Short answer: the Klipsch The Fives for better sound quality, the Edifier R1700BT for the lower price. The Klipsch The Fives ranks #42 of 60 powered bookshelf speakers at $699. The Edifier R1700BT ranks #49 at $186.99, $512.01 cheaper.
What the Klipsch The Fives offers: Versatile powered stereo alternative to a soundbar, with HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA and subwoofer output. Erin measured F3 at 57Hz and found generally benign harmonic distortion at normal levels. The horn-loaded 1-inch tweeter provides useful controlled radiation, real-wood cabinets are well finished, and firmware offers Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles; Bass Cut is the closest to neutral. Watch for: The nominal Flat mode is bass-heavy rather than flat, and the response/directivity transition around the 4.5-inch woofer and Tractrix horn requires careful placement or EQ. Erin measured roughly 2.5dB compression around 200Hz and still more below 80Hz at high drive; limiting protects the small woofer but audibly removes bass dynamics. A subwoofer is advisable, especially at distance. This amplified system has no meaningful passive impedance or sensitivity specification.
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 Klipsch The Fives 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
| Klipsch The Fives | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699/pair | $186.99 |
| Ranked | #42 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #49 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | - |
| 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) |
| Outputs | - | None |
| Weight | - | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
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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
Klipsch The Fives: $699/pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Versatile powered stereo alternative to a soundbar, with HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA and subwoofer output. Erin measured F3 at 57Hz and found generally benign harmonic distortion at normal levels. The horn-loaded 1-inch tweeter provides useful controlled radiation, real-wood cabinets are well finished, and firmware offers Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles; Bass Cut is the closest to neutral.
Cons: The nominal Flat mode is bass-heavy rather than flat, and the response/directivity transition around the 4.5-inch woofer and Tractrix horn requires careful placement or EQ. Erin measured roughly 2.5dB compression around 200Hz and still more below 80Hz at high drive; limiting protects the small woofer but audibly removes bass dynamics. A subwoofer is advisable, especially at distance. This amplified system has no meaningful passive impedance or sensitivity specification.
Full Klipsch The Fives review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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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
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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