Overview

The Edifier R1700BT are 2.0 powered Bluetooth bookshelf speakers (pair) with 4-inch mid-bass drivers, 19 mm silk-dome tweeters, and a rated 66 W RMS total output. The system integrates Class-D amplification with DSP/DRC, dual RCA analog inputs, and Bluetooth 5.1 in MDF enclosures angled 10° toward the listener [1].

Scientific Validity

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No full standardized third-party loudspeaker measurements (spin/orb, DI, THD vs SPL) were found for this exact model. Manufacturer specifications list frequency response at 60 Hz–20 kHz, SNR ≥85 dB(A), and total output 66 W RMS [1]. The limited low-frequency extension (no sub-bass under 60 Hz) materially departs from transparency goals; off-axis and distortion performance remain unverified by independent labs. Scoring starts from 0.5 for “unknown full measurement set” and is adjusted −0.1 for restricted bandwidth, yielding 0.4. Key numbers are taken as manufacturer specs [1][5].

Technology Level

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The implementation is industry-standard and current: Class-D amplification with DSP/DRC, Bluetooth 5.1, remote control, and dual RCA inputs in MDF cabinets. There is no evidence of proprietary acoustical innovations or advanced integration beyond the mainstream for this class [1][5].

Cost-Performance

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Comparator (cheapest equal-or-better, current product): Edifier R1280DB at 189.99 USD (Edifier USA). Equivalence note: Adds optical/coaxial digital inputs, specifies 55 Hz–20 kHz FR and ≥85 dB(A) SNR, and lists Bluetooth 5.1—thus equal-or-better functions and not inferior basic performance [2][3].

CP calculation: 189.99 USD ÷ 219.99 USD = 0.86 → 0.9 (capped/rounded per rule). Target price source: Edifier USA 219.99 USD; cross-checked via Edifier Online Store listing [1][6].

Reliability & Support

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Edifier North America states a 2-year limited warranty for home speakers purchased via authorized channels; headphones are 1 year. Support is primarily through Edifier NA/authorized providers [4]. The straightforward Class-D architecture at modest power tends to be robust; no special extended support systems are advertised.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Starting from a neutral 0.5 baseline:

• −0.1 (Conservative approach / performance progression): Compared with Edifier’s own R1280DB, the R1700BT omits digital inputs and has shallower stated bass extension (60 Hz vs 55 Hz) without compensating measurable advances [1][3].
• −0.1 (Cost allocation vs audibility): Emphasis on wooden aesthetics and convenience over user-facing, measurable acoustic performance (e.g., no documented off-axis/THD improvements) indicates costs not directly tied to audible transparency [1].

Net 0.3. No occult/unsupported claims are promoted.

Advice

If you need TV/PC digital hookup without an external DAC, the R1280DB is strictly more versatile for less money [2][3]. For fuller bass or higher output, step up in driver size or add a subwoofer; truly transparent reproduction requires independently characterized directivity and distortion. For casual nearfield listening where Bluetooth is essential, the R1700BT remains serviceable.

References

1. Edifier USA, “R1700BT All-in-one Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers,” specs/price, accessed 2025-09-01. https://www.edifier.com/us/p/bookshelf-speakers/r1700bt
2. Edifier USA, “R1280DB Powerful Bookshelf Speakers,” price/specs, accessed 2025-09-01. https://www.edifier.com/us/p/bookshelf-speakers/r1280db

3. Edifier Global, “Powerful Bookshelf Speakers

   R1280DB,” specifications (FR/SNR/BT), accessed 2025-09-01. https://www.edifier.com/global/p/bookshelf-speakers/r1280db

4. Edifier North America, “Warranty Terms,” accessed 2025-09-01. https://www.edifier.com/us/policy/warranty-policy
5. B&H, “Edifier R1700BT 2-Way Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers,” specs, accessed 2025-09-01. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1900819-REG/edifier_r1700bt_black_r1700bt_bluetooth_speaker_system.html/overview
6. Edifier Online Store (USA), “R1700BT,” price listing, accessed 2025-09-01. https://edifier-online.com/products/edifier-r1700bt

(2025.8.31)