Edifier R1280DBs
Buy the R1280DBs when you need powered speakers with optical or coaxial input and an optional subwoofer output. Skip it until your TV or source can send the manual's supported PCM format. This is a documentation-based decision, not a listening test. Product inputs · digital-audio limit.
Official price: $199.99 for the selected Brown pair, shown in stock and ready to ship. Black is listed, but its stock was not separately selected. Edifier U.S. listing · Checked Oct 2, 2026.
Checkout discount: Unconfirmed. The official store displays “Enjoy 10% off on your first purchase,” but the visible page does not state the delivery method, R1280DBs eligibility, exclusions or stacking rules. Do not assume a $179.99 checkout price. Official store page · Checked Oct 2, 2026.
The connection path decides whether it fits
The R1280DBs is an active 42W RMS pair, so a separate receiver or amplifier is not required. Its official input list covers Bluetooth, two line inputs, optical and coaxial; the rear panel also has Sub Out. That breadth is the reason to choose it over a simpler analog-only speaker, not a claim that every TV will work without setup. Official product specifications · Checked Oct 2, 2026.
| Your source | Documented path | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| TV, streamer or disc player | Optical or coaxial | The manual says only PCM at 44.1 or 48 kHz can be decoded. Set the source accordingly. |
| Computer, phone or analog source | Line In 1 or Line In 2 | Confirm the source has a compatible analog output or adapter. |
| Phone, tablet or computer | Bluetooth | Full Bluetooth functions require A2DP and AVRCP; behavior can vary with source-device software. |
| Powered subwoofer | Sub Out | The speaker's own bass is reduced and most bass is routed to the connected subwoofer. |
The digital-input limitation is unusually important for a TV setup: the manual names PCM 44.1/48 kHz and does not promise Dolby or DTS decoding. An optical socket by itself is therefore not enough; confirm that the TV or connected source can output the supported PCM format. Official manual, English page 8 · Checked Oct 2, 2026.
Sub Out is not a simple “add more bass without changing anything” connection. Edifier says detecting an external subwoofer reduces bass from the speakers and sends most bass to the subwoofer. The cited manual gives no crossover frequency, so this page does not invent one. Official manual, English page 6 · Checked Oct 2, 2026.
R1280DBs vs R1280DB vs R1700BTs
| Model | Official price snapshot | Documented reason to choose it | Important omission or tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1280DBs | $199.99 | 42W RMS; optical, coaxial, dual line-in, Bluetooth and Sub Out | Digital input requires supported PCM; no advanced Bluetooth codec is specified on the checked page |
| R1280DB | $189.99 | 42W RMS; optical, coaxial, dual RCA and Bluetooth | The checked official page does not list Sub Out |
| R1700BTs | $229.99 | 66W RMS; Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD, dual RCA and Sub Out | The checked official page does not list optical or coaxial input |
The checked prices put the R1280DBs $10 above the R1280DB and $30 below the R1700BTs. Those differences are calculated from the three official listing snapshots, before tax, shipping or an unverified checkout discount. R1280DBs · R1280DB · R1700BTs · Checked Oct 2, 2026.
Choose the R1280DBs over the R1280DB when adding a subwoofer is worth the $10 snapshot difference. Choose the R1700BTs when you do not need optical/coaxial and its 66W RMS output plus aptX HD better match your source. Stay with the R1280DBs when TV-friendly digital inputs matter more than the R1700BTs' output and codec. These are specification-level decisions, not claims about which speaker sounds better.
Direct-store terms that can change the real cost
Edifier says orders are usually processed in 1–2 business days and standard delivery usually takes 3–7 business days after dispatch. Free standard shipping applies to most U.S. and Canadian orders, but destination, size, handling and carrier restrictions can create charges. Remote or oversized orders can cost more, and PO boxes may need a different service or address. Official shipping policy · Checked Oct 2, 2026.
Do not rely on a single return-window trigger without confirmation. Edifier's refund policy says 30 days from purchase, while its shipping policy says receipt and its FAQ says delivery. The refund policy also requires an RMA and says the buyer pays return shipping except for defects or seller error. Refund policy · shipping policy · FAQ · Checked Oct 2, 2026.
The published home-speaker warranty is two years from original purchase for eligible products bought from an authorized U.S. or Canadian retailer and used in one of those countries. Edifier may repair with new or comparable refurbished parts, or exchange for a refurbished speaker. Misuse, improper installation and unsuitable equipment are excluded. Official warranty terms · Checked Oct 2, 2026.
Who should buy it?
- Buy it for a TV or desktop when you can use its documented optical, coaxial, line-in or Bluetooth path and 42W RMS is appropriate for your setup.
- Buy it over the R1280DB when you expect to add a powered subwoofer and the current $10 official-price difference is acceptable.
- Choose R1700BTs instead when aptX HD and the higher 66W RMS rating matter more than optical or coaxial input.
- Wait if you cannot confirm the TV's PCM output, need a published crossover frequency, or are counting on the first-purchase banner to produce a specific checkout total.
Check the current R1280DBs listing at Edifier · Compare Edifier speakers on RecentProfit. Prices and availability can change after the Oct 2, 2026 review.
FAQ
Is the Edifier R1280DBs $199.99 price a sale price?
The official U.S. page showed $199.99 with no crossed-out reference price during our Oct 2, 2026 check. Treat it as a current asking price, not a verified sale or historical low. Official listing.
Can I use the R1280DBs with a TV through optical audio?
Yes, if the TV or connected source can output the supported format. The manual says optical and coaxial input decode only PCM at 44.1 or 48 kHz. Official manual · Checked Oct 2, 2026.
Why does the R1280DBs have less bass after I connect a subwoofer?
The manual says Sub Out detection reduces the speakers' own bass and routes most bass to the connected subwoofer. It does not publish a crossover frequency in the cited passage. Official manual · Checked Oct 2, 2026.
Edifier R1280DBs or R1700BTs?
Choose R1280DBs for optical/coaxial input and a lower checked price. Choose R1700BTs for its 66W RMS rating and aptX HD when dual RCA and Bluetooth cover your sources. R1280DBs · R1700BTs · Checked Oct 2, 2026.
Do I need an amplifier for the R1280DBs?
No. Edifier identifies it as an active speaker system with built-in amplification. Official product page · Checked Oct 2, 2026.
When does Edifier's direct-store return window begin?
The checked official pages conflict: the refund policy says purchase, the shipping policy says receipt and the FAQ says delivery. Confirm the deadline with Edifier before relying on the return window. Refund policy · shipping policy · FAQ · Checked Oct 2, 2026.