Edifier R1280T vs. MartinLogan Motion 60XTi

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Tower Speaker
MSRP
$120 $3750
Dimensions (H × W × D)
9.50” × 5.75” × 7.00”
241mm × 146mm × 178mm
48.00” × 11.40” × 14.40”
1219mm × 290mm × 366mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
75-18,000 Hz 35-25,000 Hz
ASR Score
1.9 n/a
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
4.5 n/a
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of hi-fi audio, the Edifier R1280T offers a wallet-friendly entry point with its compact design and warm sound profile, suitable for casual listening in cozy spaces. Meanwhile, the MartinLogan Motion 60XTi stands as a towering testament to audiophile aspirations, boasting a sophisticated soundstage, razor-sharp precision, and deep bass, thanks to its Folded Motion XT tweeter and sizable woofers. While the Edifier appeals to the pragmatic music lover, the Motion 60XTi seduces the discerning ear, demanding a premium for its acoustic excellence and room-commanding presence. Both cater to different markets but share a dedication to enriching audio experiences.

Speaker Comparison

When we consider the realm of Hi-Fi audio, it's often a journey that takes us through a landscape of varying sizes, shapes, and price points. The Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Tower Speakers are two very distinct landmarks in this auditory terrain, catering to different needs, spaces, and importantly, budget constraints. The Edifier R1280Ts are aimed at the more budget-conscious audience, providing a simple plug-and-play solution for near-field listening, while the Motion 60XTis are high-end floor standers that aspire to fill a room with high-fidelity sound.

Design and Build

The Edifier R1280T speakers exhibit a classic bookshelf design with a modern touch, encased in a handsome wood veneer that exudes a timeless vibe. They're compact and unobtrusive, easily blending into a variety of room aesthetics. Conversely, the MartinLogan Motion 60XTis are imposing figures that command attention the moment you step into the room. With their sleek, bold design and signature Folded Motion XT tweeters, these towers are as much a statement of art as they are of sound.

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1280T arrow (at Amazon.com)

Performance & Sound Quality

Sound quality is where the divide becomes more pronounced. The Edifiers, with their 4-inch bass drivers and 13mm silk-dome tweeters, deliver a sound that is pleasing and well-balanced for their size. They offer a surprising amount of warmth and clarity, especially considering their price point. On the other side of the spectrum, the Motion 60XTis, boasting 6.5-inch aluminum cone woofers and a 35-by-1.25-inch Folded Motion XT tweeter, produce a vast soundstage, deep bass response, and incredible detail retrieval that can only be expected from speakers of their caliber.

Powering these two is also a different ball game. Edifier's R1280Ts are self-powered, meaning they have a built-in amplifier and require no additional equipment to produce sound, which is great for those looking for a straightforward, minimal setup. The MartinLogan towers, however, are passive speakers, requiring a separate, high-quality amplifier or receiver to drive them, which can add to the cost and complexity of your audio system.

MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 60XTi arrow (at Amazon.com)

Functionality & Features

Functionality-wise, the R1280Ts are fairly straightforward, offering dual RCA inputs that allow connection to multiple audio sources, and they come with a handy remote for volume control and muting. In contrast, the Motion 60XTis' capabilities are influenced by the components you pair them with, but they do not offer built-in amplification or digital inputs directly on the speaker. This makes them less plug-and-play but opens up the potential for a wider range of high-fidelity audio experiences when paired with appropriate high-end electronics.

One shouldn't overlook the impact of room size when considering these two options. The R1280Ts are best suited for small to medium-sized rooms or desktop scenarios. They fill intimate spaces with ease but would struggle to maintain their composure in larger environments. The Motion 60XTis, with their robust drivers and commanding presence, are built to excel in larger rooms, where they have the space to breathe and create a truly immersive sonic experience.

Price is perhaps the most significant differentiator. The Edifier R1280T speakers are incredibly accessible, offering respectable performance at a fraction of the cost of premium speakers. The MartinLogan Motion 60XTis, being high-end luxury speakers, command a premium price, reflecting their superior audio quality and craftsmanship. They represent not just a purchase, but an investment into the art of sound. For the audiophile who values acoustic perfection and aesthetic elegance, the MartinLogans are a natural choice, while the Edifiers offer a fantastic entry point for those just dipping their toes into the world of quality audio.


Check Current Prices:

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 60XTi Tower Speaker
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

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Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.