When it comes to upgrading your audio setup, the Edifier R1280TS ($119.99) and Sony Core Series SS-CS5 ($124.99) represent two distinct approaches to bookshelf speakers. Let's dive into how these popular choices stack up and which might work better for your needs.
Bookshelf speakers remain a sweet spot for audio enthusiasts, offering excellent sound quality without dominating your living space. They've evolved significantly since both these models were introduced - the Edifier in 2018 and the Sony in 2016. While newer models have emerged, these two remain popular choices due to their proven performance and value.
The key distinction here is powered versus passive design. Powered speakers like the Edifier R1280TS have built-in amplifiers, while passive speakers like the Sony SS-CS5 require an external amplifier or receiver. This fundamental difference shapes everything from setup complexity to long-term flexibility.
The R1280TS takes the simplified route. Plug them into power, connect your audio source, and you're ready to go. The right speaker houses the amplifier and controls, connecting to the left speaker with included speaker wire. You get convenient front-panel controls for volume, bass, and treble, plus a remote control for adjustments from your listening position.
The SS-CS5 speakers follow the traditional passive design that audiophiles have favored for decades. While this means more components and setup complexity, it offers greater flexibility. You'll need to pair these with an amplifier or receiver, which adds cost but allows you to choose the power and sound characteristics that match your preferences.
The Edifier delivers respectable performance across the frequency spectrum (52Hz-20kHz), with particularly strong midrange reproduction. The built-in 42W amplifier (21W per channel) proves adequate for small to medium-sized rooms.
Sony's 3-way design incorporates separate drivers for high, mid, and low frequencies (53Hz-50kHz), potentially offering better separation between frequency ranges. This can result in more precise imaging - the ability to place instruments and voices in the sound field - and typically provides a more expansive soundstage.
In practical terms, the Edifiers excel at near-field listening - when you're sitting close to the speakers, like at a desk. They provide clear dialogue for movies and handle music well, though bass-heavy genres might reveal their limitations.
The Sonys, when properly amplified, can fill larger spaces and generally offer more dynamic range (the difference between quiet and loud sounds). Their super-tweeter design helps with high-frequency detail, making them particularly good for complex classical music or high-resolution audio sources.
While the Edifier R1280TS and Sony SS-CS5 have similar retail prices, the total investment differs significantly. The Edifiers represent your complete cost, while the Sonys require an amplifier that could range from $100 for a basic model to several hundred dollars for a more capable unit.
Here's where the Sony's passive design shows its strength. As your budget and interests evolve, you can upgrade your amplifier to improve sound quality without replacing the speakers. The Edifiers, while excellent for their price, offer no upgrade path - what you buy is what you get.
The R1280TS can work in a home theater setup, but with limitations. They're best suited for small rooms and 2.0 channel setups. While they include a subwoofer output, expanding to a full surround system isn't possible due to their powered design.
The SS-CS5s integrate naturally into home theater systems. They can serve as main speakers or surround channels, and Sony offers matching center and tower speakers for a cohesive system. When paired with a proper AV receiver, they can be part of a growing home theater setup.
Since their release, both speakers have seen the audio landscape change significantly. While newer models offer features like wireless connectivity and app control, these speakers remain relevant due to their focus on core audio performance.
The Edifier line has expanded to include Bluetooth versions, while Sony has maintained the SS-CS5's design, suggesting they got the fundamentals right. Both companies now offer more expensive models with newer technology, but these remain popular due to their excellent value proposition.
Both the Edifier R1280TS and Sony SS-CS5 represent different but valid approaches to better audio. The Edifiers excel at simplicity and immediate satisfaction, while the Sonys offer a more traditional path with greater long-term potential.
Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities: simplicity versus flexibility, immediate versus long-term investment, and whether you plan to expand your system over time. Either way, both options represent significant upgrades over typical computer speakers or TV sound bars in their price range.
| Edifier R1280TS ($119.99) | Sony Core Series SS-CS5 ($124.99) |
|---|---|
| Design Type - Determines if you need additional equipment | |
| Powered (built-in amplifier) | Passive (requires separate amplifier purchase) |
| Total System Cost - Real cost to get up and running | |
| $119.99 complete | $224.99+ (speakers + minimum $100 amplifier) |
| Power Handling - Affects maximum volume and room size compatibility | |
| 42W RMS total (fixed) | Up to 100W per channel (depends on amplifier) |
| Frequency Response - Range of sounds from bass to treble | |
| 52Hz - 20kHz (good for most music) | 53Hz - 50kHz (superior high-frequency extension) |
| Driver Configuration - Impacts sound clarity and separation | |
| 2-way (tweeter + woofer) | 3-way (super tweeter + tweeter + woofer) |
| Connectivity - Flexibility in connecting sources | |
| 2x RCA inputs, subwoofer out | Speaker wire only (connectivity depends on amplifier) |
| Controls - Ease of adjustment | |
| Built-in volume/bass/treble + remote | None (controlled by amplifier) |
| Future Upgradability - Long term value consideration | |
| None (fixed system) | High (can upgrade amplifier later) |
| Room Size Suitability - Where they work best | |
| Small to medium rooms, desktop setups | Flexible (depends on amplifier power) |
The Sony Core Series SS-CS5 ($124.99) is better for home theater use as it can be integrated into a full surround system with matching speakers and powered by an AV receiver. The Edifier R1280TS ($119.99) is limited to stereo setup only.
The Edifier R1280TS is powered and doesn't need an amplifier. The Sony SS-CS5 requires a separate amplifier or receiver to function, adding at least $100 to the total cost.
The Edifier R1280TS is plug-and-play with simple setup. Just connect to power and your audio source. The Sony SS-CS5 requires amplifier connection and more complex wiring.
Both work well for gaming. The Edifier R1280TS is ideal for desktop gaming setups, while the Sony SS-CS5 is better for console gaming in living room setups when paired with an AV receiver.
The Sony SS-CS5 offers superior sound quality with its 3-way design and better frequency separation, but requires proper amplification. The Edifier R1280TS provides good sound quality for its price in an all-in-one package.
The Edifier R1280TS has a dedicated subwoofer output. The Sony SS-CS5 can be used with a subwoofer through proper AV receiver setup.
The Sony SS-CS5 offers better music performance with superior detail and soundstage, especially when properly amplified. The Edifier R1280TS is good for casual music listening and near-field monitoring.
Both speakers have mounting points and can be wall-mounted, but you'll need to consider power cable placement for the Edifier R1280TS and amplifier connections for the Sony SS-CS5.
The Edifier R1280TS is ideal for small spaces with its compact size and built-in amplification. The Sony SS-CS5 works well too but requires space for an amplifier.
The Edifier R1280TS offers better immediate value at $119.99 complete. The Sony SS-CS5 costs $124.99 plus amplifier but offers better long-term value through upgrade potential.
Both work with TVs, but the Sony SS-CS5 is better suited when paired with an AV receiver for home theater use. The Edifier R1280TS connects directly to TV audio outputs but lacks surround capability.
Both have similar bass extension (around 52-53Hz), but the Sony SS-CS5 can produce better bass quality when properly amplified. The Edifier R1280TS has built-in bass adjustment but more limited overall bass capability.
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 - higherhz.com - merlinstv.com - youtube.com - erinsaudiocorner.com - bestbuy.com - sony-asia.com - bestbuy.com - sony.com - audiosciencereview.com - sony-asia.com - sony-asia.com - walmart.com
