What is Looria?Sign up

Bookshelf Speaker

Edifier R1280T vs KEF Q150

Edifier R1280T

62 reviews

View Product Details

Budget Pick

in Bookshelf Speaker

KEF Q150

119 reviews

View Product Details

Great value for the price

Solid build quality

Good stereo separation

Excellent tweeter

Suitable for computer or turntable setup

Great sound quality with detail, full soundstage, and volume without distortion

Sharp and expensive-looking design

Recommended by many users, especially when purchased on sale

Compared favorably to other speakers, including the ELAC UB5 and Klipsch R51

Compatible with various amplifiers and streaming devices

Not very strong in bass and volume

Some issues with remote control

Compatibility issues with certain audio interfaces

Not enough bass for some users

Some users note disappointment with the build quality

Price may be too high for some users, but many recommend purchasing on sale

Verdict

Overall, the Edifier R1280T speakers are a good choice for those looking for affordable and decent quality speakers for their computer or turntable setup. They have a solid build quality and good stereo separation, but some reviewers note that they lack in bass and volume. The speakers are also praised for their tweeter and sound quality for the price. However, some reviewers mention issues with the remote control and compatibility with certain audio interfaces. Overall, the Edifier R1280T speakers are a good value for the price and a solid choice for those on a budget.

Verdict

Overall, the KEF Q150 speakers receive positive reviews for their sound quality, with many users impressed by their detail, full soundstage, and volume without distortion. Some users note that the speakers lack bass, while others mention disappointment with the build quality. However, many users recommend the speakers, especially when purchased on sale. The KEF Q150 is compared favorably to other speakers, including the ELAC UB5 and Klipsch R51. Users also mention various amplifiers and streaming devices used to power the speakers.

Reviews by Topic

Our analysis shows how reviewers feel about different topics. Please note these are not full reviews.

Sound Quality

All my hobbies in one place.

The S3000 do a fine job covering all the based from music, movies, and games. I’ve only ever had the S3000 pros, Edifier R1280T, and the Edifier R1700BT (I have a brand loyalty issue I know) so I don’t really have anything to compare them to. I was lucky enough to attend RMAF in 2019 and got to listen to a bunch of *really* nice speakers and this was one of them. The S3000 Pros happened to be in my price range ($400 on Black Friday ‘19) so I picked them up

Positive

reddit.com/r/audiophile

Build quality not impressive - prefer Klipsch rp-500m

This are very smooth sounding speakers - they will never sound shrill or fatiguing. The flip side of this is the treble is not as detailed and exciting as other speakers. I own the Klipsch RP-500M and I prefer those speakers overall, and I think a lot of people would. If you can find the Klipsch for a similar price, they sound more clear, exciting, and dynamic

Bass

Lots of enjoyment for $100 and totally legal

What makes a more noticeable difference is the position of the speakers. I made some stands out of scrap particle board shelving to get the speakers off the surface of the desk and angled upward. This may reduce the impression of "warmth" that many listeners notice first but the bass is tighter and the overall tonal balance is improved. Getting the tweeters directed more towards my ears also cleaned up the top end and helped imaging substantially

youtube

KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers - Hands On Review

The key 150 are a smoother sound in the mid-range and bass, delivering detail a bit on the sly with more body a little bit more resonance too. That ma...

Positive

Connectivity

Excellent sound but have to return because of bass clipping (suspected input sensitivity issue)

5mm jack to the RCA input, instead I use a USB Digital-to-Analog Converter to take advantage of higher sampling rates. I listen to music on my Mac mini M1 mostly using Apple Music. The Mac mini M1 is connected to a Schiit Modi DAC via USB, which is connected to a Schiit Loki Mini+ Equalizer (awesome combo by the way). These two devices are connected via short 6" RCA cables, in turn connected to the Edifier Speakers also with short quality RCA cables

Nice value for $300

Bought these and the Elac Uni-Fi UB5 to compare them. Bought them both at discounts. Paid $300 during a sale for these. I think the overall the Elac sounds better but these aren't bad

Price

These speakers are incredible and for the price, they give more expensive monitors competition.

These edifier speakers still represent a great value for the cost, they won't get super loud, but they will sound really good, especially if you're using a decent source and not a terrible integrated computer soundcard.or a cheap cd player..

youtube

KEF Q-150 Bookshelf Speaker Review. Best for lovers of wide imaging.

It does seem to look a little bit like a five year old took a paintbrush to it when you get up close - and i wouldn't be the first person to say that ...

Positive

Design

You can't buy better PC speakers for this price

They are still small enough to not take over your desk, but are big enough that you'll actually want to listen to them (unlike smaller "computer speakers").

youtube

Better than the LS50!? KEF Q150 Review

I like fake wood, it's nice, it's got some grain in it. It's well appointed. I like the little kef badging. It looks good uh anyway, uh five and a qua...

Positive

Wireless Connectivity

Edifier R1280T vs. R1700BT

I personally will be sending the R1700BT's back because the set I received is having some issues with the power switch. The R1700BT does have bluetooth and that alone can justify the additional cost, but you are also getting a larger amp as well making it a solid purchase. The looks of the R1700BT are modern compared to that of the R1280T being retro in my opinion. The R1700BTEdifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers - Active Near-field Studio Monitors - Powered Speakers 2

Rich sounding loudspeakers that can really slap

I'm running these off an smsl ao200 amp via a Schitt Modi 3+ dac and an ifi zen blue bluetooth receiver. I am pleased as can be. Some have said these start to chuff at high volume but I've taken them to the height of comfortable listening levels where I can clearly see the woofers moving and all I can hear is clean and clear music full of clarity, power and refinement. They'd pair best with a revealing amp for sure

Size

Big Things Come In Small Packages - I'm Surprised!

Keep in mind however, always match your speaker size to your room size. The reason these sound amazing for me, is my bedroom is only a 15' by 15' room. If you want speakers to fill a 18' by 25' living room or larger, I would recommend the Edifier S1000DB speakers. These speakers do have removable grills, but because of the strange placement of the drivers, I think the speakers look better with the grills on

Great for Smaller Room

Would I recommend them? Yes, BUT - small room and with something to cover the bottom two octaves (subwoofer). My priorities for good sound, a decent soundstage, stable imaging, dynamic range, and lack of coloration were satisfied. And I would buy them again, or possibly - if She Who Must Be Obeyed (aka "the Finance Committee") was willing - the KEF LS50s.

QUICK QUESTION!

Got an opinion on a product you've used?
If so, we want to hear from you! Write an authentic longevity review about the product and share your experience with our community. You'll have the chance to win a $100 gift card.

You might also like

More Alternatives

KEF Q150

Ikea Symfonisk Bookshelf

Ikea Symfonisk Bookshelf

KEF Q350

Q Acoustics 3020i

Q Acoustics 3020i

Dayton Audio B652

Dayton Audio B652

JBL Studio 530

More Alternatives