Edifier R1700BT Review

Edifier R1700BT are 2.0 speakers equipped with an analog interface and Bluetooth. With 66 W RMS power, these speakers have been on the market for a long time. Are they still a good deal, or is it better to choose an alternative?

Intro

Edifier is famous for its great speakers. The brand’s offer is rich, there are devices for every budget. Edifier R1700BT belongs to the middle price range, although it is slightly higher quality equipment than average computer speakers. R1700BT is an extension of the original design known from the R1600TIII model, but this time they can be purchased in a different color scheme. The speakers had their premiere a few years ago, and since then there have been more competitors on the market.

Without Grilles

Scope of Delivery

When I opened the box here’s what I found inside:

• connection cable (approx. 3 m long);
• 2x RCA – 2x RCA cable (1.5 m);
• 2x RCA – 3.5 mm cable (1.5 m);
• wireless remote

The interconnect cable looks very good – it is long and has strong insulation and solid plugs. The rest of the wiring is average. The cinch plugs are plastic and the insulation is thin. If we plan to use analog speakers and have a good quality sound source, it is worth considering replacing the cables with quality aftermarket cables. The remote control is flat and plastic with several raised buttons.

Design & Build Quality

The Edifier R1700BT is impressive in terms of design and build quality. These are not ordinary, angular boxes. Their cabinets are made of thick MDF board and have a trapezoidal shape – the bases are wider, and the construction narrows towards the top. Matte black dominates in color, it fits well with brown veneer imitating wood. The speakers are fitted to the housing with Allen screws, the elements have been perfectly matched, and the sockets and knobs have no flaws.

Grille

Front

Bass Reflex

Bass/Midrange Driver

Silk-dome Tweeter

Trapezoidal Shape

There are grilles on the fronts of both speakers, they are fitted with metal pins with flexible fasteners. On the bottom, you can see bass-reflex openings, and next to them, are midrange speakers (4 inches) and silk-dome tweeters (0.75 inches). The cap from the remote sensor can also be seen on the active speaker (right).

On the right side of this speaker, in a recess, there is a panel consisting of three knobs. Two are responsible for adjusting the bass and treble, the third is the volume control combined with the source change button. The power and mode LEDs are on the bottom.

On the back of the passive speaker, there is only a connection socket. The rear wall of the active loudspeaker, apart from the connection socket, also contains a power cable (permanently mounted, 1.6 m long), two pairs of RCA sockets (AUX In and PC In), and a power switch.

Connectivity and Controls

Connecting and positioning your speakers is simple. It will not be hindered by a connecting cable – the Edifier R1700BT can be placed wide, suitable for large desks, and can also be successfully used as a TV sound system with a large diagonal. The power cord shouldn’t make it challenging to connect, but it’s a shame it’s not removable.

With Grilles

Without Grilles

Remote

Back Side

Inputs/Outputs

The unusual construction is not only a designer whim, it translates positively into use. These speakers have a 10-degree upward slant for optimal sound projection. Thanks to this, even when they are placed lower, the sound will be directed toward the listener sitting in a chair in front of the computer or on the couch in front of the TV. In both cases, the sound is satisfactory – the speakers can be used both up close and from a greater distance. The R1700BT does not require you to sit in the right spot for comfortable listening.

I have some reservations about the controls. Knob panels are invisible when listening to music. This has its advantages – the whole thing looks aesthetically pleasing, and the diode does not dazzle after dark. Unfortunately, sound adjustments cannot be made from the remote control, which has only five buttons, you have to reach for the speaker panel. It allows you to mute the sound, adjust the volume and change the signal source between the line and Bluetooth (green or blue LED). You can do the same by pressing the volume knob on the right column panel. You have to reach for the switch on the back of the housing, there is no possibility to put the equipment to sleep.

Control Panel

Unfortunately, the functionality of the R1700BT is no longer impressive. It’s just an analog interface and Bluetooth without aptX codec support. New speakers at this price already have digital interfaces (optical, coaxial) and more advanced Bluetooth.

Sound Performance

The Edifier R1700BT still does not disappoint in terms of sound. The speakers were tuned in an accessible way: gentle, warm, and entertaining. The bass is enhanced, but it is in optimal proportions, it does not dominate over the rest of the bands yet. The speakers can sound bassy and effective, as well as light and dynamic, it all depends on the repertoire. The tuning is quite universal – the midrange has not been cut, so the R1700BT will also work in calmer music genres.

Low tones have been emphasized. The specification suggests a strong descent into the sub-bass, but in practice, the low tones were boosted the most in the mid-range. So they are more rounded and compact, and they sound warm and massive. You can’t count on an extremely fat and vibrating lowest bass, but in practice, the subwoofer effect should not be missing. Bass copes with digital samples but also works with double bass, and bass guitar, and adequately enhances kick drum and piano. The dynamics of the band are quite good, and its control should also be praised – the music draws you in, and the low tones can hit harder, pulsate, or overflow. If you prefer a lighter sound, you only need to subtract the bass slightly in the equalizer. On the other hand, boosting it can already cause a rumble.

Without Grilles

The midrange slightly gives way to the low tones but is still close enough to appreciate vocals, guitars, and live instruments. The midrange sounds clear, you can pick out some details. Dialogues in games or movies can be heard clearly because they are not overwhelmed by low tones. However, it is not a signature for users looking for a balanced and neutral sound, the Edifier R1700BT offers a musical and warm sound. These Bluetooth speakers will not sound analytically like studio monitors, so they will be appreciated by people who prefer a more musical, more pleasant sound.

The treble has not been sharpened, it does not go out of line. The music does not sound rustling or hissing. At the same time, the sound is not dimmed yet, the sound remains sufficiently direct and clear. There is a certain digital layer in the treble transmission, especially in the sound of the cymbals. They lack a bit of metallicity and mass, and they sound short and slightly artificial, but you can still appreciate them. I recommend gently emphasizing the treble with the equalizer, but without exaggeration – its boost enhances the digital character of the sound.

The speakers allow you to listen to both: up close and from a distance. Stereo and depth are heard – the background instruments recede and echo and reverberations are also in their place. There are no problems with separation, individual sounds do not merge.

The sound via Bluetooth is also quite good, but it gives way to the sound quality obtained via an analog connection – the bass is shallower and the space is smaller. However, the signature seems similar, so the speakers paired with the smartphone will sound musical, gentle, and warm.

Edifier R1700BT Video Review

Edifier R1700BT Specifications

• Power output (RMS): 15W×2 (tweeter) + 18W×2 (mid-bass driver)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥85dBA
• Input sensitivity: Line In1: 700±50mV; Line In2: 550±50mV; Bluetooth: 400 ± 50mFFS
• Dimension: 154mm × 254mm × 214mm (W×H×D）
• Audio codecs: SBC
• Frequency response: 60Hz-20kHz
• Audio Inputs: Dual RCA / Bluetooth
• Bluetooth Version: 5.1
• Driver Unit: 4″ (Mid-range and bass) + 0.75″ (Treble)
• Dimension (L×W×H): 214×154×254 mm per speaker
• Net Weight: 6.6kg

You can download & view the manual here->Edifier R1700BT Manual

To Buy or Not?

Edifier R1700BT is still a noteworthy offer. The speakers offer a nice design, satisfying quality of workmanship, and good sound. They have a lot of power and can be used as a dedicated sound system for a computer or TV, but rather via an analog transmission. It is worth taking care of a good sound source. It’s a shame the set hasn’t been updated with support for the apt-X codec, and at this price, digital inputs are a must-have.

A new competition has appeared on the market since the launch of this tested device. Recently, I was impressed by the Krüger&Matz Inspire 2.0 (unavailable in the US market) speakers, which have as much as 120 W of power, and offer a natural and balanced sound, but still with good bass. They also have a Bluetooth interface, but they are inferior to the Edifiers in design and ergonomics.

The Edifier R1700BT speakers may also be threatened by the new speakers with aptX and optical input. However, if someone prefers a more colored sound and does not care about the aptX codec and the converter, the Edifier R1700BT will still be a good choice.