Short answer: the MR4, and the R1700BT’s own review names it as the more neutral option. The R1700BT ranks #57 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $219.99; the MR4 ranks #46 at $139.99, $80 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.
Skip the Edifier R1700BT if sound quality matters to you. It ranks near the bottom of the 65 powered bookshelf speakers.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR4 | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $219.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #46 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #57 of 65 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 | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes, 5.1 |
| EQ | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Per Speaker | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 109Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.48 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.23 | - |
| 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 Codecs | - | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 22, 2026 at 5:11 AM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier MR4: $139.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Erin’s data supports a useful budget desktop monitor: a 3.0dB midrange span, little overall on-axis tilt, and preference scores of 2.48 standalone and 5.23 with an ideal subwoofer. Balanced TRS inputs and tone controls are practical at its price, and its response is more balanced than the measured R1280T. Measured bass extension of 109Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 78dB.
Cons: Bass reaches -3dB around 79Hz, so deep extension should not be inferred from the overall flat trend. Listening-window response still has local irregularities, including lower-treble unevenness. The existing review reports rapidly increasing distortion and audible distress when pushed well above moderate desktop levels. No Bluetooth, and adding a subwoofer does not cure every output or tonal limitation.
Full Edifier MR4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 109Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9"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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Headphone |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.48 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.23 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1280DBs sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- 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
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Are the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro the Best Studio Monitor Speakers for your Home Studio?
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier R1700BT: $219.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A compact powered pair with analog and Bluetooth connectivity for uncomplicated desktop listening. Its self-contained design avoids the need for a separate amplifier.
Cons: Listening impressions suggest a bass-and-treble-forward balance rather than strict neutrality. Its analog and Bluetooth connections are less convenient for sources that require optical or HDMI input.
Full Edifier R1700BT review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- 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
- Edifier R1700BT vs Edifier R1280DB
- Edifier R1700BT vs Audioengine HD4
- Edifier R1700BT vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Edifier R1700BT vs Edifier R1280T
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- Edifier R1700BT vs JBL One Series 104
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- See all 52 comparisons