Short answer: the Edifier R1700BT. It ranks #88 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5) at $219.99 and is still sold new; the Midiplus MI5 II ranks #97 (rated 3.0/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Midiplus MI5 II’s replacement, the Midiplus MI5 II V2, is rated 3.1/5 at $169.
What the Midiplus MI5 II does well: An inexpensive powered monitor pair with balanced inputs, Bluetooth and fairly deep bass for the size. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Edifier R1700BT lacks. The tradeoff: The 2.24 standalone and 4.53 ideal-subwoofer scores show significant problems above the bass region.
Why pick the Edifier R1700BT: A compact powered pair with Bluetooth and analog inputs for easy desktop listening without a separate amplifier. The tradeoff: Listening impressions suggest a bass-and-treble-forward balance rather than strict neutrality.
Buy the Edifier R1700BT. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Midiplus MI5 II is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Midiplus MI5 II | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 per pair Discontinued | $219.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #97 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #88 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Weight | 9.1 lbs (4.14 kg) | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch fiberglass woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS per pair | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB | - |
| Inputs | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm, Bluetooth | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Dimensions | 10.1H x 6.7W x 9.4D in | 10”H x 6.1”W x 8.4”D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.24 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.53 | - |
| XLR Input | No | 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 | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | - | None |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| EQ | - | No |
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