Edifier is a passionate audio brand that offers exceptional sound quality. Every technology accessory starts from headphones, earbuds, subwoofers, speakers, automobile audio, and microphones.
When a new audio system is released, we know that innovative excellence is about to come. This is the case with Edifier R1280DB and R1700BT speakers.
Both Edifier R1280DB and R1700BT are studio monitors and are intended for coaxial and shelf mounting types. Another thing that concerns the manufacturer is physical appearance, they always go the extra mile to provide you with more than just a minimalist design.
Well, as you see our topic for today is to find out which one is better based on the sound quality and features. Again, the choice depends on what do expect more and essentially what are your priorities.
Let’s cut to the chase before the boredom hits you and explain why Edifier R1700BT is better. The sound quality and bass production are almost perfect. Not even a slight distortion can be noticed. It has a wider frequency range and trebles are way more clear due to its bigger size.
Edifier R1280DB
Edifier R1280DB’s first release is back on May 9, 2017, and the customers’ feedback still to this day is amazing just as it was expected.
Aesthetic fanatics are about to fall in love at first sight. The premium outside cover that comes in black and wood grain colors smells nothing but elegance. The black color gang, the good news is that if you choose the black color it’s a few bucks cheaper than the woody version.
Why Should You Buy It?
Offers 2 color options and is aesthetically more eye-pleasing. As for the price, it costs less and weighs less for porting around the house.
Edifier R1700BT
Edifier R1700BT comes in a more compact way without compromising the good-looking appearance. The same thing about the design part is applied in the R1700BT version too, but the black color gang, I’m afraid to tell that Edifier avoided your happy color with this model.
We can’t blame the brand because Edifier R1700BT is released back on October 15, 2015, two years before than R1280DB.
Why Should You Buy It?
It is more compact for narrow home settings. It produces better sound quality, especially in vocal production as well as bass presentation.
Design Specs: Elegance at Sight
| Speaker Model |
Edifier R1280DB |
Edifier R1700BT |
| Available Colors |
Black & Wood Grain |
Walnut Wood |
| Product Dimensions |
11.81 x 9.45 x 7.87 inches |
8.4 x 9.1 x 9.9 inches |
| Item Weight |
12.5 pounds |
14.52 pounds |
Edifier R1280DB vs. R1700BT Sound Quality & Performance
First thing first, I shall not pass without saying that everyone’s room dimensions are different and obviously the sound loudness cannot be the same in the small, mid-size, and larger room settings. Now we can continue to discuss which one sounds better. My friend, keep reading.
Both Edifier R1280DB and R1700BT are 2-way speakers or studio monitors and the intention is to give you professional studio sound quality at home.
Although the Edifier R1280DB is a somewhat small-scale speaker, it nonetheless produces superb sound. On the bass end, the response is smooth and warm, while the treble spectrum is sharp. R1280DB and R1700BT produce a sound that can reach 85 decibels, which is loud enough to fill a regular room.
However, in Edifier R1280DB due to the obvious speaker’s size, even though the bass can be strong, there is no sub-bass kick. When the volume is turned up, there is also a visible distortion.
The Edifier R1700BT has a tone and richness that is pretty much the same as the Edifier R1280DB. It has a lot of tonal richness, especially in the mid-range, and a lot of clearness in the high range. DSP and DRC don’t let sound distortion happen. The punchy bass is crispier but doesn’t include a bass kick as well.
| Speaker Model |
Edifier R1280DB |
Edifier R1700BT |
| Power Output: |
RMS 21W x 2 |
RMS 15W×2 + 18W×2 |
| SNR |
≥85dBA |
≥85dBA |
| Frequency Response |
55Hz ~ 20kHz |
60Hz ~ 20kHz |
| Bass Driver |
4 inch (116mm) |
4 inch (116mm) |
| Treble Driver |
Φ13 mm silk dome |
Φ19 mm silk dome |
| Impedance |
Not Specified |
6 Ohms |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf |
Bookshelf |
| Amplifier Class |
Not Specified |
Not Specified |
| Active/Passive |
Active |
Active |
Edifier R1280DB vs. R1700BT Features & Connectivity
Edifier R1280DB and R1700BT can be used perfectly for Gaming Consoles, TV, PCs, smartphones, or tablets. Both have wireless Bluetooth connectivity and RCA inputs. However, R1700BT AC input power is 100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz at 400 mA whereas in R1280DB is 100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz at 300 mA.
To control the volume level and switch input sources, there is a remote control to make it easy to use.
Another feature that affects the sound is that Edifier R1700BT has 19 and R1280DB has 13 mm silk dome driver. That means that the higher frequency sounds like vocals and guitar mostly show better performance.
Edifier R1280DB vs. Edifier R1700BT: Differences & Similarities
Differences
- Edifier R1280DB comes at a more affordable price point than R1700BT.
- Edifier R1700BT has better vocals and guitar performance because of 19 mm silk dome drivers.
- Edifier R1700BT produces a louder sound without distortion while the R1280DB model shows some distortion at higher volumes.
- Edifier R1280DB looks way more elegant and aesthetically pleasing with grain wood color, plus, it offers a black color option. Edifier R1700BT offers only walnut brown and is less aesthetic.
- Edifier R1280DB is a newer version and is released two years after R1700BT.
Similarities
- Both have the same features and connectivity options.
- The bass is punchy in both Edifier R1280DB vs. Edifier R1700BT speakers.
- Both models are active and recommended for bookshelf use.
- A remote for volume control and an input source switch is available.
Summing-Up
As you can see, not all the time newer version is better, this is why the comparison with proof has been made. The winner of this battle ends with Edifier R1700BT’s victory.
Well, I have to mention no matter which one you choose, if you are not a professional in sound monitoring, no visible sound quality is noticeable.
In brief, if you want better sound quality, go for Edifier R1700BT, and if looks and budget matters go for Edifier R1280DB.
If you have spare money and decided to get a speaker, pick according to your needs.
Good Luck Initiate.
Further Reading
If you enjoy reading articles with comparisons, you may continue reading about the UE Boom 3 and JBL Flip 5 to see if there are any significant differences. If you adore JBL goods, you can discover a comparison between the JBL Go 2 and JBL Go 3 here and decide which one is better.
I can’t leave this section without noting this article that compares the JBL PartyBox 310 and 300.
If you want to learn more about what Skullcandy Crusher Evo has to offer, read this article.
Composer & Audio Engineer
I’m a composer and audio engineer crafting sonic magic. Combining my skills in rhythm, harmony, and sound synthesis to create the ultimate auditory experience.
