Short answer: the Kali Audio SM-5 if sound quality matters most, the Edifier R1700BT if price matters most. The Kali Audio SM-5 ranks #25 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.2/5, at $2,998. The Edifier R1700BT ranks #84, rated 3.2/5, at $175.99, $2,822.01 cheaper.
The case for the Edifier R1700BT: A compact powered pair with analog and Bluetooth connectivity for uncomplicated desktop listening. Watch for: Listening impressions suggest a bass-and-treble-forward balance rather than strict neutrality.
The Kali Audio SM-5 is the better-sounding choice. Erin’s measurements show bass reaching -3dB around 43Hz and a 2.8dB midrange response span. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Edifier R1700BT lacks. Watch for: Scores of 5.18 standalone and 7.13 with an ideal subwoofer are good but below the leading reference monitors, so its advanced driver layout does not justify a near-top ranking by itself.
Buy the Edifier R1700BT if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Kali Audio SM-5 if sound quality matters more than the price.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1700BT | Kali Audio SM-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $175.99 per pair | $2,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #84 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #25 of 100 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) | 15.7”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA Input | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer | 1” coaxial tweeter, 4” coaxial midrange, 5” mid-bass woofer |
| App | No | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | - |
| EQ | No | Yes, per-speaker DSP |
| Amplifier Power | 66w RMS Per Speaker | 150W total |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 117dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.18 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.13 |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 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 R1700BT: $175.99 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 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| 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
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Kali Audio SM-5: $2,998 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Erin’s measurements show bass reaching -3dB around 43Hz and a 2.8dB midrange response span. The coaxial mid/tweeter and large waveguide give useful consistency horizontally and vertically, reducing sensitivity to listening height. Built-in per-speaker DSP and mounting options make placement flexible. Existing testing reports low midrange distortion at 96dB. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Scores of 5.18 standalone and 7.13 with an ideal subwoofer are good but below the leading reference monitors, so its advanced driver layout does not justify a near-top ranking by itself. A small upper-midrange irregularity remains. The five-inch woofer and limiter constrain loud bass; the review places compression onset roughly in the 96-102dB/1m region.
Full Kali Audio SM-5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 150W total |
| App | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” coaxial tweeter, 4” coaxial midrange, 5” mid-bass woofer |
| EQ | Yes, per-speaker DSP |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control |
| Maximum SPL | 117dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.18 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.13 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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