Short answer: the MR4, and the R1700BT’s own review names it as the more neutral option. The R1700BT ranks #22 of 25 powered bookshelf speakers at $219.99; the MR4 ranks #21 at $129.98, $90 less, and its own pros call it the value king.
The MR4’s real strength is bass extension for its size. Our notes describe impressively deep, flat bass down to 70Hz and unusually wide, consistent horizontal directivity from its waveguide, with balanced XLR/TRS inputs that are rare this cheap. Its tradeoff is no Bluetooth at all, unlike other Edifier models, plus distortion that climbs sharply above 86dB SPL.
The R1700BT has no listed pros, and its cons describe a more V-shaped tuning than the MR4’s.
Buy the MR4 for the stronger value case, if you can work around the lack of Bluetooth. Buy the R1700BT if wireless input is a requirement.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR4 | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.98 | $219.99 |
| Ranked | #21 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #22 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9.0"H x 5.5"W x 7.6"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) | 10"H x 6.1"W x 8.4"D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Outputs | Headphone | None |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs / 4.5 kg | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Per Speaker | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier MR4: $129.98 Amazon
Pros: More balanced than the R1280DB. The value king. Impressively deep, flat bass down to 70Hz for such a small speaker, and its waveguide gives it unusually wide, consistent horizontal directivity for the price. Balanced XLR/TRS inputs are rare this cheap.
Cons: No Bluetooth unlike other Edifier models. Distortion climbs sharply above 86dB SPL, breaking into audible squealing near 96dB, and there’s a dip in the lower treble that needs a bit of EQ or the rear HF control to smooth out. Playback volume is limited with bass-heavy material - pushing it loud brings audible clicking/static.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.0"H x 5.5"W x 7.6"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | Headphone |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs / 4.5 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1280DBs sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs JBL 305P MKII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Presonus Eris E3.5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs iLoud Micro Monitor sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Presonus Eris E4.5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Mackie CR4-X sound.DEMO
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Edifier R1700BT: $219.99 Amazon
Cons: more V shaped, not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.1"W x 8.4"D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Output Power | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Audioengine HD3 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1700BT Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1280DBs vs Edifier R1700BTs Sound Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1700BT vs Edifier R2000DB Sound Demo
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier D12 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.