Short answer: the Kali Audio IN-5 if sound quality matters most, the Edifier R1700BT if price matters most. The Kali Audio IN-5 ranks #26 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.2/5, at $898. The Edifier R1700BT ranks #84, rated 3.2/5, at $169.99, $728.01 cheaper.
The Kali Audio IN-5 is the better-sounding option. The active three-way layout separates bass duties from the coaxial mid/tweeter, giving flexible listening geometry. Watch for: Local listening-window irregularities remain despite the small overall midrange span.
The case for the Edifier R1700BT: 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 Kali Audio IN-5 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Edifier R1700BT when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio IN-5 | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $898 per pair | $169.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #26 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #84 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 5” woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.12 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.13 | - |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 |
| Dimensions | 15” x 8.1” x 11.1” (382 x 206 x 282 mm) (H x W x D) | 10”H x 6.1”W x 8.4”D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 18.6 lbs (8.43 kg) each | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| 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 7, 2026 at 9:25 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
Kali Audio IN-5: $898 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Kali Audio IN-UNF (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.3/5).
Pros: The active three-way layout separates bass duties from the coaxial mid/tweeter, giving flexible listening geometry. Erin’s data shows a 1.8dB midrange response span and -3dB bass around 45Hz, with scores of 5.12 standalone and 7.13 with an ideal subwoofer. Placement switches and balanced inputs help integrate it into a studio; moderate-level distortion is well controlled in the existing review. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Local listening-window irregularities remain despite the small overall midrange span. The review reports midrange distortion rising above 3% at 96dB and a brighter perceived balance at closer distances. Limiting makes it unsuitable for demanding farfield playback. Coaxial construction improves geometry but does not remove response errors or guarantee unlimited output.
Full Kali Audio IN-5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 15” x 8.1” x 11.1” (382 x 206 x 282 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 5” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.12 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.13 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 18.6 lbs (8.43 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio IN-5 vs Kali Audio SM-5
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- Kali Audio IN-5 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
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Edifier R1700BT: $169.99 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
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
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- 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R1700BT vs Audioengine HD4
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