Add to Chrome
Add to Edge
Add to Firefox
Add to Opera
Add to Brave
Add to SafariWhen comparing Edifier R1280T 2.0 vs Mackie CR3, the Slant community recommends Edifier R1280T 2.0 for most people. In the question“What are the best bookshelf speakers for $100?” Edifier R1280T 2.0 is ranked 2nd while Mackie CR3 is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose Edifier R1280T 2.0 is:
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.
Specs
Question Ranking
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 You can select what channel the main speaker will be
It’ll be easier for you to position the main speaker as you prefer. At the back of the main speaker is a switch that allows you to select if the main speaker will be left or right channel. The other speaker will automatically be set to the other channel.
Pro Clear sound with good bass levels
The highs are clear and have okay detail. The mids are not very forward but they sound natural and full. The bass is quite powerful and will give music a boomy and thumpy feel.
Pro Two analog input options to choose from
You’ll have some flexibility as to the source devices that you can use with these speakers. You can choose between TRS or RCA inputs.
Pro Loud volume output
Despite the small size, these speakers can output good volume levels, enough to fill a small room with sound.
Pro Foam isolation pads included
Excess vibrations from the speakers to your desk won’t be too much of a big issue. Instead of stick on rubber feet, the CR3 speakers come with foam isolation pads which are quite good at minimizing vibrations.
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 No room compensation controls
You’ll have to take the extra time and effort to properly position these speakers. There are no bass compensation controls to adjust low-end output when positioning these speakers near a wall, so it’ll be much harder for you to get the proper bass response.
Con Bass can overpower the overall sound
The overall sound can get boomy and muddy. The bass is quite powerful so on bass-heavy tracks, the details of the music may be washed out.
