Edifier vs Panasonic Bookshelf Speakers

Edifier and Panasonic offer very different ways into better sound. Edifier's powered R1280TS studio monitor speakers cost £109, the R1280DBS Bluetooth pair £119 and its T5 70-watt subwoofer £129. Panasonic's micro systems start at £149 for the SC-HC302EBK slim compact system and £179 for the SC-PM702EBK neat micro system with CD, radio and Bluetooth, rising to £549 for the SC-PMX802EK premium system with DAB, CD and Bluetooth.

Edifier's speakers are powered, so they need no separate amplifier, and they feature wooden cabinets, tone controls for bass and treble, and a subwoofer output for deeper bass. The R1280DBS adds Bluetooth, which the R1280TS does not offer. Panasonic's systems combine CD players, radio and Bluetooth in one unit, with separate speakers that give proper stereo sound, and the SC-PMX802 adds DAB. Panasonic's separate speakers need more desk and shelf space than Edifier's compact pair.

Edifier suits buyers who want better sound from a computer, TV or turntable without buying an amplifier. Adding the T5 subwoofer creates an affordable 2.1 system for under £240, and it suits films and games at a desk. Panasonic suits buyers who want a compact hi-fi with CD and radio, from a neat bedroom system to the premium SC-PMX802 for a living room. Check whether you need DAB before choosing. The SC-PM702EBK is the neatest Panasonic option for a bedroom, and it includes CD playback alongside radio and Bluetooth.

Bottom line: choose Edifier if you want powered speakers for a desk, TV or turntable from £109, with an optional subwoofer for deeper bass. Choose Panasonic if you want a CD, radio and Bluetooth micro system in one unit, from £149 for the SC-HC302EBK up to £549 for the premium SC-PMX802EK.