Short answer: the Edifier R1700BT for better sound quality, the Neumi BS5P for the lower price. The Edifier R1700BT ranks #28 of 36 powered bookshelf speakers at $186.99. The Neumi BS5P ranks #35 at $150, $36.99 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 Neumi BS5P offers: Exceptionally broad connectivity for the price: Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs, remote control and 75W total amplification. Watch for: The original firmware Erin reviewed produces a pronounced V-curve—excess midbass and treble with recessed dialogue/midrange—and is a fidelity step backward from the passive BS5.
Buy the Edifier R1700BT if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Neumi BS5P 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 | Neumi BS5P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $186.99 | $150/pair |
| Ranked | #28 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #35 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, optical, coaxial and RCA |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg | - |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 1" silk-dome tweeter; 5" fiberglass woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Output Power | 66w RMS Per Speaker | - |
| Bass Extension | - | Erin’s response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Power | - | 75W total |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Dayton Audio M4 vs Donner Dyna 3
- Adam Audio T5V vs Edifier R1280DB
- Edifier D12 vs Edifier R1280DB
- Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1700BT
- Edifier D12 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- 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
Neumi BS5P: $150/pair Amazon
Pros: Exceptionally broad connectivity for the price: Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs, remote control and 75W total amplification. The 5-inch fiberglass woofer/1-inch silk-dome platform has generally useful directivity outside port resonances and therefore responds well to corrective EQ. Compact dimensions and ample nearfield volume make it practical for a desk or small room.
Cons: The original firmware Erin reviewed produces a pronounced V-curve—excess midbass and treble with recessed dialogue/midrange—and is a fidelity step backward from the passive BS5. Nearfield treble above 8kHz rises as much as 4dB relative to farfield, distortion is already substantial at 86dB, and compression becomes severe above 96dB. Port resonances further contaminate the response. Erin later measured improved firmware, but buyers must confirm revision. Passive sensitivity and impedance are not applicable.
Full Neumi BS5P review and specifications →
| Bass Extension | Erin's response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 1" silk-dome tweeter; 5" fiberglass woofer |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA |
| Power | 75W total |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons