In our home office, the quest for the perfect audio setup felt like a never-ending saga. For years, we relied on a series of underwhelming PC speakers and tinny Bluetooth pucks that did a disservice to everything from our carefully curated playlists to the nuanced sound design of a late-night film. The sound was flat, lifeless, and utterly devoid of the depth and warmth that makes music truly immersive. We craved a solution that offered the clarity of studio monitors, the convenience of wireless streaming, and the classic aesthetic of traditional hi-fi, all without requiring a separate, bulky amplifier or a four-figure budget. This gap in the market—the space between cheap, disposable speakers and expensive, complex audiophile systems—is where so many of us find ourselves searching for a product that just gets it right. The frustration is real; you want great sound, but you also want simplicity and value.
- Active bookshelf speaker system
- Bluetooth pairing capability for music playback
What to Consider Before Buying Bookshelf Speakers
A set of bookshelf speakers is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming your audio experience. Whether for a desktop computer, a turntable, a television, or simply as a primary music system for a room, they offer a significant leap in audio fidelity over integrated speakers or basic multimedia systems. The main benefit is achieving a rich, detailed stereo soundstage where you can distinguish individual instruments and enjoy a full-bodied sound that fills a space. They bridge the gap between convenience and quality, especially active models like the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers which have their own built-in amplification, eliminating the need for a separate receiver.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact issues we were: a music lover, gamer, vinyl enthusiast, or remote worker who values audio quality and wants a simple, all-in-one setup. They are perfect for apartments, offices, bedrooms, and living rooms where space is a consideration but sound cannot be compromised. However, they might not be suitable for those who need a portable, battery-powered solution or for audiophiles who already own high-end amplifiers and prefer the modularity of passive speakers. For those who need extreme portability, a dedicated portable Bluetooth speaker would be a better fit, while those building a large home cinema might look towards a full 5.1 surround sound system.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Always check the physical dimensions of the speakers and consider where you’ll place them. The Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers are designed for tabletops or shelves and feature a 10-degree upward angle to direct sound towards your ears in a near-field setup. Ensure you have enough depth on your desk or shelf and be mindful of the cable that connects the two speakers, which can dictate their maximum separation.
- Capacity/Performance: Look at the power output, measured in Watts RMS (Root Mean Square), which indicates continuous power handling. The R1700BT’s 66W RMS is substantial for its size, promising room-filling sound without distortion. Also, consider the driver sizes—a larger woofer (like the 4-inch one here) generally produces better bass, while a dedicated tweeter (the 1-inch silk dome) handles high frequencies with clarity.
- Materials & Durability: The enclosure material is paramount for sound quality. Cheaper speakers use plastic, which can vibrate and colour the sound negatively. The Edifier R1700BT uses 100% Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF), a dense, acoustically inert wood composite that minimizes resonance and allows the drivers to perform their best, resulting in a cleaner, more natural sound.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Active speakers are inherently easy to use—just plug them in and connect a source. Look for versatile connectivity options like Bluetooth for wireless convenience and RCA inputs for wired sources like turntables or PCs. Onboard controls for volume, bass, and treble are a huge plus for fine-tuning the sound to your preference without needing software EQs.
Considering these factors will ensure you choose a speaker system that not only sounds great but also fits perfectly into your space and lifestyle.
While the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- 【SMALL HIFI BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS】SW-208 is a small bookshelf speaker with HiFi sound quality. It adopts standard bookshelf speaker system design, i.e. direct/reflective speaker system. Can be placed...
- POWERFUL SOUND: With a combined total output power of 24W (RMS), these desktop speakers utilize a digital amplifier to deliver 15W to each stereo pair while offering dynamic range control (DRC). It...
- Premium compact HiFi sound: Designed for discerning listeners, KUPID delivers sophisticated, room-filling sound with crystal clear highs and rich lows – all in a sleek, compact form.
First Impressions: Premium Feel and Effortless Setup
Unboxing the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers was an immediately gratifying experience. As one user noted, the speakers are “reassuringly heavy,” a quality that speaks to their solid construction and the substantial magnets in their drivers. There’s no flimsy plastic here; the walnut-brown MDF enclosures feel dense and exceptionally well-finished. The slight backward tilt is not just a stylistic choice; it’s a thoughtful ergonomic design for desktop or “near-field” listening, angling the sound directly towards the listener’s ears. Everything needed for setup is in the box: a power cable, a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable, an RCA-to-RCA cable, and the proprietary 4-pin cable to connect the active right speaker to the passive left one. Setup was incredibly simple and took less than five minutes. We connected our turntable via RCA and paired our smartphone via Bluetooth with a single button press, confirming the seamless experience many users report. Compared to other speakers in this price bracket, the initial impression is one of surprising quality and thoughtful design that punches well above its weight.
Key Benefits
- Rich, powerful, and detailed sound quality with impressive bass for its size.
- Excellent build quality with 100% MDF wood enclosures that look and feel premium.
- Versatile connectivity with two RCA inputs and reliable Bluetooth.
- Smart, angled design is ideal for near-field listening on a desk or media unit.
Potential Drawbacks
- The included remote control feels small and somewhat flimsy.
- The proprietary speaker interconnect cable is thick and could limit placement options.
Performance Deep Dive: A Sonic Analysis of the Edifier R1700BT
After weeks of intensive testing, we can confidently say that the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers offer a level of audio performance that is genuinely startling for their price point. This isn’t just about being loud; it’s about the quality, character, and versatility of the sound they produce across a wide range of uses, from critical music listening to immersive gaming and casual streaming.
Audio Performance: Clarity, Bass, and an Expansive Soundstage
The heart of any speaker is its sound, and the R1700BT delivers in spades. Powered by a Class D amplifier with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Dynamic Range Control (DRC), the total output is 66W RMS. This isn’t just a number on a spec sheet; it translates to clean, distortion-free power that can easily fill a small to medium-sized room. We tested them with a diverse range of music, from the intricate acoustic guitar work of Tommy Emmanuel to the heavy, layered synths of a Daft Punk album. The 19mm “Eagle Eye” silk dome tweeters render high frequencies with a crispness and clarity that avoids harshness. Cymbals shimmer, vocals are forward and articulate, and the subtle details in recordings come to life.
The 4-inch woofer, aided by a front-facing bass reflex port, is the real star of the show. The bass response is deep, punchy, and surprisingly tight for a speaker of this size. As several users confirmed, these speakers have “loads of bass.” When listening to bass-heavy tracks, the kick drums had a satisfying thump without becoming muddy or overwhelming the midrange. This robust low-end performance makes them fantastic for electronic music, hip-hop, and action movies. The side-mounted bass and treble dials allow for ±6db of adjustment, which we found essential. Out of the box, we agreed with the user who found them a bit “too bassy” for our taste, but dialling the bass back slightly and giving the treble a small boost resulted in a beautifully balanced and engaging sound profile. This aligns with another user’s discovery that running them through an EQ, like the one in Spotify, can unlock their full potential. This ability to tune the sound to your preference is a powerful feature that really sets it apart in this category.
Design, Build Quality, and Thoughtful Ergonomics
Edifier’s decision to use 100% MDF for the enclosures is a critical factor in the R1700BT’s audio prowess. This dense wood material effectively dampens unwanted vibrations and cabinet resonance, ensuring the sound you hear is purely from the drivers themselves. Tapping on the side of the cabinet yields a solid, satisfying thud, unlike the hollow sound of plastic-bodied competitors. The walnut wood vinyl finish is elegant and blends seamlessly with both modern and traditional decor, looking just as at home on a sleek office desk as it does next to a vintage record player. The removable grey grille allows you to choose between a more discreet, classic look or a more modern, technical aesthetic with the drivers exposed.
The most distinctive design feature is the 10-degree upward tilt. This is a brilliant piece of acoustic engineering for their intended use as near-field monitors. When placed on a standard-height desk or TV stand, this angle aims the tweeters directly at your ears, ensuring you receive the clearest possible high-frequency information and a proper stereo image. This eliminates the need for unsightly foam wedges or stands to achieve optimal listening position, a small but significant detail that showcases the thought put into their design. As one user mentioned, they “complimented my Kallax Vinyl Record station perfectly,” highlighting their aesthetic appeal and practical form factor. The solid, weighty feel contributes to their stability and further enhances the premium experience.
Connectivity and Everyday Usability
Versatility is a major strength of the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers. The inclusion of two separate pairs of RCA inputs on the back of the active speaker is incredibly useful. This allows you to have two wired devices connected simultaneously—for our setup, a turntable and a computer—without ever needing to swap cables. You can easily switch between inputs using the included remote control. This dual-source capability is a feature often overlooked but one that adds immense daily convenience.
The Bluetooth implementation is equally seamless. Pairing is initiated with a press of the volume knob or a button on the remote, and our devices connected quickly and maintained a stable connection from across the room, well within the advertised 10-meter range. The sound quality over Bluetooth is excellent, delivering a full-bodied and dynamic performance that is nearly indistinguishable from a wired connection for casual streaming. The controls are conveniently located in a recessed cutout on the side of the right speaker. The three knobs for treble, bass, and volume are firm and offer precise adjustments. The volume knob also functions as an input selector and a power/standby button. While the included remote is functional for controlling volume, mute, and input selection, we have to agree with user feedback that it feels a bit small and flimsy compared to the robust build of the speakers themselves. It’s a minor complaint in an otherwise stellar package, but one worth noting.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general consensus among users mirrors our own findings: the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers deliver exceptional performance for their price. Many are simply blown away by the sound quality, with one enthusiastic owner stating, “These speakers give phenomenal sound. I feel like I’m in a concert arena at home.” Another user, who uses them for a DJ setup, called them “bloody awesome,” praising the amazing sound quality. The ease of setup and versatile connectivity are also frequent points of praise, with people successfully connecting everything from record players to MacBooks and smartphones with “absolutely no issues.”
On the critical side, the feedback is quite consistent. Several users note that the bass can be overpowering out of the box, requiring adjustment via the onboard controls. One reviewer stated they “Had to turn bass right down and treble right up” to suit their preference. The most significant negative point we found was from a user who received a unit with a non-functional treble control, suggesting that isolated quality control issues can occur, though this appears to be a rare exception rather than the rule. The small, “flimsy” remote is another common, albeit minor, gripe.
How the Edifier R1700BT Compares to the Alternatives
While the R1700BT is a standout performer, the right speaker for you depends on your specific needs and existing setup. Here’s how it stacks up against three popular alternatives.
1. Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
- CLEAR AND PRECISE SOUND: the speakers offer unmatched sound reproduction at its level.
- CURVED, BRACED CABINETS: Reduce enwanted cabinet vibrations. Dissipate standing waves to improve sound quality.
The Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 is a legendary passive speaker in the budget hi-fi world. The key difference is that it’s passive, meaning it requires a separate stereo amplifier or AV receiver to work. This makes it a fantastic choice for someone who is building a traditional component audio system or upgrading speakers on an existing setup. Sonically, the Wharfedale is known for its warm, smooth, and detailed sound that is arguably more refined and neutral than the Edifier’s more energetic profile. However, the total cost of the Wharfedale speakers plus a decent amplifier will be significantly higher than the all-in-one Edifier R1700BT, and you lose the built-in Bluetooth convenience.
2. Polk Audio OWM3 On-Wall Speaker
- POLK OWM3 are durable, high performance speakers, equipped with a 4.5" Mid/Woofer, 1" Tweeter, exclusive Dynamic Balance & Capacitive Coupling Technology (CCT) that PRODUCES DETAILED AUDIO, MAKING...
- 7 UNIQUE PLACEMENT OPTIONS – The DISTINCT CURVED DESIGN allows you to choose between 7 orientations - horizontal, vertical, corner, angular, shelf, top or mount them on a wall. Take your pick
The Polk Audio OWM3 occupies a completely different niche focused on ultimate placement versatility. As its name suggests, it’s designed to be mounted on a wall, tucked into a corner, or placed on a stand, making it an ideal choice for home cinema surround channels or in rooms where shelf or desk space is non-existent. It’s a passive speaker, so it also requires an amplifier. While incredibly flexible, its compact, sealed design means it cannot produce the same depth of bass or expansive stereo image as a larger, dedicated bookshelf speaker like the Edifier R1700BT. Choose the Polk for its unique mounting options, not for primary stereo music listening.
3. Edifier R1280DBs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
- BLUETOOTH 5.0 - Pair the speaker with your smartphone, tablet, Mac, or laptop to play music wirelessly, no need to deal with messy wires.
- SUB OUT AND OPT/COAX INPUTS - Sub-out output works with external subwoofer. Optical and coaxial inputs to ensure a lossless connection to TVs and computers.
This is the Edifier R1700BT’s closest sibling and a direct competitor. The R1280DBs offers a few key connectivity advantages: it includes an optical input, which is ideal for connecting directly to most modern TVs, and a dedicated subwoofer output jack. This makes it the superior choice if you plan to build a 2.1 system by adding a separate subwoofer for room-shaking bass. However, the R1700BT has more power (66W RMS vs 42W RMS) and arguably a more dynamic, punchy sound as a standalone 2.0 system. If you don’t need the sub-out or optical input and prioritize maximum power and performance for music, the R1700BT remains the stronger choice.
Our Final Verdict: The New Benchmark for Affordable Audio
After extensive listening and analysis, the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers have earned our highest recommendation. They strike an almost perfect balance between audio fidelity, build quality, modern features, and outright value. They produce a sound that is rich, detailed, and immensely enjoyable, with a powerful low-end presence that belies their compact size. The premium MDF construction and thoughtful, angled design are touches you’d expect to find on much more expensive speakers. They are the ideal solution for anyone looking to seriously upgrade their desktop, turntable, or small room audio without the cost and complexity of a traditional component hi-fi system.
While the remote is basic and the default sound profile leans towards bass-heavy, these are minor issues easily rectified by the excellent onboard tone controls. For the price, we believe it is incredibly difficult to find a powered speaker system that offers this combination of performance and features. If you’re ready to transform your listening experience with a simple, elegant, and fantastic-sounding solution, you can check the latest price and availability right here.
Last update on 2025-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API