Edifier R1280T Powered Speaker Review

[infinitesymphony]

The updated R1280Ts already has a dedicated subwoofer out port, but I don't know how clean it is, so you may still be better off with your original plan.

From an Amazon review of the R1280Ts:

"The Edifier sub-out is basically a headphone jack. It is full-range; there is no 'crossover.' It is affected by all of the controls -- bass, treble, volume -- and, surprisingly, also by the "spacializer." I don't recommend using the spacializer when using a subwoofer.

(Using this jack for headphones does not, of course, cut off the speaker sound. There is also something slightly 'off' about the full-range sound coming from this port; it seems to lack full separation, and seems somewhat shrill. But it works for the subwoofer just fine.)

Because the Edifers lack any way to control the sub out, you will need a sub with volume and crossover-frequency controls, and you probably want to place the sub where those controls remain accessible. I'm using a crossover frequency of about 100Hz, and of course set the volume by ear."

So, it appears the subwoofer output is a post-A/D/DSP line out. Maybe cleaner to split from the original analog output.

 

[vegetiger]

Based on the board photo from @infinitesymphony everything's going digital at no more than 48kHz when it hits the amp chip, so the digital inputs ought to be better as they avoid an extra digital->analog->digital round trip. That's assuming they're not applying different EQ to different inputs - you'd think that would be a given, but bluetooth headsets have been found applying different eq to different codecs, so who knows.

The amp chip has quite a lot of DSP available which makes me wonder how much better the speaker could perform with a firmware update. Perhaps the sample to sample variation is just too big though.

Could be. Thats why im hoping the Topping E30 will bring more improvement? Even the R1280DB manual stated Optical and COaxial only works on PCM 48Khz. But i am quite sure RCA/3.5mm jack sound clearer and sharper though. Connecting Optical seems just...muddy.

 

[samwell7]

I ended up buying a set of R1700BTs for my working from home setup (due to arrive next week).

Did there end up being an EQ file/settings for the R1700BT aswell? Or were better measurements required?

 

[infinitesymphony]

Cyber Monday Deal (from Master Deals thread):

Active Bookshelf (for Canadian buyers):
Edifier R1280T
Was CDN$130, now on sale for CDN$103 (20% drop) on amazon.ca (decent deal...was CDN$87 a couple of times last Christmas).

Bluetooth version of this speaker, Edifier R1280DB is on sale as well.
Amazon.ca is showing CDN$180, but it's CDN$140 at checkout (with coupon auto-applied).

Also available on Amazon.com.

 

[MrOtto]

Could you use the EQ-controls on the speaker to get a similar result to the parametric EQ? Anyone tested?

 

[infinitesymphony]

Could you use the EQ-controls on the speaker to get a similar result to the parametric EQ? Anyone tested?

It won't be as close, but they should help. Here are the effects of the treble and bass knobs respectively:

Based on these graphs, you might consider turning the bass down a bit and the treble down a bit more than that.

 

[MrOtto]

It won't be as close, but they should help. Here are the effects of the treble and bass knobs respectively:

Based on these graphs, you might consider turning the bass down a bit and the treble down a bit more than that.

Thanks. I'm using these as speakers for my TV, so I can't use any parametric EQ software.

 

[Kachda]

Thanks. I'm using these as speakers for my TV, so I can't use any parametric EQ software.

You can always put a minidsp 2x4 hd in between

 

[ishouldbeking]

Could you use the EQ-controls on the speaker to get a similar result to the parametric EQ? Anyone tested?

I've got a Qudelix 5K on order at the moment specifically to add an option for PEQ since I can't add outside software to my main listening source (work laptop), with part of the impetus being better EQ for these speakers in my home office.

In the meantime, while I haven't done any detailed analysis, I use the included EQ knobs to run my speakers with bass -1 db and treble -3 db. Sounds pretty good to my ear. Also worth experimenting with speaker position and angle.

 

[mrskywalker]

Hi I recently invested in a pair of Edifier 1280DB over Christmas for multi-purpose use at home with the TV and music playback.

I am by no means an audiophile or have any equipment to analyse them scientifically, but to my ears I have been quite pleased with the sound they produce, especially for music playback. They are slightly bass heavy, which I have easily dialled down with the onboard tone control.

However, I do sometimes struggle with general TV viewing and find myself turning the volume up to hear speech clearly, but then they end up a bit loud when some music/action kicks in. I have tried adjusting the onboard treble, which helps slightly but I really feel like they could benefit from some equalisation being applied to open the sound up, especially for voices. I'm not sure why you would want the flat/neutral studio output for normal listening purposes that I see discussed here, perhaps someone can explain that to me?

It got me wondering if the optical output on my Samsung TV has any equalisation applied before it reaches the speakers, can anyone confirm this or is it completly flat/unaltered? The built-in sound profiles are not available and greyed-out for optical output! I notice that if I use the TV Bluetooth audio output instead, the sound is 'brigher' in some way, like some other equalisation is being applied with this method. Unless there are any other options, I was wondering if I tried the Fiio Taishan D03K between the TV and speakers, wether this would apply some equalisation and improve the sound?

Many thanks and look forward to learning here!

 

[infinitesymphony]

I'm not sure why you would want the flat/neutral studio output for normal listening purposes that I see discussed here, perhaps someone can explain that to me?

The idea is that if any device in your listening chain is not neutral, from source to speakers, that device will apply its own frequency response curve to everything you send to it. A neutral chain will give you a more truthful representation of the original audio signal/mix. You can also adjust frequency response to taste, and there's nothing wrong with that.

It got me wondering if the optical output on my Samsung TV has any equalisation applied before it reaches the speakers, can anyone confirm this or is it completly flat/unaltered? The built-in sound profiles are not available and greyed-out for optical output! I notice that if I use the TV Bluetooth audio output instead, the sound is 'brigher' in some way, like some other equalisation is being applied with this method. Unless there are any other options, I was wondering if I tried the Fiio Taishan D03K between the TV and speakers, wether this would apply some equalisation and improve the sound?

If the TV's EQ is not adjustable when the optical output is selected, it is unlikely to apply EQ to the optical output. Settings like these can be model-specific, so you will need to try it out.

The Fiio D03K is only a DAC and does not have any EQ or other DSP settings.

It sounds like you might have the Edifier R1280DB if it has digital inputs. Based on the way the R1280s work internally, it is unlikely for a higher-quality DAC to make much of a difference.

 

[ishouldbeking]

Hi I recently invested in a pair of Edifier 1280DB over Christmas for multi-purpose use at home with the TV and music playback.

I am by no means an audiophile or have any equipment to analyse them scientifically, but to my ears I have been quite pleased with the sound they produce, especially for music playback. They are slightly bass heavy, which I have easily dialled down with the onboard tone control.

However, I do sometimes struggle with general TV viewing and find myself turning the volume up to hear speech clearly, but then they end up a bit loud when some music/action kicks in. I have tried adjusting the onboard treble, which helps slightly but I really feel like they could benefit from some equalisation being applied to open the sound up, especially for voices. I'm not sure why you would want the flat/neutral studio output for normal listening purposes that I see discussed here, perhaps someone can explain that to me?

It got me wondering if the optical output on my Samsung TV has any equalisation applied before it reaches the speakers, can anyone confirm this or is it completly flat/unaltered? The built-in sound profiles are not available and greyed-out for optical output! I notice that if I use the TV Bluetooth audio output instead, the sound is 'brigher' in some way, like some other equalisation is being applied with this method. Unless there are any other options, I was wondering if I tried the Fiio Taishan D03K between the TV and speakers, wether this would apply some equalisation and improve the sound?

Many thanks and look forward to learning here!

Hey there--fellow 1280DB owner, and I used these for a number of years as bedside TV speakers without any external EQ. (Currently using them as desktop monitors with Maiky76's EQ profile and really enjoying them for music, but I digress). I'm quite familiar with your struggle to get clear dialogue out of these, as the stock tuning with EQ knobs set flat is fairly bass heavy and extremely bright, which means the midrange (where voices live) is a bit recessed. If you're limited to using the EQ controls on the speakers, the best "neutral" settings I came up with was turning the bass down 1.5 or 2 dB and turning the treble down by about 3 dB, and then turning up the master volume to compensate. This should help bring the mids forward a bit, and you can experiment with the EQ settings to dial it in how you like it. Can also experiment with speaker position, angle, and height, and try them with the grills on and off.

 

[mrskywalker]

The idea is that if any device in your listening chain is not neutral, from source to speakers, that device will apply its own frequency response curve to everything you send to it. A neutral chain will give you a more truthful representation of the original audio signal/mix. You can also adjust frequency response to taste, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Ok I understand. So keep everything neutral until it reaches the end point (speakers) in this case, then remain neutral or adjust sound to personal preference.

If the TV's EQ is not adjustable when the optical output is selected, it is unlikely to apply EQ to the optical output. Settings like these can be model-specific, so you will need to try it out.

Definitely not adjustable on my Samsung TV. There is certainly a difference in the audio via the TV's bluetooth output. It's slightly louder and doesn't sound as neutral as the optical output. I actually quite like it, but prefer to remain hard wired via the optical cable most of the time.

The Fiio D03K is only a DAC and does not have any EQ or other DSP settings.
It sounds like you might have the Edifier R1280DB if it has digital inputs. Based on the way the R1280s work internally, it is unlikely for a higher-quality DAC to make much of a difference.

Ok that is good to know. Maybe a good experiment if anyone has a Fiio and can do a general comparison (Samsung TV DAC vs Fiio)

Hey there--fellow 1280DB owner, and I used these for a number of years as bedside TV speakers without any external EQ. (Currently using them as desktop monitors with Maiky76's EQ profile and really enjoying them for music, but I digress). I'm quite familiar with your struggle to get clear dialogue out of these, as the stock tuning with EQ knobs set flat is fairly bass heavy and extremely bright, which means the midrange (where voices live) is a bit recessed. If you're limited to using the EQ controls on the speakers, the best "neutral" settings I came up with was turning the bass down 1.5 or 2 dB and turning the treble down by about 3 dB, and then turning up the master volume to compensate. This should help bring the mids forward a bit, and you can experiment with the EQ settings to dial it in how you like it. Can also experiment with speaker position, angle, and height, and try them with the grills on and off.

Thanks for the tips and advice! I pretty much ended up with similar settings just using my ears. I think the quality of the original audio makes a big difference as these speakers can really highlight lower quality audio. If you play something from a high quality source like directly from a CD, it sounds excellent, very happy with quality and power output in my room!

I'm currently experimenting with some speaker stands. I have found them beneficial for reducing the base slightly (I think it is getting amplified through the TV stand unit) and improving the direction of the sound which is now pointing directly at the listener rather than propagating lower down (knee height).

 

[infinitesymphony]

Ok I understand. So keep everything neutral until it reaches the end point (speakers) in this case, then remain neutral or adjust sound to personal preference.

You can modify frequency response to taste anywhere along the way if you like, but it should only be modified in one place if you want to know what's happening, otherwise it's back to the era of trying to match gear together by coloration.

I'm currently experimenting with some speaker stands. I have found them beneficial for reducing the base slightly (I think it is getting amplified through the TV stand unit) and improving the direction of the sound which is now pointing directly at the listener rather than propagating lower down (knee height).

In addition to potentially resonating the item they're on due to coupling, placing speakers on a horizontal surface that extends beyond the front of the enclosure can introduce a boundary reflection / resonance usually in the 100-200 Hz range, which speaker stands should eliminate. You can also play around with the distance from the back wall to avoid low frequency cancellation.

http://arqen.com/acoustics-101/speaker-placement-boundary-interference/

In general, for two-way speakers you absolutely want to prevent nulls in the 40-80 Hz range, and try your best to avoid them between 80-200 Hz. For your typical studio monitor, that means the recommended speaker-to-wall distances are:

Good: Flush-mounted or as close to wall as possible (see manufacturer recommendations)
Okay: Up to 1 m (3′-3″)
Avoid: 1-2.2 m (3′-3″ to 7′-3″)
Good: Over 2.2 m (7′-3″)

But these are just a general guidelines. The recommended distance for you depends on the low frequency performance of your loudspeakers.

 

[Xulonn]

My main system speakers (Wharfedale) and desktop (Q-Acoustics) are good, quite "accurate" units, but my new bedroom speakers (Edifier R1280DB with Bluetooth) are not. But the Edifiers were cheap - and perfect for my needs. Setup was simple. I heven't used Bluetooth for many years, but when I turned Bluetooth on for my Lenovo Android tablet, it immediately saw the Edifier speakers. I tapped the icon and connection happened - I didn't even have to think about it.

The Edifier speakers are attractive, low-priced, have a basic remote control, and sound good enough for casual bedroom use - although I would like a balance control since I do not do my light therapy sessions in the center of my bed. It's nice to Have a bit of bass compared to my tiny old Yamaha NS325 speakers that had literally no bass (serious roll-off starting at about 150Hz). As Amir's testing showed, the Edifier 1280's are a bit thick and heavy in the mid bass, but they have a bass level control that backs that off nicely. And it's was nice to get rid of the extra cables associated with a line-level tablet>amp connection and one speaker wire. Treble? What treble. When you are 79 y/o, hearing treble past 8-10KHz is a thing of the past.

I only use the bedroom speakers for 15 minutes of very soft music when I go to sleep at night, and for 1-2 hours daily of spa music while doing red/infrared light therapy [LINK] with the $1,500 clinic-grade setup in the below photo. Hopefully, this therapy will help control - and hopefully reverse - my age-related (I am 79 y/o) non-specific nerve degeneration issues that had caused me to almost lost my ability to walk. I've actually improved a bit after 6 weeks - nerve regeneration it a slow process.

My go-to-sleep synthesizer music is so-called "no-beat space music", and I downloaded it years ago (stream-ripped to MP3 via WinAmp for legal "time-shifting") from the Cryosleep page of the old Bluemars website, which is now inactive. Fortunately, but the music stream was archived and is still available at the EchoesOfBluemars.org website via a clunky old streaming method.

For my light-therapy session background music, I live-stream via YouTube music that is and heavy on flute / pan flute / bamboo flute, piano, harp, cello, birdsong, babbling brooks, etc. I experienced this ubiquitous genre of "spa-music" while getting acupuncture treatments years ago, and enjoy it for relaxing in a meditative state through my long daily therapy sessions. I actually have to do several sub-sessions because my single 36"x12" light panel doesn't cover my whole body, and I have to do front and back separately.

 

[CMDR Bird]

I have the R1280DB (same as this reviewed model but it also has blutooth). It's a decent speaker set for the price.

I will be adding a Klipsch SW110 subwoofer to it to give it some much needed bass. That subwoofer was replaced by SVS PB2000 pro so should be great as addition to PC.

 

[CMDR Bird]

@amirm What software do you use for EQ here and what do you recommend I use as crossover in windows 10 bass management? 80hz? Using these with Klipsch SW110 subwoofer.

 

[CMDR Bird]

Hi,

I just implemented a routine to automatically export the EQ I design as APO/Peace config file.

I suggest you use Peace on top of EQ APO:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/peace-equalizer-apo-extension/

You just need to import the file as @sweetchaos (thanks for pointing the info) shows here :
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...s-community-project.14929/page-14#post-536526

I have attached a the config file to import.
Note that there is an automatically generated Preamp gain that is based on the actual peak gain of the EQ rounded up for a tiny bit of headroom.

EDIT: SOUNDS AMAZING! Night and day. Adjusting Bass and Treble knobs doesn't even compare! Very impressive.

 

[ishouldbeking]

EDIT: SOUNDS AMAZING! Night and day. Adjusting Bass and Treble knobs doesn't even compare! Very impressive.

Not sure which EQ profile you tried, but it's worth digging through this thread and trying Maiky76's profile and a/b'ing against Amir's. Both are an improvement from stock, but Maiky's sounds fantastic to my ear. Listening through these now, and while you wouldn't mistake them for high end studio monitors, they sound excellent for my casual purposes.

 

[CMDR Bird]

Not sure which EQ profile you tried, but it's worth digging through this thread and trying Maiky76's profile and a/b'ing against Amir's. Both are an improvement from stock, but Maiky's sounds fantastic to my ear. Listening through these now, and while you wouldn't mistake them for high end studio monitors, they sound excellent for my casual purposes.

Maiky's is the one I'm using. It's great. Wish someone had a profile for Klipsch SW110 subwoofer. That's the one I am trying to make work with these speakers.