Short answer: the Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus for better sound quality, the Edifier R1700BT for the lower price. The Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus ranks #45 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 3.9/5, at $499.99. The Edifier R1700BT ranks #84, rated 3.2/5, at $169.99, $330 cheaper.
The Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus is the better-sounding pick. Erin’s data shows a small 1.7dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a broadly level midrange trend. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Edifier R1700BT lacks. The tradeoff: The measured -3dB point is around 95Hz, with a much lower F10 in the original review; this is not flat bass to the low-50Hz region.
Why pick 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 Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Edifier R1700BT when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 per pair | $169.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #45 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #84 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 4” aluminum cone woofer, 4” long-throw passive radiator, 1” soft dome tweeter | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 120W total (Class D) | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Inputs | Bluetooth (aptX HD), USB (24-bit/96kHz), Toslink Optical (24-bit/96kHz), 3.5mm Analog | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Dimensions | 8.5”H x 5.5”W x 6”D | 10”H x 6.1”W x 8.4”D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 92Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | 88.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| DSP | Yes (8th-order Butterworth high-pass at 58Hz) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.07 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.73 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer | None |
| 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 | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
| 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
Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus: $499.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Older model: the Vanatoo Transparent Zero (ranked lower, rated 3.7/5).
Pros: Erin’s data shows a small 1.7dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a broadly level midrange trend. Scores of 4.07 standalone and 6.73 with an ideal subwoofer support it as a useful compact desktop option. Flexible cabinet orientation, multiple inputs and automatic subwoofer crossover behavior help with setup. Measured bass extension of 92Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.5dB.
Cons: The measured -3dB point is around 95Hz, with a much lower F10 in the original review; this is not flat bass to the low-50Hz region. Vertical listening angle changes the upper-midrange response. The review finds cleaner results at moderate levels than near maximum output, where multitone distortion increases. A subwoofer is particularly valuable here. An 8th-order high-pass filter at 58Hz sharply cuts bass below that point, so kick drum fundamentals need a subwoofer.
Full Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 120W total (Class D) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 92Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes (8th-order Butterworth high-pass at 58Hz) |
| Dimensions | 8.5”H x 5.5”W x 6”D |
| Drivers | 4” aluminum cone woofer, 4” long-throw passive radiator, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth (aptX HD), USB (24-bit/96kHz), Toslink Optical (24-bit/96kHz), 3.5mm Analog |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Sensitivity | 88.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.73 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus Review. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
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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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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