For years, my home office audio was a compromise. I juggled a flimsy pair of plastic PC speakers for work calls and YouTube, and a bulky, aging stereo receiver in the corner for when I wanted to listen to music with any real depth. The clutter was maddening, the sound from the PC speakers was tinny and lifeless, and firing up the big system felt like overkill for casual listening. I craved a single, elegant solution: a set of speakers compact enough for my desk, versatile enough to connect to my computer and phone, and with audio fidelity that could genuinely make music enjoyable again. This search for the perfect balance of size, performance, and price is a familiar story for anyone looking to upgrade from the default audio experience, and it’s precisely where the promise of active bookshelf speakers shines.
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTION - Pair your phone, tablet or computer for a true wireless experience, perfect for any iOS, Android, MacOS or Windows device.
- 2 x AUX INPUT - Convenient connection to any device that has a 3.5mm headphone output or dual RCA output. Connect to two devices via AUX at the same time, no plugging and switching needed.
- REMOTE CONTROL - switch input sources, control volume and mute/unmute at your figure tips.
What to Consider Before Buying Powered Bookshelf Speakers
A set of powered bookshelf speakers is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your audio experience without the complexity and cost of a traditional component-based Hi-Fi system. By integrating the amplifier directly into one of the speakers, they eliminate the need for a separate receiver, saving space and simplifying setup immensely. This makes them perfect for desktops, apartments, dorm rooms, or anyone who values both quality sound and minimalist design. The primary benefit is achieving rich, detailed, room-filling stereo sound from a compact and convenient package that can connect to nearly any modern device, from a turntable to a smartphone.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact dilemma I described: the music lover, the vinyl enthusiast with a new turntable, the remote worker tired of headset fatigue, or the movie watcher looking for an immersive upgrade over their TV’s built-in speakers. They value convenience and quality but may not have the space, budget, or desire for a multi-component surround sound setup. Conversely, this product might not be suitable for the dedicated audiophile who wants to meticulously mix and match individual components like pre-amps, power amps, and passive speakers. It’s also not for someone needing a portable, battery-powered speaker for on-the-go use.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your desk, shelf, or media console carefully. While called “bookshelf” speakers, some models can be surprisingly deep or tall. Consider if you want a straight-firing design or one with a slight upward angle, like the Edifier R1700BT, which is specifically designed to direct sound toward your ears in a near-field (close-up) listening setup.
- Performance & Power: Look at the RMS power rating (a measure of continuous power) to gauge how loud the speakers can get without distortion. For most rooms, 50-70W RMS is more than sufficient. Also, examine the driver sizes—a larger woofer (typically 4-6 inches) can produce deeper bass, while the tweeter material (silk, aluminum) affects the character of the high frequencies.
- Materials & Durability: The enclosure material significantly impacts sound. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) is the gold standard in this price range as it is dense and acoustically inert, preventing unwanted vibrations and resonance that can color the sound. Cheaper speakers often use thin plastic, which can result in a hollow, less accurate sound.
- Connectivity & Ease of Use: This is paramount for a modern speaker. Ensure it has the inputs you need. Dual RCA inputs are great for connecting two wired sources (like a PC and a turntable) simultaneously. Bluetooth is essential for wireless streaming from phones and tablets; look for codecs like aptX for higher-quality wireless audio. Being “active” or “powered” means the amplifier is built-in, making setup as simple as plugging them into the wall and connecting your source.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the latest pricing here.
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:
- 2 x AUX INPUT - Convenient connection to any device that has a 3.5mm headphone output or dual RCA output. Play from two devices via AUX at the same time, no plugging and switching needed
- EXPERIENCE AMAZING HOME THEATER SOUND WITH RICH, IMMERSIVE AUDIO – Featuring a 0.75" tweeter and a 5.25" Dynamic Balance driver, these passive bookshelf speakers deliver clear, balanced sound with...
- Each speaker in the Stage 2 series features Polycellulose ribbed cone woofers
First Impressions: Classic Style Meets Modern Engineering
Unboxing the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers was the first sign that these were a serious piece of kit, especially considering their modest price point. The box has a surprising heft, and inside, the speakers are securely packed in foam. Pulling them out, the build quality is immediately apparent. The MDF enclosure feels solid and dense, and the walnut wood effect vinyl on the side panels is handsome and well-applied, giving them a classic, sophisticated look that blends beautifully with both modern and traditional decor. They feel substantial, not like hollow plastic toys.
What really caught my eye was the clever 10-degree upward tilt of the front baffle. This isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s a thoughtful piece of acoustic engineering designed to aim the sound directly at the listener’s ears when placed on a typical desk or low media stand. It’s a feature often overlooked in this category but makes a huge difference in near-field listening. The right speaker houses the controls—three recessed knobs for treble, bass, and volume/input selection—which keeps the front face clean. The included remote is basic, but it’s functional and covers all the essentials. Setup was a breeze: connect the two speakers with the generous included 4-pin cable, plug in the power, and you’re ready to pair or plug in a source.
Key Benefits
- Superb, balanced sound quality that rivals more expensive speakers
- Excellent connectivity with two simultaneous RCA inputs and reliable Bluetooth
- High-quality MDF wood construction with a stylish, classic aesthetic
- Thoughtful design with a 10-degree upward angle for optimal sound direction
- Onboard bass and treble controls for easy sound customization
Potential Drawbacks
- Included remote control feels flimsy compared to the speakers themselves
- Lacks a dedicated subwoofer output for those craving deep, sub-bass frequencies
A Deep Dive into the Edifier R1700BT’s Performance and Features
After spending several weeks with the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers, using them as my primary audio source for everything from critical music listening to conference calls and late-night movie watching, I can say without reservation that they live up to the hype. This is a product that consistently performs at a level that belies its price tag, offering a blend of audio fidelity, design, and functionality that is genuinely hard to beat.
Sonic Performance: A Balanced, Engaging, and Surprisingly Detailed Sound
The heart of any speaker is its sound, and this is where the R1700BT truly excels. Edifier has tuned these speakers for a sound signature that is both engaging and remarkably balanced. We started our testing with some acoustic tracks, and the clarity was immediately impressive. The 19mm “Eagle Eye” silk dome tweeters render high frequencies with a crispness and detail that never veers into harshness or sibilance, even at higher volumes. Cymbals have a natural shimmer, and the subtle nuances of string instruments are beautifully preserved.
Moving into vocals and mid-range-heavy music, the 4-inch woofer demonstrates its prowess. Voices, both male and female, sound natural, warm, and forward in the mix without being overpowering. This is a speaker that doesn’t “scoop” the mids, a common trick in cheaper speakers to create a false sense of bass and treble. As one user, who identified as a music college graduate, noted, the sound profile is smooth and natural, making them a pleasure to listen to for hours on end without fatigue. When we tested them with complex rock and electronic tracks, the speakers maintained excellent separation, allowing us to pick out individual instruments in a dense mix. This level of clarity is something I frankly did not expect at this price point; as another user eloquently put it, “the sound of these speakers is so good that I found myself critiquing the way some artists mixed and mastered their own songs.”
Of course, the question on everyone’s mind is bass. For a 4-inch driver in a compact bookshelf enclosure, the bass response is surprisingly robust and punchy. It’s tight, controlled, and musical. It won’t shake the walls like a dedicated subwoofer, but it provides a satisfying and full-bodied low-end that gives weight to kick drums and basslines. Crucially, the side-mounted bass and treble knobs (+/- 6db) offer meaningful control, allowing you to dial back the bass for late-night listening or boost it for a more cinematic feel, tailoring the sound to your preference and room acoustics.
Connectivity and Versatility: The All-in-One Audio Hub
Modern listening habits are diverse, and the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers caters to this reality beautifully. Its greatest strength is arguably its versatile connectivity. The rear panel of the active speaker features two pairs of RCA inputs, labeled “PC” and “AUX.” This is a killer feature, allowing you to have two wired devices connected simultaneously without ever having to swap cables. In my setup, I had my desktop computer connected to the PC input and my Audio-Technica turntable connected to the AUX input. Switching between them is as simple as a press of the volume knob or a button on the remote.
The Bluetooth 4.0 implementation is equally seamless. Pairing with my smartphone took seconds, and the connection remained stable and reliable from across the room. While it supports the standard SBC codec, the inclusion of aptX for compatible Android devices is a welcome bonus, offering a noticeable step up in wireless audio quality. We streamed high-bitrate tracks from Tidal and found the wireless performance to be clean and dynamic, almost indistinguishable from a wired connection for casual listening.
This multi-input functionality transforms the speakers from a simple PC upgrade into a true central audio hub for a room. As many users confirmed, they are perfect partners for a turntable, thanks to their built-in amplification. One reviewer happily recounted replacing a mountain of old audio equipment with just a Bluetooth turntable and these speakers. Another uses them for their PC, tablet, and phone, highlighting their role as a versatile work-from-home companion. This plug-and-play simplicity is what makes them so appealing; they deliver great sound without the intimidation factor of traditional Hi-Fi. If you’re looking for a set of speakers that can handle every audio source you throw at them with grace and ease, the R1700BT is an exceptionally capable choice.
Design and Build Quality: A Classic Look with Modern Smarts
Aesthetics and build quality are often the first corners cut to meet a budget price, but Edifier has made no such compromise here. The Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers look and feel like a much more expensive product. The solid MDF construction isn’t just for looks; its density and acoustic inertness are key to the speakers’ clean, uncolored sound by minimizing cabinet resonance. The walnut vinyl finish is tasteful and convincing, giving the speakers a warm, classic vibe that feels at home on a wooden desk or a living room shelf.
The removable black fabric grilles allow you to choose between a subdued, classic look or a more technical, modern appearance with the drivers exposed. We found ourselves preferring the look with the grilles off, as it showcases the handsome “Eagle Eye” tweeter and the 4-inch driver. But the genius of the physical design remains that 10-degree upward angle. On a desk, this feature is transformative. It directs the sound from the tweeters and woofers directly toward your ears, rather than your chest, creating a much clearer and more immersive stereo image without needing to prop the speakers up on books or yoga blocks. It’s a small detail that demonstrates a deep understanding of how these speakers will actually be used.
The placement of the adjustment knobs on the side of the right speaker is another clever choice. It keeps the front baffle aesthetically clean while still providing easy, tactile access to volume, bass, and treble adjustments. While we, and other users, found the small, thin plastic remote to be the one element that doesn’t feel premium, the speakers themselves are built to last and designed with both form and function in mind.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the user feedback for the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers is overwhelmingly positive, often bordering on disbelief at the quality offered for the price. A recurring theme is buyers being “caught off guard by just how good they really do sound.” One self-proclaimed “audio snob” reported being “blown away” after buying them as a gift. Many users specifically praise them as the perfect companion for a turntable, like the Audio-Technica LP60, noting that their powered design eliminates the need for a separate amplifier, simplifying the setup dramatically.
The versatility is another point of constant praise. Reviewers mention using them seamlessly for PCs, gaming consoles, phones, and televisions, often highlighting the convenience of having dual RCA inputs for multiple wired devices. The surprising amount of “beautiful rich bass” from such small speakers is another common compliment.
Criticism is sparse and generally minor. The most frequent complaint is the quality of the included remote control, which many find to be flimsy and cheap-feeling in stark contrast to the premium build of the speakers themselves. A few more technically-minded users noted the lack of an Apple AAC Bluetooth codec or a dedicated subwoofer output as potential, though not deal-breaking, omissions.
How Does the Edifier R1700BT Compare to the Competition?
While the R1700BT is a titan in its price bracket, it’s important to understand the landscape. Depending on your needs and budget, a few alternatives might be worth considering.
1. Polk Audio XT20 Bookshelf Speakers
- COMPACT BOOKSHELF SPEAKER PAIR - Enjoy lifelike sound from movies, games & music with Polk Monitor XT20 that features a 1" Tweeter & a 6.5" Dynamically Balanced Woofer for rich, clear audio and open,...
- PREMIUM BUILD QUALITY AND MODERN DESIGN - An upgrade to the critically acclaimed Monitor series, the Polk Monitor XT series features latest innovations in affordable, great sounding speakers, and...
- HIGH RESOLUTION SOUND FROM ALL INPUTS - Monitor XT20's 4- & 8-Ohm compatibility delivers Dolby Atmos & DTS:X surround sound from your favorite sources, including online streaming via Apple Music,...
The Polk Audio XT20 represents a more traditional approach to bookshelf speakers. As a passive speaker, it requires a separate amplifier or AV receiver to power it. This makes it a great choice for someone building a more expansive home audio or theater system who wants the flexibility to choose their own amplification. With a larger 6.5″ woofer, the XT20 can likely produce deeper bass and play louder than the Edifier, making it better suited for larger rooms. However, the total cost and complexity will be significantly higher once you factor in the required amplifier.
2. Klipsch R-51PM Powered Bluetooth Speaker
- Powered monitor
- Bluetooth wireless technology
- Phono/line analog (with switch and ground screw terminal)
The Klipsch R-51PM is a direct competitor in the powered speaker space but at a higher price point. Klipsch is famous for its horn-loaded tweeter design, which delivers a highly dynamic, efficient, and “live” sound. Some listeners adore this energetic presentation, while others might find it a bit forward or bright. The R-51PM also includes more connectivity options, such as a built-in phono preamp for turntables (eliminating the need for one on the turntable itself), USB audio, and an optical input. If you love the signature Klipsch sound and need these extra inputs, it’s a powerful step-up.
3. Klipsch R-41PM Powered Bookshelf Speaker
- Powered monitor
- Bluetooth wireless technology
- Phono/line analog (with switch and ground screw terminal)
The Klipsch R-41PM is the smaller, more affordable sibling to the R-51PM and a closer competitor to the Edifier. It features a smaller 4″ woofer, similar to the R1700BT, but still packs that distinctive Klipsch Tractrix horn tweeter. The choice between the R-41PM and the Edifier R1700BT largely comes down to sonic preference. If you prefer a more neutral, balanced, and perhaps more laid-back sound, the Edifier is the clear choice. If you crave that dynamic, high-efficiency, concert-like Klipsch sound, the R-41PM is an excellent alternative, though often at a slightly higher price.
The Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Combination of Sound, Style, and Value
After extensive testing, it’s clear that the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers are a phenomenal product that redefines what to expect from an affordable audio system. They masterfully balance excellent, detailed sound with a handsome, high-quality build and the modern connectivity features essential for any home or office setup. The thoughtful design, from the angled drivers to the dual inputs and tactile tone controls, showcases a commitment to the user experience that is rare in this category.
While the remote could be better and power users might miss a subwoofer output, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise an outstanding package. We can wholeheartedly recommend these speakers to anyone looking to make a significant and meaningful upgrade to their audio life without breaking the bank. They are the perfect starting point for budding audiophiles, a brilliant solution for vinyl lovers, and an ideal all-arounder for desktops and small living spaces.
If you’ve decided the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API