Short answer: the KRK Classic 5 for better sound quality, the Edifier R1700BT for the lower price. The KRK Classic 5 ranks #24 of 36 powered bookshelf speakers at $280. The Edifier R1700BT ranks #28 at $186.99, $93.01 cheaper.
What the KRK Classic 5 offers: Good soundstage Watch for: More hifi than studio monitors.
What the Edifier R1700BT offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: more V shaped, not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4
Buy the KRK Classic 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 36 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $280 | $186.99 |
| Ranked | #24 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9.7"H x 7.4"W x 11.2"D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) | 10"H x 6.1"W x 8.4"D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30KHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | - | None |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Edifier MR4
- Edifier R1280DB vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO
- Edifier MR4 vs JBL 305P MKII
- Edifier R1700BT vs Edifier R2000DB
- JBL 305P MKII vs Edifier R1700BT
The Two Speakers In Full
KRK Classic 5: $280 Amazon
Pros: Good soundstage
Cons: More hifi than studio monitors. Elevated, splashy highs above 4kHz stem from port/woofer resonance glitches, plus directivity error at the crossover dips the upper midrange. Distortion exceeds 100% below 50Hz, and the lack of a waveguide narrows the tweeter’s beam sharply, so toe-in and listening position matter a lot. Not recommended out of the box, but the reviewer said EQ correction turns it into a capable, high-power monitor.
Full KRK Classic 5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.7"H x 7.4"W x 11.2"D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30KHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier S2000MKIII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier S3000PRO Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review JBL 305P MKII vs KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 vs Yamaha HS5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 vs KRK Rokit 5 RP5G4 sound.DEMO
- Reddit Search for KRK Classic 5 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier R1700BT: $186.99 Amazon
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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Audioengine HD3 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- 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
- Reddit Search for Edifier R1700BT Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons