Bose Companion 20
Score: 80/100
Edifier R1280T
Score: 84/100Rankings
The Edifier R1280T is a 2.0 active powered bookshelf speaker system delivering 42 W RMS through 4-inch woofers and silk-dome tweeters, housed in a retro wooden enclosure with a remote for easy control. Its drawbacks are the lack of Bluetooth and the potential for bass to dominate mids at higher volumes. Ideal for wired desktop, near-field studio monitoring, or small-room home audio where power and classic aesthetics matter.
The Bose Companion 20 is a compact 2.0 desktop speaker system praised for its rich sound and sleek design. Its drawbacks include a premium price, short cables, and lack of a subwoofer. Ideal for users who prioritize soundstage and aesthetics over deep bass.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
70 mm | 101.6 mmbest | |
2best | 2best | |
— | 42 Wbest | |
— | 2 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.13 kgbest | 4.9 kg |
7best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(1) | ||
Driver Size (mm) | 70 mm | 101.6 mm |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Power Source | external_power_pack_ac | AC |
Controls(1) | ||
Volume Control Type | control_pod | remote |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.13 kg | 4.9 kg |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | 21.9x8.9x11.9 cm | 14.7×24.1×17.5 cm cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Reviewers consistently commend the Companion 20 for delivering strong, natural bass and a wide, clear soundstage through its TrueSpace processing and ported design, calling it the best-sounding desktop speaker system available. However, they criticize Bose for withholding key specifications, the absence of a subwoofer, and a price that seems high for the limited disclosed performance data.
Everyday users appreciate the clear, bass-rich audio and the convenience of the control pod, noting the speakers fit well on small desks and are easy to set up. Recurring frustrations center on short cable lengths, a perception of high cost, and occasional distortion when the volume is maxed out without adjusting the source.
Professional reviewers commend the R1280T for delivering studio-grade sound and strong bass at an affordable price, noting its low distortion, high SNR, and effective 2-way crossover. However, they criticize the lack of Bluetooth, limited input options, and the potential for bass to dominate mids at higher volumes, as well as the reliance on physical controls over app-based solutions.
Everyday users praise the speakers for their punchy bass, easy plug-and-play setup, attractive wooden design, and convenient remote, but repeatedly lament the missing Bluetooth, occasional muddy bass at high levels, and the limited connectivity options.
“Impressive bass and clear sound for music, videos, and gaming on PCs”
“Short cables restrict where I can place the speakers”
