Edifier R1280T vs. MartinLogan Motion 6i

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker
MSRP
$120 $300
Dimensions (H × W × D)
9.50” × 5.75” × 7.00”
241mm × 146mm × 178mm
5.20” × 17.50” × 4.00”
132mm × 444mm × 102mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
75-18,000 Hz 120-23,000 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 arena of home audio, the Edifier R1280T bookshelf speakers emerge as an affordable, versatile option for the casual listener. Sporting a classic design, they deliver a warm, pleasing sound with user-friendly features. Contrastingly, the MartinLogan Motion 6i is a specialized center channel speaker that shines in clarity and detail, enhancing dialogue and on-screen action for home theater enthusiasts. Priced higher, its electrostatic technology offers an audiophile-grade experience, albeit with a narrower purpose. Each serves a distinct audio role—one for everyday enjoyment, the other for cinematic precision.

Speaker Comparison

When we talk about getting serious with home audio, there's a wide spectrum of choices that can intimidate the beginner and excite the seasoned audiophile. At one end of that spectrum, you have the highly accessible Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers, and at the other, there lies the more sophisticated MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker. Both can be part of a home sound system, but they cater to different needs and preferences within the audio community.

Design and Build Quality

The Edifier R1280T speakers boast a classic wood veneer paneling that gives them a timeless look, suitable for most decors. Their solid MDF construction reduces acoustic resonance, and the speakers feel robust despite their budget-friendly price. On the other hand, the MartinLogan Motion 6i, with its sleek, piano black finish and the iconic MartinLogan design, exudes a more modern and premium vibe. The Motion 6i's curved lines and high-gloss surface would catch any enthusiast’s eye with its visually striking presence.

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

Sound Performance

As for the sound performance, the Edifier R1280T offers a surprisingly rich and vibrant sound for its price point. The dual RCA inputs allow for multiple audio sources, and the built-in tone control lets you tweak the bass and treble to your liking. However, the MartinLogan Motion 6i is in a different league, with its Folded Motion tweeter technology providing an extremely fast response time and precise detail. The Motion 6i delivers a sound that's crisp, dynamic, and full of life, especially in the midrange, making it an excellent choice for a center channel speaker where clear dialogue and vocals are paramount.

Functionality and Use Case

Functionality-wise, the Edifier R1280T is a breeze to set up and use with its straightforward controls and remote. It's the speaker you'd recommend to someone dipping their toes into the audiophile world, looking for an easy plug-and-play solution. The MartinLogan Motion 6i, while not overly complex, requires a bit more audio know-how to integrate seamlessly into a home theater system. It's designed to complement additional MartinLogan speakers for a cohesive surround sound experience and might be best appreciated by those who are already invested in their audio equipment.

MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 6i arrow (at Amazon.com)

Price is another significant differentiation between these two. The Edifier R1280T speakers offer impressive performance that exceeds expectations for their cost. Ideal for budget-conscious consumers, they represent a fantastic entry point into higher-quality audio. Meanwhile, the MartinLogan Motion 6i comes with a price tag that reflects its high-end performance and design. It's an investment meant for the discerning ear, one that's seeking a centerpiece for a refined audio setup.

Connectivity is also a factor to consider. The Edifier's dual RCA inputs cover most basic needs, but they don't offer much beyond that. There's no Bluetooth, optical, or USB input, which might limit their functionality in today's digital world. Conversely, the MartinLogan Motion 6i, as part of a larger system, would typically connect to an AV receiver, offering a multitude of input options and the latest in digital audio processing for a variety of sound sources.

Ultimately, choosing between the Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker comes down to understanding your own audio desires and requirements. For a straightforward, cost-effective introduction to quality sound, the Edifiers shine brightly. But for the audiophiles craving exceptional clarity, especially in vocal performance in home cinema, the MartinLogan Motion 6i stands as a beacon of acoustic excellence. It's not just about the music or the movies; it's about how you want to experience them in your space.


Check Current Prices:

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 6i 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.