Short answer: the Genelec 8320A for better sound quality, the Edifier R1700BT for the lower price. The Genelec 8320A ranks #8 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.5/5, at $1,700. The Edifier R1700BT ranks #84, rated 3.2/5, at $175.99, $1,524.01 cheaper.
The Genelec 8320A is the better-sounding pick. A measured 1.6dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 8.04 with an ideal subwoofer support accurate close-range monitoring. Watch for: The -3dB point is about 67Hz, making a subwoofer important for lower bass and giving the larger Genelec 8330A a practical advantage without one.
What the Edifier R1700BT does well: A compact powered pair with analog and Bluetooth connectivity for uncomplicated desktop listening. The tradeoff: Listening impressions suggest a bass-and-treble-forward balance rather than strict neutrality.
Buy the Genelec 8320A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier R1700BT if the price matters more than sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8320A | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,700 per pair | $175.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #8 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #84 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 4.1” cone woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 5.9”W x 5.6”D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) | 10”H x 6.1”W x 8.4”D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) | - |
| Country | Finland | - |
| Maximum SPL | Peak 107dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.04 | - |
| Inputs | XLR | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Outputs | - | None |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| EQ | - | No |
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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
Genelec 8320A: $1,700 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8330A (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5), the Genelec 8340A (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.4/5) and the Genelec 8350A (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.5/5).
Pros: A measured 1.6dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 8.04 with an ideal subwoofer support accurate close-range monitoring. The waveguide helps control the balance between direct and reflected sound. GLM room calibration is useful for matching levels and placement in a compact setup. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The -3dB point is about 67Hz, making a subwoofer important for lower bass and giving the larger Genelec 8330A a practical advantage without one. Calibration hardware is sold separately. The small woofer limits its intended listening distance and bass output; a favorable response-fit parameter is not evidence that it has uniquely well-damped bass or unusually high headroom.
Full Genelec 8320A review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 5.9”W x 5.6”D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 4.1” cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | Peak 107dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.04 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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