Short answer: the R1280DB, mostly on value. Both share a 4.0 rating. The R1700BT ranks #57 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $219.99; the R1280DB ranks #58 at $159.99, $60 less with no pros listed for the pricier model.
The R1280DB has a genuine strength: bass output and power handling. Our notes praise it for not bottoming out or distorting even played loud, for the price, plus a built-in remote and bass and treble tone controls so it doesn’t need a separate preamp.
The R1700BT’s tuning is described as more V-shaped, and neither model is quite as neutral as the [Edifier MR4](/powered/speakers/Edifier-MR4/), a cheaper sibling our notes hold up as the more accurate option in the lineup.
Buy the R1280DB for the stronger value case and the built-in tone controls. Buy the R1700BT only if its specific cabinet size or finish fits your space better than the R1280DB’s.
Skip both if sound quality is the priority. There are better options higher up the 65 powered bookshelf speakers.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1280DB | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 per pair | $219.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #58 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #57 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart | - |
| Dimensions | 9.2"H x 5.7"W x 7.7"D (233.7 x 144.8 x 195.6 mm) | 10"H x 6.1"W x 8.4"D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Outputs | None | None |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
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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 R1280DB: $159.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Optical/coaxial inputs and Bluetooth add practical flexibility over the analog R1280T, while remote and tone controls simplify everyday listening. It is a convenient inexpensive stereo system rather than a separate amplifier-and-speaker setup. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The compact format is better suited to nearfield listening than high-volume playback across a large room. Basic tone controls offer less flexibility than parametric equalization.
Full Edifier R1280DB review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 9.2"H x 5.7"W x 7.7"D (233.7 x 144.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Related-model measurements: Edifier R1280T (not R1280DB)
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1700BT Sound Demo w/ Bass Test More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1280DBs vs Edifier R1700BTs Sound Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1280DBs sound.DEMO
- Related-model Spinorama: Edifier R1280T (not R1280DB)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1280T
- Edifier R1280DB vs Audioengine HD4
- Edifier R1280DB vs Midiplus MI5 II
- Edifier R1280DB vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Edifier R1280DB vs JBL One Series 104
- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Edifier R1280DB vs Fluid Audio FX50 V2
- Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier S1000W
- See all 63 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 Audioengine HD4
- Edifier R1700BT vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Edifier R1700BT vs Edifier R1280T
- Edifier R1700BT vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Edifier R1700BT vs Edifier S1000W
- Edifier R1700BT vs JBL One Series 104
- Edifier R1700BT vs Edifier R2000DB
- Edifier R1700BT vs Donner Dyna 3
- See all 52 comparisons