Two speakers, the Edifier R1700BT and 1850DB stand neck to neck against each other. They are both proficient in noise correction and provide exceptional sound quality, but which is better?
In this in-depth comparison, we dive deeper into seeing what sets these two apart in the hope that it can make your purchase decision a little bit easier.
In terms of performance and sound quality, both the Edifier R1700BT and the 1850DB have similar results. However, the 1850DB offers a significantly higher amount of input and connectivity options. You also get more controls on the remote and you can connect an external sub-woofer to shift your 2.0 system to a 2.1 system.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is the first thing that people look for, and rightfully so. While everything else is quite optional, sound laity should never be compromised on. Here’s how both the speakers perform in terms of noise correction and overall sound harmony.
Edifier R1700BT
The Edifier R1700BT can play on some of the most delicate and articulate melodies found in today’s music.
There are two main technologies at play here: Digital Signal Processing (DSP), and Dynamic Range Control (DRC). Don’t get fazed by the technical terms. Both these technologies refer to manipulating the signal to suppress noise and distortions. As a result, you get sound that’s crystal clear with a lower dynamic range and a suitable frequency response.
Due to its Digital Signal Processing technology, the R1700BT can deliver sound signals with little to no distortions. It has a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 85 dbA, which furnishes smooth and consistent sound quality.
The R1700BT has a frequency response range between 60 Hz and 20 kHz. This is an optimal range as it scales across the whole audible human spectrum. A 19 mm silk dome tweeter facilitates the higher frequencies, whereas a powerful 4-inch woofer supplies the heavy basses.
I while back I also did a comparison of the R1700BT vs r1280DB which you can check out here.
Some may argue the bass of the R1700BT is too loud, almost overshadowing the mids and highs. And this is noticeable even at lower volumes. You may prefer it for rock and metal songs, but for slow jazz and R&D, the R1700BT isn’t a suitable choice.
Since it’s an active speaker, you can expect a lot of powerful and energetic sounds. It has a power output of about 15W on each channel, which is capable of delivering intense voice signals and dynamic-range music.
Edifier 1850DB
The Edifier 1850DB is quite similar in comparison to the R1700BT in terms of sound output. It’s an active speaker that doesn’t require an external power amplifier. And it can deliver incredible volumes with minimal power wastage.
Strong 4-inch bass and the mid-range driver brings out the best in your rock and metal concert. It’s not as strong as in other products, and you get the option of tuning the bass volume down. So light jazz and pop music won’t be hijacked by the heavy bass of the speaker.
To enhance the singer’s sound and vocal performances, the 1850DB employs a single 19mm silk film tweeter. Just like the bass driver, this too can be tuned up or down, deepening on the type of music you’re listening to and how you want to remix it.
This too uses Dynamic Range Control and Digital Signal Processing to correct noise and reject distortions. It has a high signal-to-noise ratio of about 85 dbA, which is good for getting rid of distortions and signal fuzz. Only 40 to 50 dbA is even needed to be considered as good or great SNR. So it’s safe to say; the 1850DB goes all out when rejecting noise.
Also read: Is Edifier a good brand?
Build Quality
The quality of the build is crucial to how durable the whole speaker is, as well as how attractive it looks. And if you read on, you’ll find how design can impact convenience as well as the weight of the speaker.
Edifier R1700BT
Looks may not matter to most DJs and audiophiles. But the right color and texture can all but complement the ambiance of the room. And the Edifier R1700BT plays on just that sentiment, bringing together an effectual design with a solid wooden hub.
The exterior casing of the R1700BT is made from high-performance MDF wood. And it flaunts a walnut wood vinyl finish that adds a final decorative touch. The professional quality of the build and the finish make it ideal for any home or studio application.
At the side of the hub, a slight recess houses the volume, bass, and treble controls. And at the very back, you get all your input connections bundled up, as well as a power switch. A removable metal grille at the front keeps all the drivers hidden away from the public eye.
Edifier 1850DB
If you’re all for a sleeker, more modern look, then you’ll love the design of the Edifier 1850DB. Packed inside a modest wooden box, the 1850DB boasts a glossy black finish. The color is neutral with no wooden implications, making it suitable for home theaters and concerts.
The metal grill at the very front face of the speaker can be removed to display the intricate arrangement of the drivers. All of the controls and the inputs are present at the back, leaving the sides completely flush and consistent.
As you can see, the Edifier 1850DB has a simpler design that hides all the wiry junk behind the speaker. But it may make the controls harder to reach, especially if you want to mount the speakers against a wall.
Controls
Controls are essential to any decent speaker setup. A good sound system offers a lot in terms of connectivity options and sound control.
Edifier R1700BT
What makes the Edifier R1700BT a user-favorite is the amount of control that it offers. To start with, the R1700BT has three knobs at the side to control treble, bass, and volume. The adjustment range isn’t too high, only going from -6db to +6db. But for most home theatre and studio applications, it does the trick.
But there’s another special feature that many may not know about. The volume control dial has two additional functions. Push the volume dial in to toggle between wireless and wired input sources. And push and hold the dial to reconnect with the Bluetooth device.
On the topic of Bluetooth, the Edifier R1700BT has an in-house Bluetooth receiver module. This lets you pair the device up with a smartphone or computer. The wireless range is up to 30 feet in diameter, so you get a significant amount of portability.
The back panel hosts 2 sets of R/L RCA inputs, along with a 5-pin connector for passive speakers. You also get all the necessary cables included with the speaker.
But that’s not where the features end. We really are lazier than ever and no one wants to get up and change the volume every time, which is why the Edifier R1700BT provides the option of a remote control. It has all the functionality you get from the side controls of the speaker. And it sits flush in your hand, feeling smooth and natural. However, it does not have all of the features the R1850DB has.
Edifier 1850DB
The Edifier 1850DB has a similar set of controls. However, unlike the R1700BT, the 1850DB places all of its controls at the back of the speaker unit.
You get full control over the volume of the speaker as well as the clarity of the bass and treble. The latter can be adjusted from +6 dB to -6 dB, great for most home and stage applications.
Along with that, the back panel also houses two sets of RCA inputs, as well as an RCA to AUX input. A single 5-pin connector lets you hitch your speaker up to a subwoofer or a passive speaker.
Two other connections, the optical and coaxial connections, idealize it for extended applications.
In addition to that, the Edifier 1850DB also features Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity. Switch on the Bluetooth by pressing the volume control dial. Press and hold the volume control dial to reset the connection in case of any noise or lag.
But Bluetooth isn’t your only wireless option here. You could also opt for the remote control, which comes included with the speaker. The remote allows you to adjust the input type, volume level, and a pause/play function when on Bluetooth.
While these are two great speakers, I also wrote a full article on the best edifier bookshelf speakers over here.
Other Things to Consider
Price
Perhaps one of the most important buying factors, a low price is always alluring. However, going beyond your budget can make all the difference. Take a look at how each of the speakers justifies its price.
Edifier R1700BT
In terms of price and value, the Edifier R1700BT scores high. It’s a solid price point for a speaker that offers this much quality and professionalism.
You have to consider that what the Edifier offers, costlier speakers don’t. It’s got a lot of what the higher-end speakers have, including the Dynamic Range Control and the Digital Signal Processing. It has an excellent SNR of 85 dbA and rejects noise more effectively.
The only thing that may lower its value is its limited number of inputs. You can only hook it up via an RCA cable or a Bluetooth-enabled device. And for that purpose, it seems plausible that the price would get lowered.
You can check its latest price on Amazon here.
Edifier 1850DB
The Edifier 1850DB, while hosting a lot of the same features the R1700BT has, is priced significantly higher. And there can be several reasons for this.
Firstly, the 1850DB has a glossy black finish, which would take more time to make and implement, and not to mention varnish and preserve. Secondly, it provides you with more input options than other speakers. Not only do you get RCA and Bluetooth functionality, but you also get an RCA-to-AUX, coaxial, and optical cable input.
The 1850DB has more controls even on its remote. These factors are significant enough to increase its price. Even then, it stays cheaper than a lot of the other speakers on the market.
You can check its latest price on Amazon here.
Size:
While size isn’t a major deciding factor for many audiophiles, it can certainly make a difference. Speaker size directly impacts how and where you can place it on your home theatre setup.
Edifier R1700BT:
The Edifier R1700BT is a bookshelf speaker that doesn’t require mounting. Simply place it on your TV shelf and you’re good to go. It measures 9.7 inches in height and 8 inches in width (front-to-back). And for these reasons, you should make sure you have enough top and rear clearance.
But the real problem comes with carrying the unit. Clocking in at 14.5 pounds heavy, the Edifier R1700BT is not easy to place and store. It requires a significant amount of effort to pick up, and people who have weak hands, such as the elderly, will find it difficult to set up.
Edifier 1850DB:
The Edifier 1850DB is another bookshelf speaker that can be set up on your TV shelf or any table. It’s small and compact, measuring about 10 inches in height and 8.8 inches in width from front to back. It will fit most home theatre setups and can sit flush under your screen.
However, it’s not the lightest. Weighing about 16.8 pounds, the 1850DB is very hard to handle if you’re not all that strong. It’s still lighter than most speakers, owing mainly due to its small size. However, its wooden build makes up the bulk of its weight. And as such, people with wrist problems will have a harder time setting it up.
Pros and Cons
Edifier R1700BT
Pros
- Wide frequency response range.
- Excellent noise correction and SNR.
- High-quality MDF with walnut finish.
- Volume, treble, and bass control.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Includes a remote-control device.
Cons
- Bass is too loud, even at low volumes.
- Might be too heavy (14.5 pounds).
Edifier 1850DB
Pros
- Powerful sound output.
- RCA, coaxial, and optical inputs.
- Can connect to external sub-woofer.
- More controls on the remote control.
- Reduces noise in the signal.
- Glossy black finish on MDF wood.
Cons
- A bit too heavy (16 pounds).
Conclusion:
All things considered, both the Edifier R1700BT and 1850DB have a lot of potential and capability. Both stand apart as mid-range speakers and offer optimum noise rejection and tremendous sound quality.
The main difference between the two lies in their input options. The 1850DB has a few more options than the R1700BT, including an AUX, coaxial, and optical cable input. You can also connect a sub-woofer to the system, a function that isn’t available in the R1700BT.
Both the speakers differ in their overall finish as well, though the core material is the same: MDF wood. The R1700BT has a walnut-pattern finish that some may prefer for contemporary home setups. But the 1850DB has a more modern appearance, with a sleek glossy black finish.
They’re both great choices for home theatres, and the differences don’t impact their performance at all. However, I would personally go for the 1850DB as the extra controls and functionality that comes with it makes all the difference, for not that much extra.
