If you’ve read much of Cult of Mac’s computer setups coverage, you know we love good audio. And we love it more when it’s high-value, where the sound is great despite affordable pricing. Edifier R1280T speakers meet that mark.
Edifier is a brand that has long lived in that space. And today’s MacBook Pro and PC laptop setup makes good use of a pair of powered Edifier bookshelf speakers that even MacBook Pro’s fine set of six can’t really compete with (outside of portability).
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Edifier R1280T speakers rock MacBook Pro and PC laptop setup
YouTuber and Redditor MiRealEscape showcased the sleek-but-not-quite-complete setup in a post entitled, “Macbook Pro Setup version 1.0.” He runs a 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro and a PC laptop, along with a 28-inch Asus 4K display, a PlayStation 5 and other peripherals, through an Orico 15-1 Thunderbolt 3 USB-C Docking Station bristling with ports.
“This is my semi-complete MacBook Pro Setup. I also swap it out with a windows laptop for my remote work,” he said. “For my personal use, I do content creation as I started a YouTube channel where I test out home office and gaming tech mostly. Hence the lazy cable management as I swap things in and out a lot.”
On Friday we focused on the Orico 15-1 Thunderbolt 3 USB-C Docking Station serving as a nexus between the computers and peripherals. On Monday we get more into MiRealEscape’s impressive audio side of the setup.
Affordable but outstanding audio gear: Edifier R1280T speakers
Photo: Edifier
MiRealEscape’s setup impresses all around, but nowhere more-so than in its thoughtful array of affordable and high-quality audio gear. Whenever someone packs more than two or three audio elements into a home computer setup, you know they take it seriously.
Rather than relying on the M1 Pro MacBook Pro’s six good built-in speakers, this setup pumps its sound out to Edifier R1280T powered bookshelf speakers slightly elevated on Kanto stands. That’s a near-field audio monitor use — the sound is essentially pointed at the user’s ears, like in a studio.
Edifier made its reputation on high-value gear (low cost, great sound) over the past couple of decades. The well-regarded R1280T wired speakers cost a mere $99 a pair, one active and one passive with dual RCA input, on Amazon right now (normally $120). Edifier says the speakers are most commonly used with turntables to get the most out of vinyl records.
Here’s how it describes the speakers:
If you’re looking for affordable and versatile bookshelf speakers with uncompromising sound the R1280T bookshelf speakers is your go-to 2.0 speaker system. Featuring a 4-inch bass driver and a calibrated, flared bass reflex port, this bookshelf speaker system delivers robust, rich bass notes that are full of presence and depth.
Along with the Edifiers, MiRealEscape uses a FocusRite Vocaster Two audio interface with a Shure SM7DB microphone as well as Audio Technica ATH-M50X headphones. We’ll cover his interface and mic in more depth in the next Setups post.
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Speakers and other audio gear:
- Edifier R1280 Powered Speakers on Kanto S4 tilted stands
- FocusRite Vocastor Two audio interface
- Shure SM7DB microphone
- Elgato low profile mic arm
- Audio Technica ATH-M50X headphones
- PlayStation 5 Pulse headset
Computers and dock:
- 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro
- 12.9-inch iPad Pro (6th generation)
- Orico 15-1 Thunderbolt 3 USB-C Docking Station
- PlayStation 5 on under-desk PS5 Stealth mount
Display and monitor light:
Input devices:
- Logitech MX Mechanical wireless keyboard
- Aothia Wooden wrist rest
- Logitech MX Master 3 wireless mouse
Furniture:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
These 2.0 active near-field-monitor bookshelf speakers feature wooden enclosures, wired connectivity and 42 watts of RMS power.
