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).

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

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.

Shop these items now:

Speakers and other audio gear:

Computers and dock:

Display and monitor light:

Input devices:

Furniture:

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.

See also  This is the tablet with the biggest battery ever — small-time Chinese firm promises rugged device with a staggering 33,280mAh battery, three times the capacity of Apple's iPad Pro, and much cheaper as well