Short answer: the M-Audio BX5 D3. It ranks #30 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $149.50; the Edifier R1700BT ranks #57 and costs $179.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
What the Edifier R1700BT offers: A compact powered pair with analog and Bluetooth connectivity for uncomplicated desktop listening. Its self-contained design avoids the need for a separate amplifier. Watch for: 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.
What the M-Audio BX5 D3 offers: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 3.34 standalone and 5.94 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Balanced inputs and acoustic-space adjustment are useful for a basic studio setup. The measured -3dB estimate is about 64Hz. Watch for: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange. There is no digital input or automatic calibration, and the preference estimate does not verify distortion or output headroom.
Buy the M-Audio BX5 D3. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Edifier R1700BT and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
The Edifier R1700BT is not a sound-quality pick. It sits near the bottom of the 65 powered bookshelf speakers; there are better options higher up.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1700BT | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 per pair | $299 per pair |
| Ranked | #57 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #30 of 65 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) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA Input | XLR and TRS |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 66w RMS Per Speaker | 100W each |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.34 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.94 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How M-Audio BX5 D3 compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs M-Audio BX5 D3
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs M-Audio BX5 D3
- Genelec 8030C vs M-Audio BX5 D3
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs M-Audio BX5 D3
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Dynaudio LYD 5
Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 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: $179.99 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 →
| Amplifier Power | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| 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 |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier D12 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
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M-Audio BX5 D3: $299 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 3.34 standalone and 5.94 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Balanced inputs and acoustic-space adjustment are useful for a basic studio setup. The measured -3dB estimate is about 64Hz.
Cons: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange. There is no digital input or automatic calibration, and the preference estimate does not verify distortion or output headroom.
Full M-Audio BX5 D3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W each |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Inputs | XLR and TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.34 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.94 |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Kanto YU6
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Kali LP-UNF
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Adam Audio T5V
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs KEF LSX II LT
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