When comparing Edifier R1280T 2.0 vs Micca MB42X, the Slant community recommends Micca MB42X for most people. In the question“What are the best bookshelf speakers for $100?” Micca MB42X is ranked 1st while Edifier R1280T 2.0 is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose Micca MB42X is:
These speakers can produce powerful bass despite the relatively small 4-inch woofer. The highs are slightly recessed and give way to the mids. This results in a sound signature that is smooth as the highs do not add harshness to the overall sound.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Good sound quality with clear highs and full mids while the bass is just right
These speakers produce clear highs and the mid range sounds nice and full. The mid-dominant sound makes the speakers sound warm. Bass output is not the best but the 4-inch woofers combined with a front port design gives the sound some body and presence.
Pro Boost or reduce bass output using bass adjustment knob
If you have a certain preference in bass then this bass adjustment knob is definitely for you. You can choose to add more bass for a boomy sound or reduce the bass output for a more highs-focused audio character.
Pro You can adjust treble with the treble knob
On the right side of the main speaker, there is a treble knob. You can use this to add more treble and get an airier and crisper sound or you can reduce treble for less harshness and more mids.
Pro You can control volume or mute speakers from a distance with the included remote
You can increase or decrease the speakers' volume as well as mute/un-mute the speakers from a few feet away using the compact remote.
Pro Can work with different audio sources thanks to multiple inputs
You can connect these speakers to a number of different sources like a computer, a smartphone, or a DAC thanks to these speakers' RCA inputs and included 3.5mm to RCA cables. You can also connect 2 sources at once thanks to this speaker having PC In and Aux In connectors.
Pro Feels sturdy and solid, it gives the impression of good build quality
These speakers feel solid thanks to the use of MDF wood in its construction. They also have a nice weight to them despite the small size.
Pro Looks great thanks to its classic and simple design
These speakers will look great in a variety of desk setups thanks to their classic design. The natural wood finish on the sides combined with the grey center part gives these speakers a premium look. These also still look sleek with or without their cloth speaker grills attached.
Pro Produces high quality sound with elevated bass and more focus on the mids
These speakers can produce powerful bass despite the relatively small 4-inch woofer. The highs are slightly recessed and give way to the mids. This results in a sound signature that is smooth as the highs do not add harshness to the overall sound.
Pro Wide sound stage and amazing sound imaging thanks to the use of crossover technology
These speakers may be small, but they deliver a wide and enveloping sound stage that will definitely fill small to medium sized rooms with sound. Instrument separation is well defined and the details of the music are presented very well. This is thanks to the use of crossover technology which separates the sound signal input into 2; one signal path is dedicated to the tweeter and the other to the woofer. This results in optimal sound reproduction from these two parts without them "clashing" with each other.
Pro Looks sleek due to its classic and minimalistic styling
These speakers look really clean and sexy. This is achieved through the combination of a matte black finish and the carbon fiber material on the woofer, which gives the speaker an understated but noticeable bling.
Pro Can easily fit on desks or home theater setups thanks to compact size
These speakers can be placed on small to medium sized desks without too much difficulty thanks to the small and no-nonsense cabinet design. These speakers can also easily fit in cramped home theater shelves or desks, making them quite versatile in terms of where you can place them and how you can position them.
Pro Easy to attach speaker covers due to the use of magnets
It is very easy to attach these speakers' covers if you want an even simpler and understated look to them. The covers are magnetic so you can just have the cover come into contact with the speakers and they will simply lock in place. They always end up centered so you do not need to put in a lot of care to get the covers on just right.
Cons
Con Accessories can come off as cheap
You may get a feeling of cheapness from the included accessories as the remote is really light and the cables are quite thin.
Con Sub-bass may be lacking for pop or rock music
Sub-bass may not have the impact and power that you want for pop or rock music but may suit slower or softer genres.
Con You will need to purchase speaker wires as they do not come with the package
You will have to shell out extra cash in order to connect these speakers to a receiver or amp, as the necessary wires are not included in the box.
Con Distortion can be audible on max volumes
Some distortion of the sound can be heard when running these speakers at max volumes for extended periods of time. This is due to the physical limitations of the speakers themselves, being quite compact in size. As such, these may not be the best speakers if you want to fill a large room with sound.
Con These are passive speakers so you need a separate amp or receiver to drive them
These speakers will not work when plugged directly into music sources such as computers or portable players. You need to connect these speakers to a speaker amplifier or audio receiver in order for them to work correctly.