a distinctive sound that some love for its energy and excitement.
For movies and TV, the Edifiers are decent for casual viewing but may leave you wanting more during action scenes or with complex soundtracks. They're best suited for a small room or desktop setup.
The Klipsch speakers excel in home theater use. Their efficiency (they produce more volume from less power) and dynamic capabilities make them perfect for movies. Dialogue is crystal clear, and action scenes have real impact. They're also easier to integrate into a larger surround sound system later.
The Edifier R1280TS at $119.99 is a complete solution. There's no need for additional equipment beyond your source device (phone, computer, TV, etc.).
The Klipsch RP-600M II at $649 requires an amplifier. Good options start around $300, with high-end choices exceeding $1000. However, this investment can pay off long-term as you can upgrade components individually.
Choose the Edifier R1280TS if:
Choose the Klipsch RP-600M II if:
Both speakers excel at what they're designed to do. The Edifier R1280TS provides remarkable value and good sound in a simple package. The Klipsch RP-600M II delivers audiophile-grade performance and flexibility for those willing to invest in their audio system.
Remember that speakers are highly personal choices. If possible, try to listen to both options before deciding. Your room, music preferences, and listening habits should guide your choice as much as any technical specifications or reviews.
| Edifier R1280TS ($119.99) | Klipsch RP-600M II ($649.00) |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Determines if you need additional equipment | |
| Powered (built-in amplifier) | Passive (requires separate amplifier purchase) |
| Power Handling - Affects volume capability and room size suitability | |
| 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) | 100W RMS per speaker (with appropriate amp) |
| Frequency Response - Shows bass depth and treble extension | |
| 52Hz - 20kHz | 44Hz - 25kHz (notably better bass extension) |
| Driver Size - Larger generally means better bass and dynamics | |
| 4-inch woofer, 13mm tweeter | 6.5-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter (significantly larger) |
| Connectivity - Determines setup flexibility | |
| 2x RCA inputs, subwoofer out | Dual binding posts (bi-wire capable) |
| Sensitivity - Higher means easier to drive and more dynamic | |
| Not applicable (self-powered) | 94dB (very efficient, excellent for dynamics) |
| Total Investment Required - Real cost to get running | |
| $119.99 complete solution | $649 + $300-1000 for amplifier |
| Room Size Suitability - Where they work best | |
| Small rooms, desktop use (up to 150 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (up to 400 sq ft) |
| Additional Features - Quality of life additions | |
| Remote control, bass/treble controls | Magnetic grilles, premium finishes |
| Future Upgrade Path - Long term considerations | |
| Limited to adding subwoofer | Full system flexibility, can upgrade amp separately |
The Klipsch RP-600M II ($649.00) is significantly better for home theater use, offering superior dynamics and clarity for movie dialogue. While the Edifier R1280TS ($119.99) works for casual viewing, it lacks the power and range needed for immersive movie experiences.
The Edifier R1280TS is powered, meaning it has built-in amplification and only needs to be plugged into power. The Klipsch RP-600M II requires a separate amplifier or receiver, typically costing an additional $300-1000.
The Edifier R1280TS is ideal for small rooms and desktop setups, working best in spaces under 150 square feet. The Klipsch RP-600M II might be overkill for very small spaces but offers more flexibility for room size.
The Klipsch RP-600M II can be integrated into a larger surround system with matching Klipsch speakers. The Edifier R1280TS isn't designed for surround sound integration.
The Klipsch RP-600M II has superior bass response with its 6.5-inch woofer and lower frequency extension to 44Hz. The Edifier R1280TS has adequate bass for its size but won't match the Klipsch's performance.
The Edifier R1280TS can connect directly to a TV using RCA outputs. The Klipsch RP-600M II requires an amplifier or receiver between the TV and speakers.
The Edifier R1280TS offers excellent value as a complete solution at $119.99. The Klipsch RP-600M II provides superior performance but requires additional investment in amplification.
Both systems can accommodate a subwoofer. The Edifier R1280TS has a dedicated subwoofer output, while the Klipsch RP-600M II can be integrated with a subwoofer through your receiver/amplifier.
The Klipsch RP-600M II excels at movie playback with superior dynamics and clarity. While the Edifier R1280TS works for casual viewing, it's not ideal for serious home theater use.
The Klipsch RP-600M II is built to last decades with proper care. The Edifier R1280TS should last many years but has more potential points of failure due to its built-in electronics.
Both work well for gaming, but the Klipsch RP-600M II offers better immersion and dynamic range. The Edifier R1280TS is fine for casual gaming but may not deliver the impact serious gamers want.
The Edifier R1280TS is plug-and-play simple. The Klipsch RP-600M II requires more setup knowledge and additional equipment, but offers more flexibility for advanced users.
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: elusivedisc.com - youtube.com - edifier.online - edifier.com - edifier.com - youtube.com - edifier-online.com - edifier-online.com - erinsaudiocorner.com - crutchfield.com - walts.com - audiosciencereview.com - therobinsonbrand.com - youtube.com - klipsch.com - abt.com - qobuz.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - support.klipsch.com
