Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers Review: The Budget Audiophile’s Gateway to Great Sound

For years, my home office audio was an afterthought—a frustrating cycle of relying on the thin, lifeless sound from my laptop’s built-in speakers or a cheap, all-in-one Bluetooth unit that promised big bass but delivered only a muddy rumble. Every conference call felt distant, every song lacked punch, and every video felt disconnected from its own soundtrack. The problem is a common one: we crave rich, immersive audio, but the perceived cost and complexity of “proper” sound systems feel prohibitive. We tell ourselves that what we have is “good enough,” but deep down, we know we’re missing out on the texture, detail, and emotional impact that the artists and creators intended. This compromise ultimately dulls our daily experience, turning what should be an enjoyable auditory escape into mere background noise. The Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers aim to shatter that compromise entirely.

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 any room into a personal concert hall or a mini home theater. They solve the universal problem of poor-quality, integrated audio by providing dedicated, high-fidelity sound reproduction in a compact form factor. The primary benefit is a massive leap in audio clarity, stereo separation, and dynamic range. Suddenly, you can hear the subtle breath of a vocalist, the crisp snap of a snare drum, and the distinct placement of instruments across a soundstage. This elevates everything from music listening and gaming to watching movies and even participating in work calls.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values audio quality and is looking to create a dedicated listening space, whether it’s at a desktop, for a turntable setup, or in a small-to-medium-sized living room. They’ve outgrown the limitations of portable speakers and soundbars and want the superior stereo imaging and versatility that only a pair of separate speakers can provide. However, they might not be suitable for those who need extreme portability or a sound system for large, open-plan party spaces. For those scenarios, a powerful portable speaker or a larger PA system might be more appropriate. For everyone else looking for a significant, yet affordable, audio upgrade, a quality pair of active bookshelf speakers is the perfect investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Measure your desk or shelves carefully. The Edifier R1700BTs are compact, but their depth and angled design require specific placement for optimal sound. Consider whether you’ll be using them for “near-field” listening (close up at a desk) or to fill a room, as this will affect positioning and perceived bass response.
• Performance & Power: Look at the Total RMS power (66W for the R1700BTs), which indicates continuous power output. Pay attention to driver sizes—a larger woofer (like the 4-inch one here) generally produces better low-end frequencies, while a quality tweeter (the 19mm silk dome) is key for crisp highs. A crucial performance feature to look for is a subwoofer-out port, which provides an essential upgrade path.
• Materials & Durability: The enclosure material dramatically impacts sound. Wood or high-quality MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard), like that used in the Edifier R1700BTs, is acoustically superior to plastic as it reduces unwanted resonance and vibrations, leading to a warmer, more natural sound. A solid build suggests longevity and better performance.
• Connectivity & Ease of Use: Active speakers have built-in amplification, simplifying setup. Ensure the speakers have the inputs you need. The R1700BTs offer modern Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX for high-quality wireless streaming and dual RCA inputs for connecting wired sources like a PC, TV, or turntable simultaneously, offering fantastic versatility. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to appreciate this flexibility.

Making the right choice means balancing these factors to find a speaker set that not only sounds great but also fits perfectly into your space and lifestyle.

While the Edifier R1700BTs Active 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:

First Impressions: Classic Design Meets Modern Engineering

Unboxing the Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers is an immediately reassuring experience. The box has a surprising heft, hinting at the quality of the components within. Inside, the speakers are securely nestled in foam, protected from the rigors of shipping. The first thing we noticed was the beautiful brown wood grain finish of the MDF enclosures. It’s a classic, slightly retro look that feels warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold plastic and metal that dominate the market. They look less like computer peripherals and more like genuine pieces of hi-fi furniture.

The right speaker, which houses the amplifier and controls, features a recessed side panel with three knobs for treble, bass, and volume. They turn with a smooth, satisfying resistance. Included in the box are all the necessary cables: a long, high-quality speaker interconnect cable, an RCA-to-RCA cable, and an RCA-to-3.5mm cable, ensuring you can connect to almost any source right away. Setup was incredibly simple; we plugged them in, connected the two speakers, and paired a smartphone via Bluetooth in under two minutes. The subtle 10-degree upward angle of the speaker face is a thoughtful design choice, directing the sound towards the listener’s ears in a typical desktop or shelf setup. Instantly, they felt like a serious upgrade before we even played a single note.

Performance Deep Dive: Analyzing the Edifier R1700BTs

After spending considerable time testing the Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers across a wide range of genres, inputs, and environments, we can confidently say they punch far above their weight class. This isn’t just about getting loud; it’s about delivering sound with precision, warmth, and an adaptability that is rare at this price point. From vinyl records to high-resolution streaming, these speakers revealed layers in our music we hadn’t noticed with lesser systems. Let’s break down the key aspects of their performance.

Signature Sound Profile: Clarity, Warmth, and Potential

The defining characteristic of the R1700BTs is their stunning vocal and instrumental clarity. The 19mm “Eagle Eye” silk dome tweeters produce crisp, detailed highs that are airy and accurate without ever becoming harsh or sibilant. Cymbals shimmer, strings have texture, and vocals are rendered with an intimate, front-and-center presence. This was confirmed by one user in the music business who praised their “crisp top-end with such clarity.” We spun some vinyl, and as another listener noted, on high-quality pressings, it truly “sounds like the artist is in the room with you.”

The 4-inch woofer handles the midrange exceptionally well. This is where many budget speakers fail, producing a “muddy” or “boxy” sound. Here, guitars, pianos, and male vocals are warm, full-bodied, and articulate. Playing Radiohead’s “The National Anthem,” we were impressed by how the chaotic layers of brass and the driving bassline remained distinct and coherent, a sentiment echoed by a user who said the track “sounds awesome everything where it should be.” However, as many have noted, the low-end is the speaker’s one true compromise. Out of the box, the bass is tight and musical, but it lacks deep, sub-bass rumble. It’s perfectly adequate for acoustic, jazz, and most pop/rock, but for genres like EDM, hip-hop, or cinematic scores, it can feel a bit polite. This isn’t a flaw so much as a physical limitation of a 4-inch driver, and as we’ll see, Edifier has provided the perfect solution.

The Subwoofer ‘S’ Factor: Unlocking the Full Potential

The single most important feature that sets the Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers apart from its predecessors and competitors is the addition of a dedicated subwoofer output. This small port on the back of the active speaker is a game-changer, transforming the system from a great 2.0 setup into a truly formidable 2.1 powerhouse. The speaker has a built-in crossover that automatically detects when a subwoofer is connected, redirecting the low frequencies (below 100Hz) to the sub and freeing up the 4-inch woofers to focus on what they do best: the mids and upper-bass.

We tested this by pairing them with an 8-inch powered subwoofer, and the result was, as one user aptly described it, “magical.” The entire soundstage opened up. The mids and highs, already clear, seemed to gain even more space and definition. The bass was no longer just present; it was a physical, room-filling force. The transition was seamless. This feature addresses the speaker’s only significant sonic weakness and provides an incredible upgrade path. You can start with the excellent 2.0 system and, when your budget allows, add a subwoofer to achieve a full-range audio experience that rivals systems costing two or three times as much. For anyone who enjoys bass-heavy music or wants a more cinematic experience for movies and games, this sub-out port is the feature that really sets it apart and makes it a wise long-term investment.

Connectivity & Control: Modern Versatility Meets Classic Feel

Edifier struck an excellent balance between modern wireless convenience and reliable wired connections. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm’s aptX codec is a significant upgrade. It provides a stable, low-latency connection and noticeably higher fidelity when streaming from a compatible device compared to standard Bluetooth. We found pairing to be instantaneous and the connection remained solid up to the stated 10-meter range. One user summed it up perfectly: “Bluetooth was a breeze to set up.”

For those of us who prefer physical connections for our turntables, DACs, or PCs, the dual RCA inputs are invaluable. You can have two sources connected simultaneously and switch between them with the remote or by pressing the volume knob. This is perfect for a desk setup where you might have your computer on one input and a gaming console or record player on the other. The side-panel controls feel fantastic, offering tactile adjustments for bass, treble, and volume. While some may prefer front-facing knobs, the recessed side placement maintains a clean, uncluttered look for the speaker’s front baffle. The included wireless remote is small and simple, handling volume, mute, and input switching effectively. A hidden LED behind the speaker grille glows green for line-in and blue for Bluetooth, a subtle and clever design choice. The sheer flexibility offered makes the Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers a true central hub for a modern audio setup.

What Other Users Are Saying

After analyzing a wide range of user feedback, a clear consensus emerges. The overwhelming majority of owners are thrilled with the value and performance of the Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers. Many, like one self-described audiophile, call them a “MASSIVE UPGRADE” from other powered speakers, praising the accurate highs and “quite fantastic” mids. Another new owner was so impressed they said, “The sound clarity is incredible—I can distinctly hear all the different instruments in a song. It’s like rediscovering my favorite tracks.” The build quality and aesthetics are also frequently lauded, with one reviewer noting the “warm bass generated by the heavy real wood case.”

The most common critique, which aligns with our findings, is the bass performance. While many find it “excellent” and sufficient for their needs, more demanding listeners consistently recommend adding a subwoofer. As one user bluntly put it, “Sound (Without Sub) – 3 stars… Sound (With Sub) – 5 stars. These really need a sub.” A more nuanced critique came from a user who found they didn’t sound as good at very low volumes compared to a previous Bose speaker, suggesting they truly “rock” at medium to higher volumes. While very rare, we did find one report of a unit arriving non-functional, a reminder that quality control issues can occur with any electronic product, making a good warranty essential.

How Does the Edifier R1700BTs Compare to the Alternatives?

The Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers occupy a highly competitive space, but their unique feature set gives them a distinct edge. However, depending on your budget and specific needs, there are other compelling options to consider.

1. Edifier R2000DB Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers

The Edifier R2000DB represents a direct step up in both size and features. The most significant upgrade is the larger 5-inch woofer, which delivers a fuller, more impactful bass response right out of the box, potentially eliminating the need for a subwoofer for many users. It also adds an optical input, making it a superior choice for connecting directly to modern TVs, gaming consoles, or media players for a high-quality digital signal. If your budget can stretch a bit further and you prioritize a stronger low-end without adding a separate sub, or if you need that optical connection, the R2000DB is a powerful and worthwhile upgrade.

2. Edifier S2000MKIII Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers

For the serious audiophile willing to make a significant investment, the Edifier S2000MKIII is in another league entirely. These are studio-monitor-grade speakers featuring advanced components like planar diaphragm tweeters for incredibly detailed and non-fatiguing highs, and a tri-amped system for pristine power delivery to each driver. With a host of digital and analog inputs, including Hi-Res Audio support, these are designed for critical listening and music production. They offer a level of nuance, power, and sonic accuracy that the R1700BTs cannot match. They are the clear choice for those who demand the absolute best in sound quality and are prepared to pay for it.

3. Pyle PADH212 1600W 12″ PA Speaker System

The Pyle PADH212 is less of a direct competitor and more of a different tool for a different job. This isn’t a speaker for nuanced, near-field listening; it’s a passive PA speaker designed for raw power and filling very large spaces with sound. With its massive 12-inch woofers and 1600-watt peak power handling (requiring a separate, powerful amplifier), it’s built for parties, events, or aspiring DJs. It will play much louder than any of the Edifier models, but it sacrifices the clarity, stereo imaging, and refined sound signature needed for critical listening at home. If your primary goal is maximum volume for large gatherings, the Pyle is your pick; for everything else, the Edifier speakers are vastly superior.

Final Verdict: Are the Edifier R1700BTs Worth Your Money?

After extensive testing and review, our answer is an unequivocal yes. The Edifier R1700BTs Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers represent one of the best values in home audio today. They deliver a sound that is clear, warm, and engaging, with a level of detail in the mids and highs that is simply unheard of at this price point. The build quality is exceptional, their aesthetic is timeless, and their connectivity options are perfectly suited for the modern listener who might switch between a turntable, a computer, and a smartphone all in one day.

While the bass may not satisfy hardcore enthusiasts on its own, the inclusion of the subwoofer output is a stroke of genius. It completely negates this single weakness by providing a clear and simple path to a truly full-range, high-impact sound system. For anyone looking to take their first serious step into high-fidelity audio—be it for music, gaming, or movies—this is the perfect starting point. They offer an audiophile experience without the intimidating price tag or complexity. If you’re ready to finally hear what you’ve been missing, we can’t recommend them highly enough. You can check the latest price and secure your own set here.

Last update on 2025-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API