Short answer: the MR4, and the R1700BT’s own review names it as the more neutral option. The R1700BT ranks #88 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers at $219.99; the MR4 ranks #72 at $169.99, $50 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.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A budget desktop monitor pair with balanced TRS inputs, tone controls and a front headphone jack.
A compact powered pair with Bluetooth and analog inputs for easy desktop listening without a separate amplifier.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR4 | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169.99 per pair | $219.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #72 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #88 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9”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, 1” silk dome tweeter | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Monitor and Music modes) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 79Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.25 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 | - |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
Watch Them Compared
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