Choosing Between Premium and Budget Bookshelf Speakers: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to bookshelf speakers, the choice between the premium Revel Concerta2 M16 at [$900] and budget-friendly Edifier R1280DBs at [$150] represents two very different approaches to home audio. Let's explore how these speakers stack up and help you make the right choice for your needs.

Understanding the Category

Bookshelf speakers form the backbone of many home audio systems, offering a balance between performance and space efficiency. They can serve as main speakers in smaller rooms or as part of a larger home theater setup. The key difference in our comparison is that the Revel requires a separate amplifier (passive design), while the Edifier includes built-in amplification (powered design).

Technical Deep Dive

Driver Technology

The Revel M16 showcases premium materials, using a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter (for high frequencies) and a 6.5-inch aluminum cone woofer (for mid and low frequencies). These metal drivers offer excellent rigidity and speed, resulting in clearer sound with less distortion. The speaker also features Revel's acoustic lens waveguide - a specially shaped housing around the tweeter that helps control sound dispersion for more consistent off-axis listening.

The Edifier R1280DBs takes a more conventional approach with a 4-inch woofer and silk dome tweeter. While these materials are perfectly serviceable, they don't match the Revel's precision. However, Edifier includes built-in digital signal processing (DSP) that helps optimize the sound and prevent distortion at higher volumes.

Sound Quality

Having spent time with both speakers, the differences in sound quality are significant but need context. The Revel M16 delivers exceptional clarity and detail - you'll hear subtle elements in music that might be missed on lesser speakers. The aluminum drivers provide outstanding transient response (how quickly a speaker can start and stop moving), which makes percussion and acoustic instruments sound particularly realistic.

The Edifier speakers produce pleasant, balanced sound that works well for casual listening. While they can't match the Revel's detail retrieval or dynamic range (the ability to go from very quiet to very loud while maintaining clarity), they perform admirably for their price point. The built-in DSP helps prevent harsh sounds and maintains reasonable bass response.

Home Theater Performance

For home theater use, both speakers have their merits. The Revel M16's superior dynamic range and detail make it excellent for movie dialogue and complex sound effects. When properly amplified, these speakers can reproduce movie soundtracks with impressive scale and impact.

The Edifier's optical input makes it easy to connect directly to a TV, and the included subwoofer output allows for easy expansion. While they won't deliver the same cinematic experience as the Revels, they make a practical solution for improving TV sound without the complexity of a receiver-based system.

Connectivity and Setup

The Revel M16 requires an external amplifier, typically through a stereo receiver or integrated amplifier. This adds cost but provides flexibility to upgrade individual components over time. The speaker accepts standard speaker wire through high-quality binding posts.

The Edifier R1280DBs offers impressive connectivity for its price:

• Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless streaming
• Optical input for TV connection
• Two sets of RCA inputs for additional sources
• Subwoofer output for bass expansion

Value Consideration

Released in 2015, the Revel M16 represents mature technology from a high-end manufacturer. While newer competitors have emerged, its fundamental design and performance remain competitive. The recent price drop from $900 to around $693 makes it more attractive, though you'll need to budget for amplification.

The Edifier R1280DBs, introduced more recently, incorporates modern features like Bluetooth 5.0 and digital inputs. At $150, it delivers remarkable value, especially considering the built-in amplification and connection options.

Real-World Performance

In practical use, the differences between these speakers become clear:

The Revel M16 excels at:

• Revealing subtle details in music
• Producing accurate instrument timbre
• Creating a precise soundstage (the illusion of instruments positioned in space)
• Handling complex musical passages without confusion

The Edifier R1280DBs strengths include:

• Simple setup and operation
• Multiple input options
• Good overall sound balance
• Space-efficient design with built-in amplification

How to Decide

Consider the following questions:

1. Budget: Can you afford both the Revel speakers and quality amplification (budget at least $300-500 for the amp)?
2. Space and Setup: Do you want a simple powered solution (Edifier) or are you willing to accommodate separate components (Revel)?
3. Primary Use:
   • Critical music listening favors the Revel
   • Desktop or casual use might favor the Edifier
   • Home theater use could work with either, depending on your goals
4. Future Plans: The Revel offers more upgrade potential as part of a larger system, while the Edifier is more of a complete solution.

Choose the Revel M16 if:

• Sound quality is your top priority
• You're building a serious audio system
• You have the budget for quality amplification
• You appreciate hearing subtle details in music

Choose the Edifier R1280DBs if:

• You want an all-in-one solution
• Budget is a major consideration
• You need multiple input options
• Simplicity and convenience matter most

Both speakers represent excellent values in their respective categories. The Revel M16 provides a taste of high-end audio at a relatively accessible price point, while the Edifier R1280DBs delivers impressive functionality and performance for budget-conscious buyers.

Revel Concerta2 M16 Bookshelf Speaker Deals and Prices

Edifier R1280DBs Powered Bookshelf Speakers Deals and Prices