Short answer: the Edifier R1700BT. It ranks #88 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $219.99. The Edifier R1280DB ranks #94, rated 3.1/5, at $189.99, $30 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
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, 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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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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 R1280DB | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 per pair | $219.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #94 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #88 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the R1280T driver and cabinet; read from that measurement | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | - |
| 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 | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 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 |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1700BT Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1280DBs vs Edifier R1700BTs Sound Comparison
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