Kali Audio IN-5 vs Edifier R1700BT

Short answer: the Kali Audio IN-5 for better sound quality, the Edifier R1700BT for the lower price. The Kali Audio IN-5 ranks #15 of 60 powered bookshelf speakers at $349. The Edifier R1700BT ranks #49 at $186.99, $162.01 cheaper.

What the Kali Audio IN-5 offers: Compact active three-way with a 4-inch coaxial midrange/tweeter above a dedicated 5-inch woofer, reducing intermodulation and maintaining strong horizontal/vertical pattern consistency. Erin measured F3 near 45Hz, low 86dB distortion and useful output for near/midfield listening. Boundary DIP presets and tonal trims make placement correction practical; balanced inputs, front porting, low audible hiss at one meter and cool-running amplification improve studio usability. Watch for: At 96dB the midrange rises above 3% THD, largely second order, and the built-in limiter/compression shows the system is not designed for farfield theater levels. Erin heard the high frequencies become roughly 2dB brighter when moving from 2.5m to 1.5m, so distance and aiming matter. Noise is audible with an ear at the cabinet, though not at his seat. As an active monitor, impedance and passive sensitivity do not apply.

What the Edifier R1700BT offers: Rated 3.5 in the SpeakerRanking database. Watch for: more V shaped, not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4

Buy the Kali Audio IN-5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier R1700BT if the price matters more than sound quality.

If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Edifier R1700BT. It ranks near the bottom of the 60 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.

Specifications Side By Side

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Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 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

Kali Audio IN-5: $349 each Amazon eBay

Pros: Compact active three-way with a 4-inch coaxial midrange/tweeter above a dedicated 5-inch woofer, reducing intermodulation and maintaining strong horizontal/vertical pattern consistency. Erin measured F3 near 45Hz, low 86dB distortion and useful output for near/midfield listening. Boundary DIP presets and tonal trims make placement correction practical; balanced inputs, front porting, low audible hiss at one meter and cool-running amplification improve studio usability.

Cons: At 96dB the midrange rises above 3% THD, largely second order, and the built-in limiter/compression shows the system is not designed for farfield theater levels. Erin heard the high frequencies become roughly 2dB brighter when moving from 2.5m to 1.5m, so distance and aiming matter. Noise is audible with an ear at the cabinet, though not at his seat. As an active monitor, impedance and passive sensitivity do not apply.

Full Kali Audio IN-5 review and specifications →

Amplification	80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40.0Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Drivers	1" tweeter coaxial with 4" midrange; 5" woofer
Sensitivity	Not applicable (active three-way monitor)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

• Links
  • Official Kali Audio IN-5 Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Erin’s Audio Corner: Kali Audio IN-5 Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Kali Audio IN-5
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
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Edifier R1700BT: $186.99 Amazon eBay

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

• Links
  • Official Edifier R1700BT Product Page
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