Short answer: the Edifier MR5. It ranks #78 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.3/5, at $349.99. The Edifier R1700BT ranks #88, rated 3.2/5, at $219.99, $130 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The case for the Edifier MR5: A three way desktop monitor pair with a dedicated midrange, LDAC Bluetooth, balanced inputs, app EQ and a headphone jack. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Edifier R1700BT lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Edifier R1700BT lacks. The catch: Erin’s CTA-2034 data shows upper-midrange and treble irregularities, while off-axis response narrows more quickly than ideal above about 2-3kHz.
The case for the Edifier R1700BT: A compact powered pair with Bluetooth and analog inputs for easy desktop listening without a separate amplifier. The tradeoff: Listening impressions suggest a bass-and-treble-forward balance rather than strict neutrality.
Buy the Edifier MR5. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $130 saving on the Edifier R1700BT is not enough to make up the difference.
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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 MR5 | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair | $219.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #78 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #88 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 6.3”W x 10.4”H x 11”D (159 x 264 x 280 mm) (active); 159W x 264H x 257D mm (passive) | 10”H x 6.1”W x 8.4”D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 46Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone | None |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg) | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| Drivers | 5-inch woofer + 3.75-inch midrange + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| App | Yes (Edifier ConneX) | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| EQ | Yes (app EQ and rear high/low controls) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 110W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Measurement Source | Erin’s Audio Corner | - |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | 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 | Yes | Yes |
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