Edifier speakers rock slick MacBook Pro rig [Setups]

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

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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If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected]. 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.

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