Short answer: the Edifier R2850DB. It ranks #61 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $499.99. The Edifier R1700BT ranks #59, rated 3.2/5, at $219.99, $280 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
What the Edifier R2850DB does well: A large self-powered three-way pair with digital and analog source switching and proper left/right separation. The tradeoff: The big cabinets need real stand or furniture space, and their bass is slightly boomy.
The case for the Edifier R1700BT: A compact powered pair with analog and Bluetooth connectivity for uncomplicated desktop listening. The catch: Listening impressions suggest a bass-and-treble-forward balance rather than strict neutrality.
Buy the Edifier R2850DB. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $280 you would save on the Edifier R1700BT does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R2850DB | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 per pair | $219.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #61 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #59 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) | 10"H x 6.1"W x 8.4"D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker | 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 |
| Outputs | - | None |
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How Edifier R1700BT compares with other leading options:
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier R2850DB: $499.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A large self-powered three-way pair with digital and analog source switching and proper left/right separation. Consumer Reports found accurate, detailed sound with strong, deep bass, a broad enough soundfield and enough clean output for a large room. It is a compelling simple system for TV, desktop or living-room music without buying a separate amplifier.
Cons: The big cabinets need real stand or furniture space, and their bass is slightly boomy. Consumer Reports also hears mildly grainy/hazy mids, subdued treble and a two-dimensional image despite the two cabinets. As an integrated system it is less upgradeable than separate passive speakers and an amplifier.
Full Edifier R2850DB review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
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Edifier R1700BT: $219.99 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, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| 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
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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