Short answer: the Edifier R1700BT for better sound quality, the Donner Dyna 3 for the lower price. The Edifier R1700BT ranks #28 of 36 powered bookshelf speakers at $186.99. The Donner Dyna 3 ranks #36 at $89, $97.99 cheaper.
What the Edifier R1700BT offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: more V shaped, not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4
What the Donner Dyna 3 offers: Very inexpensive self-powered desktop pair with Bluetooth, balanced TRS, RCA and 3.5mm connectivity plus included isolation pads. Watch for: Erin’s Klippel data contradicts the advertised studio-monitor accuracy: response is severely non-neutral, directivity is poorly integrated and the tonal errors are too large for a reference role.
Buy the Edifier R1700BT if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Donner Dyna 3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 36 powered bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1700BT | Donner Dyna 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $186.99 | $89/pair |
| Ranked | #28 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 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) | - |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA Input | Bluetooth, TRS, RCA and 3.5mm |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg | - |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 1" dome tweeter; 3" woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Output Power | 66w RMS Per Speaker | - |
| Bass Extension | - | Limited by 3" woofer (Erin’s Audio Corner measurement) |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active loudspeaker) |
| Amplification | - | Built in |
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- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Neumi BS5P
- Edifier R1280DB vs Presonus Eris E5
- Presonus Eris E5 vs Edifier MR4
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Donner Dyna 3
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Edifier R1700BT
The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier R1700BT: $186.99 Amazon
Cons: more V shaped, not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4
Full Edifier R1700BT review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Output Power | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- 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
- Reddit Search for Edifier R1700BT Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Donner Dyna 3: $89/pair Amazon
Pros: Very inexpensive self-powered desktop pair with Bluetooth, balanced TRS, RCA and 3.5mm connectivity plus included isolation pads. The tiny 3-inch woofer/1-inch tweeter format occupies little desk space and produces usable output for close-range background listening.
Cons: Erin’s Klippel data contradicts the advertised studio-monitor accuracy: response is severely non-neutral, directivity is poorly integrated and the tonal errors are too large for a reference role. The small woofer has limited bass extension and high-level headroom, while distortion and compression rise quickly. It is an active system, so passive sensitivity and impedance do not apply; Erin did not publish comparable passive measurements. Better-measuring budget monitors are worth the additional cost.
Full Donner Dyna 3 review and specifications →
| Amplification | Built in |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension | Limited by 3" woofer (Erin's Audio Corner measurement) |
| Drivers | 1" dome tweeter; 3" woofer |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, TRS, RCA and 3.5mm |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active loudspeaker) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons