Edifier R1280T vs. Polk Audio T30

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers Polk Audio T30 Center Channel Speaker
MSRP
$120 $180
Dimensions (H × W × D)
9.50” × 5.75” × 7.00”
241mm × 146mm × 178mm
6.50” × 19.00” × 8.50”
165mm × 483mm × 216mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
75-18,000 Hz 55-24,000 Hz
ASR Score
1.9 n/a
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
4.5 n/a
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to setting up an audio system for your home, the sheer variety of options can be quite overwhelming. However, for those looking at entry-level audiophile gear, two interesting choices come to the forefront: The Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers and the Polk Audio T30 Center Channel Speaker. Both products aim to deliver quality sound within a budget, but they cater to different needs and preferences.

Design and Build

The Edifier R1280T speakers boast a classic bookshelf design with a modern twist, featuring a wood veneer paneling that complements many interior designs. They come with a built-in amplifier, which means there's no need for an external receiver. In contrast, the Polk Audio T30 has a more utilitarian design, primarily meant to be part of a larger surround sound system. It's designed to sit horizontally and provides a broader soundstage specifically for dialogue and on-screen action in movies and television.

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

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the Edifiers offer a warm and balanced sound with impressive clarity for speakers in their price range. They provide a surprisingly rich low-end and crisp highs that can fill a small to medium-sized room. On the other hand, the Polk Audio T30 is a center channel speaker that focuses on delivering clear and precise dialogue. It's engineered with a 1" tweeter and dual 5.25" drivers to ensure vocal sounds are front and center, which is essential for any home theater experience.

Connectivity and Versatility

The Edifier R1280T speakers are quite versatile, featuring dual RCA inputs that allow you to connect multiple audio devices simultaneously. They come with a simple remote control, making it easy to adjust volume or mute the sound without moving from your spot. The Polk Audio T30, however, is a single speaker designed to be part of a larger system, which means it needs to be connected to an AV receiver. It doesn't offer the same plug-and-play convenience as the Edifiers, but it excels in its role within a home theater setup.

Polk Audio T30 Center Channel Speaker
Polk Audio T30 arrow (at Amazon.com)

For those who enjoy vinyl or have a mix of analog and digital sources, the Edifier R1280T can be a particularly attractive option. Their analog inputs mean you can easily hook up a turntable, and their neutral sound signature is well-suited to a variety of music genres. The Polk T30, while not built with turntables in mind, can still be part of a system that includes a vinyl setup, but its strengths will be most apparent when it anchors the dialogue and soundtrack of a cinematic experience.

Value for Money

The Edifier R1280T offers great value for those looking for an affordable entry into high-quality audio. They're a pair of speakers that can stand alone and deliver a full stereo experience. Conversely, the Polk Audio T30 center channel is an investment in a home theater system. It requires additional components to function, but for movie buffs, the crystal-clear dialogue and effects it provides can be well worth the investment in a multi-speaker arrangement.

In conclusion, the choice between the Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers and the Polk Audio T30 Center Channel Speaker comes down to intended use and personal preferences. The Edifiers are perfect for everyday music listening and are wonderfully simple in set up and use. The Polk T30 shines in a home theater environment, promising to elevate movie nights to new heights. Whichever you choose, both are capable of transforming your audio experience within their realms of expertise.


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Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Polk Audio T30 Center Channel Speaker
Polk Audio T30 Center Channel 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.