Short answer: the Pioneer DJ VM-50. It ranks #44 of 60 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $169; the Edifier R1700BT ranks #49 and costs $186.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Pioneer DJ VM-50 offers: Compact active monitor with 96kHz DSP, 4mm aluminum front baffle, 5.25-inch aramid woofer and constant-directivity horn. Erin measured F3 at 61Hz, low distortion at 86 and 96dB, almost no long-term compression above 50Hz and only roughly quarter-decibel dynamic nonlinearity. Four-position low- and high-EQ controls yield 16 useful voicings, while balanced TRS/XLR and RCA inputs suit studio and consumer sources. Watch for: The default axial response is not reference-flat and the upper-mid/treble directivity behavior varies with angle; correct EQ-switch selection and listening geometry matter. Bass does not reach 50Hz at reference level despite its pleasing punch, making a subwoofer useful. Output is appropriate for nearfield use rather than home-theater distance. As an internally amplified monitor, passive impedance and sensitivity measurements are not applicable.
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 Pioneer DJ VM-50. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Edifier R1700BT and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
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
| Pioneer DJ VM-50 | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 each | $186.99 |
| Ranked | #44 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #49 of 60 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) | - |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP monitor) | - |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter in horn; 5.25" aramid-fiber woofer | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| Amplification | Class D, 30W LF + 30W HF | - |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo and RCA | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| DSP | Four LF and four HF EQ settings | - |
| 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
Pioneer DJ VM-50: $169 each Amazon eBay
Pros: Compact active monitor with 96kHz DSP, 4mm aluminum front baffle, 5.25-inch aramid woofer and constant-directivity horn. Erin measured F3 at 61Hz, low distortion at 86 and 96dB, almost no long-term compression above 50Hz and only roughly quarter-decibel dynamic nonlinearity. Four-position low- and high-EQ controls yield 16 useful voicings, while balanced TRS/XLR and RCA inputs suit studio and consumer sources.
Cons: The default axial response is not reference-flat and the upper-mid/treble directivity behavior varies with angle; correct EQ-switch selection and listening geometry matter. Bass does not reach 50Hz at reference level despite its pleasing punch, making a subwoofer useful. Output is appropriate for nearfield use rather than home-theater distance. As an internally amplified monitor, passive impedance and sensitivity measurements are not applicable.
Full Pioneer DJ VM-50 review and specifications →
| Amplification | Class D, 30W LF + 30W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| DSP | Four LF and four HF EQ settings |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter in horn; 5.25" aramid-fiber woofer |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo and RCA |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP monitor) |
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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 |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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