Short answer: the Pioneer DJ VM-50. It ranks #33 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $418. The Edifier R1700BT ranks #84, rated 3.2/5, at $169.99, $248.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Pioneer DJ VM-50 is the better-sounding option. Erin’s Klippel measurements give scores of 4.64 standalone and 7.00 with an ideal subwoofer, with a -3dB point around 60Hz. Watch for: The default response spans 3.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and the upper-midrange/treble balance varies with angle.
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 Pioneer DJ VM-50. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $248.01 you would save on the Edifier R1700BT does not close the gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Pioneer DJ VM-50 | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $418 per pair | $169.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #33 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #84 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter in horn; 5.25” aramid-fiber woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 30W LF + 30W HF; Class D | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo and RCA | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| DSP | Four LF and four HF EQ settings | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.64 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.00 | - |
| 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 | 7.8” x 11.8” x 10.1” (198 x 300 x 256 mm) (W x H x D) | 10”H x 6.1”W x 8.4”D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) | 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
Pioneer DJ VM-50: $418 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Pioneer DJ VM-70 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5) and the Pioneer DJ VM-80 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5).
Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements give scores of 4.64 standalone and 7.00 with an ideal subwoofer, with a -3dB point around 60Hz. The existing review reports low distortion and little sustained compression, supporting practical clean playback beyond what the tonal score alone captures. Separate bass and treble voicings and balanced inputs make adjustment straightforward. Measured bass extension of 61Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The default response spans 3.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and the upper-midrange/treble balance varies with angle. EQ-switch selection and aiming therefore matter. Bass below about 50Hz is reduced, so it is not a full-range substitute for a monitor-and-subwoofer system. Its output evidence supports nearfield use, not unrestricted home-theater levels.
Full Pioneer DJ VM-50 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 30W LF + 30W HF; Class D |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Four LF and four HF EQ settings |
| Dimensions | 7.8” x 11.8” x 10.1” (198 x 300 x 256 mm) (W x H x D) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter in horn; 5.25” aramid-fiber woofer |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo and RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.64 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.00 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
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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 |
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