In-depth review
Edifier R1700BT Review (2026)
In-depth review of the Edifier R1700BT: Bluetooth bookshelf sound, 66W power, and whether it is the best all-round computer speaker pair.
Edifier R1700BT, Black
The desk-and-room pair: bigger drivers, Bluetooth, and a sound that fills more than the space in front of a monitor.
Our verdict
The R1700BT is the best all-round computer speaker pair, because it refuses to be only a desk product. Its larger drivers and wooden cabinets give music a fullness that compact pairs cannot fake, Bluetooth and wired inputs cover every source a desk holds, and the subwoofer output leaves a clear upgrade path. The missing USB input and the desk width it demands are real caveats, but neither outweighs the sound for most buyers.
What we like
- The larger cabinets and 4-inch drivers give music a fullness that compact USB pairs cannot match, with bass that sounds present rather than implied.
- Bluetooth plus wired inputs cover a computer, a phone, and a second source without swapping cables, and the included remote keeps volume and input changes within reach.
- The wooden enclosures look like proper bookshelf speakers rather than computer accessories, so the pair suits a living room shelf as well as a desk.
What to watch out for
- No subwoofer is included, so bass lovers who want deep film rumble will need to add one through the subwoofer output or choose a 2.1 system instead.
- The cabinets are wide for a crowded desk, and they sound best with some space around them rather than pushed hard against a wall.
- There is no USB audio input, so a computer connects over analogue or Bluetooth rather than a direct digital link.
Who it is for
Listeners who want one pair for a desk and a small room, with Bluetooth for a phone and wired inputs for a computer.
Sound that outgrows the desk
The R1700BT sounds like bookshelf speakers first and computer speakers second, which is a compliment. Voices have body, acoustic instruments have texture, and bass is present enough that most listeners stop thinking about a subwoofer altogether. At low volume, where desk listening actually happens, the pair stays balanced rather than thinning out, which is where many compact pairs fail. Push the volume higher and the larger cabinets keep their composure longer than the smaller Edifier pair, though a large room still exposes the limits of a 66W desk system.
Connectivity without fuss
Bluetooth pairing is straightforward, and the dual analogue inputs mean a computer and a second source can stay connected at once. The remote handles volume, mute, and input switching, which matters more than it sounds once the speakers sit at arm's length behind a monitor. The absence of USB audio is the one gap: a computer connects over analogue, so owners with a noisy laptop headphone output should weigh the Kanto YU2, whose USB DAC solves exactly that problem.
How it stacks up
Against the Edifier R1280DBs, the R1700BT wins on fullness, scale, and bass, while the smaller pair wins on desk fit and on optical input. Against the Kanto YU2, the R1700BT wins on Bluetooth, remote control, and room-filling ability, while the Kanto wins on USB DAC quality and compactness. Against the Logitech Z623, the R1700BT wins on refinement and looks, while the Logitech wins outright on bass depth and film impact.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners praise the full and warm sound that fills a desk and a small room without strain
- Owners praise the easy Bluetooth pairing that makes phone playback feel effortless
- Owners praise the wooden cabinets that look like proper bookshelf speakers rather than computer accessories
Common complaints
- Owners complain that the wide cabinets crowd smaller desks and leave little room for anything else
- Owners complain about the missing USB audio input when connecting a computer directly
- Owners complain that the rear connections are awkward to reach once the pair is placed against a wall
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Configuration
- 2.0 powered bookshelf pair
- Power
- 66W RMS total
- Drivers
- 4-inch mid-range and bass drivers, 0.75-inch silk dome tweeters
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth, dual RCA and 3.5mm analogue inputs
- Extras
- Subwoofer output, wireless remote control
Also consider
Edifier R1280DBs, Wood Grain
The value bookshelf pair: Bluetooth, optical input, and a subwoofer output at a price that embarrasses bigger names.
- Configuration: 2.0 powered bookshelf pair
- Power: 42W RMS total
Kanto YU2, Gloss Black
The compact audiophile pair: a built-in USB DAC, a clean front baffle, and a subwoofer output for later.
- Configuration: 2.0 powered desktop pair
- Power: 100W peak, 50W RMS total
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Does the R1700BT need a subwoofer?
No, for most music and desk use, since the larger drivers produce satisfying bass on their own. Film lovers and bass-heavy music fans may still add one through the subwoofer output, but it is an option, not a requirement, which is part of the pair's appeal.
Can I connect a turntable to the R1700BT?
Yes, if the turntable has a built-in phono stage or is connected through one, since the R1700BT accepts analogue line-level input. A turntable without a phono stage needs one added first, as the speakers themselves provide no phono amplification.
Is the black version different from other colours?
No, the sound and features are the same across finishes. Colour changes only the cabinet appearance, so choose on looks and room fit rather than expecting any sonic difference.