Over the past three months, I’ve had the opportunity to thoroughly test the Edifier R1700BT speakers in a variety of settings, and I’m excited to share my findings.
These bookshelf speakers initially drew me in with their budget-friendly price point and consistently positive reviews from users around the web.
But do they truly deliver the high-quality sound that they promise?
After immersing myself in daily listening, gaming, and TV-watching, I feel well-equipped to provide an honest assessment.
In this detailed Edifier R1700BT review, I will examine every aspect of their design, sound performance, connectivity options, and overall value proposition.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether these speakers are the perfect addition to your desk or living room setup.
Overview of Edifier R1700BT
The Edifier R1700BT is an active bookshelf speaker system that delivers 66 watts of total power.
Each speaker features a 4-inch bass driver and a 19mm silk dome tweeter.
The right speaker acts as the master unit with built-in amplification, while the left speaker connects through a proprietary cable.
These speakers work with both wired and wireless sources, making them flexible for different setups.
You can place them on a desk, bookshelf, or TV stand without taking up too much space. The 10-degree upward tilt helps direct sound toward your ears instead of your chest.
This simple angle makes a noticeable difference in how you hear the audio.
Key Features of the Edifier R1700BT
Allow me to highlight the unique features that truly set these speakers apart from other options available in this price range.
Their design, sound quality, and versatility combine to create an exceptional audio experience, hard to match at this price.
1. Design & Build Quality
The Edifier R1700BT comes with a walnut vinyl finish that looks far more expensive than the actual price.
The dark wood panels contrast nicely with the black front plate, creating a classy appearance.
Each speaker measures 9.75 inches tall, which fits comfortably on most desks. The MDF cabinet feels solid and reduces unwanted vibrations during playback.
The removable fabric grilles give you two styling options. I prefer keeping them on because they add a professional look and protect the drivers.
The angled base creates a 10-degree tilt without the need for separate stands.
2. Sound Performance
The sound quality exceeded my expectations, with 4-inch woofers delivering clear mids and decent bass for their size.
Vocals are natural, and acoustic tracks showcase impressive instrument separation. The silk-dome tweeters handle high frequencies smoothly, reducing listener fatigue.
However, the bass has limits; deep basslines can sound loose without a subwoofer, and while mid-bass is decent, it won’t shake the room.
At high volumes, the Edifier R1700BT maintains clarity surprisingly well, thanks to its built-in DSP and DRC, which prevent distortion even at maximum volume.
3. Connectivity Options
These speakers offer three audio connection options: two RCA inputs—one for PC and one for AUX devices—allowing for two devices to be plugged in at once.
The included cables make setup easy. Bluetooth 5.0 enables stable wireless streaming from phones, tablets, or computers up to 10 meters away, even through walls.
However, you cannot control the volume directly on your phone via Bluetooth; you’ll need to use the remote or the physical knob on the speaker.
4. Control & Usability
The right speaker has three control knobs on its side. These adjust treble, bass, and master volume.
The small remote control handles basic functions like volume adjustment, mute, and input switching. It responds quickly and works from across the room without pointing directly at the speaker.
You can fine-tune the sound with the treble and bass knobs. This gives you more control than most speakers in this price range.
I adjusted the bass down slightly and the treble up a bit for brighter playback.
5. Battery Life & Power
These speakers are powered, meaning they require a continuous connection to an electrical outlet for operation.
The power cable is permanently attached to the master speaker, which does restrict placement options to some extent.
With a power consumption of approximately 33 watts per channel, these speakers deliver ample volume to fill a medium-sized room, creating an immersive listening experience.
While they are designed to minimize energy waste when not in use, they lack an auto-shutoff feature, so they won’t automatically turn off to conserve power.
Edifier R1700BT Pricing and Value
The Edifier R1700BT typically sells between $160 and $220, depending on current sales and retailer. This price includes both speakers, all necessary cables, and the remote control.
Compared to other bookshelf speakers in this range, the R1700BT offers strong value.
You get real wood veneer, Bluetooth connectivity, dual RCA inputs, and adjustable EQ controls.
When I compare them to computer speakers at similar prices, the audio quality clearly favors the R1700BT. They deliver a more natural sound signature without the boomy bass that many desktop speakers have.
If you find them during a sale, they become an even better deal.
The included cables alone would cost $20 to replace, so everything you need comes in one package.
Pros and Cons of the Edifier R1700BT
This evaluation provides a comprehensive overview of the speakers, highlighting their strengths and potential areas for improvement.Each speaker’s unique qualities and delivery styles will be examined to highlight what they excel at and where they might enhance their effectiveness.
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Clear midrange and vocals | Bass lacks depth for heavy genres |
| Attractive wood finish | Cannot control the volume on the phone |
| Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity | Proprietary speaker cable limits flexibility |
| Easy setup with included cables | No auto-shutoff feature |
| Adjustable treble and bass controls | Limited low-end without a subwoofer |
Is the Edifier R1700BT Worth It?
The Edifier R1700BT makes sense if you want bookshelf speakers that look good and sound better than typical desktop options. They handle most music genres well and provide clear audio for movies and gaming.
These speakers work best at desk level or on a TV stand where you sit within 6 to 10 feet. The sound becomes thinner when you move farther away or use them in larger rooms.
If you mainly listen to bass-heavy music, consider adding a subwoofer later. The R1700BT has a subwoofer output, making this upgrade simple.
For the price, these speakers compete strongly with options from Audioengine, PreSonus, and Mackie. The combination of features, build quality, and sound performance creates solid value.
Conclusion
After testing the Edifier R1700BT for three months, I can recommend them to anyone looking for quality bookshelf speakers under $200.
They deliver clear sound, look great on a desk, and offer flexible connectivity options.
The bass won’t satisfy bassheads without a subwoofer, and the lack of phone volume control feels outdated. But for casual listening, gaming, and TV audio, these speakers perform well above their price point.
This Edifier R1700BT review shows that you don’t need to spend $400 or more to get bookshelf speakers that sound natural and detailed.
If you value sound quality over flashy features, these speakers deserve your attention.
What matters most to you in desktop speakers?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and let me know if you have questions about the R1700BT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use the Edifier R1700BT with My TV?
Yes, you can connect them using the RCA inputs on the back panel. Most TVs have RCA outputs or a headphone jack that works with the included cables.
Do These Speakers Need a Subwoofer?
Not necessarily. They produce decent bass for their size, but adding a subwoofer significantly improves low-end performance. The R1700BT includes a subwoofer output for easy expansion.
Can I Connect Two Bluetooth Devices at Once?
No, the speakers only pair with one Bluetooth device at a time. You need to disconnect the current device before connecting a new one.
