Short answer: the Onkyo GX-30ARC. It ranks #44 of 76 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $249. The Edifier R1700BT ranks #66, rated 3.2/5, at $219.99, $29.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Onkyo GX-30ARC is the better-sounding option. HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical and analog inputs make it a convenient compact system for a desk or TV. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Edifier R1700BT lacks. Watch for: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.48dB per octave.
The case for the Edifier R1700BT: A compact powered pair with analog and Bluetooth connectivity for uncomplicated desktop listening. The catch: Listening impressions suggest a bass-and-treble-forward balance rather than strict neutrality.
Buy the Onkyo GX-30ARC. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $29.01 you would save on the Edifier R1700BT does not close the gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Onkyo GX-30ARC | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.00 per pair | $219.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #44 of 76 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #66 of 76 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter, 4” woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each | 10”H x 6.1”W x 8.4”D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | Class D amplification | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | None |
| Country | Japan (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.69 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.42 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (primary speaker) | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| EQ | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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
Onkyo GX-30ARC: $249.00 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical and analog inputs make it a convenient compact system for a desk or TV. Erin’s Klippel data gives a 3.69 standalone preference score and 6.42 with an ideal subwoofer. The midrange response spans 3.8dB, offering usable but not reference-level tonal performance.
Cons: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.48dB per octave. Bass reaches -3dB around 74Hz, not the lower LFX value used inside the preference model. Vertical listening position affects crossover balance. Its extensive connectivity does not compensate for response irregularities, and the published tonal data alone does not establish maximum clean output.
Full Onkyo GX-30ARC review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | Class D amplification |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Japan (design) |
| Dimensions | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter, 4” woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.69 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.42 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (primary speaker) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier R1700BT: $219.99 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
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