Edifier R1700BT vs. MartinLogan Motion 2i

Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers MartinLogan Motion 2i Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$180 $200
Dimensions (H × W × D)
9.75” × 6.00” × 8.00”
248mm × 152mm × 203mm
10.00” × 4.70” × 4.60”
254mm × 119mm × 117mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
60-20,000 Hz 110-23,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of accessible audiophile gear, the Edifier R1700BT speakers offer a blend of style and substance with Bluetooth functionality and a warm sound signature at a wallet-friendly price. Meanwhile, MartinLogan's Motion 2i, a successor in the revered Motion series, steps up the game with its signature Folded Motion tweeter, delivering crisp highs and a detailed soundstage, albeit at a higher cost bracket. The R1700BT emerges as the go-to for budget-conscious enthusiasts, while the Motion 2i appeals to those seeking an advanced sonic experience in a compact form, willing to invest in acoustic refinement.

Speaker Comparison

When diving into the world of audio, one quickly realizes the importance of finding the right set of speakers to match one's listening preferences and living space. The Edifier R1700BT and MartinLogan Motion 2i are two distinct bookshelf speakers that cater to different audience segments. Both have their merits and cater to the audiophile community, yet they stand quite apart in their audio philosophy and design approach. Determining which one might suit you best requires a deeper look into their sonic characteristics, build quality, and overall value.

Design and Build Quality

The Edifier R1700BTs are crafted with a contemporary touch, featuring a sleek, wooden enclosure that complements modern decor. Their build quality is sturdy for the price point, and they are aesthetically versatile, making them a fine addition to most rooms. In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 2i speakers exude a more luxurious vibe, with a high-gloss finish and the iconic MartinLogan design. They are built with precision and care, aiming to deliver not just sound, but also a statement of elegance and sophistication. The Motion 2i's build is a testament to MartinLogan's commitment to quality and durability in their products.

Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1700BT arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Quality and Performance

The sound signature of the Edifier R1700BTs is warm and pleasing, with a focus on providing a balanced mix of bass, mids, and highs. They are known for their smoothness and can be quite forgiving with less-than-perfect recordings, making them suitable for a variety of music genres. The Bluetooth connectivity also adds to their convenience factor, allowing for easy streaming from various devices. Conversely, the MartinLogan Motion 2i speakers, with their Folded Motion tweeters, offer a detailed and articulate high frequency response that is hard to match. The precision and clarity they provide are exceptional, catering to the audiophile who seeks transparency and accuracy in their music.

At the heart of the MartinLogan's performance lies their patented Folded Motion tweeter technology. These tweeters are known for their lightning-fast response and minimal distortion, characteristics that are critical for capturing the nuances and detail in complex musical passages. The Motion 2i's also have a robust bass response for their size, courtesy of the well-engineered woofer and rear-firing bass port. On the other hand, the Edifier R1700BT speakers, while not slacking in the lower frequencies, are more restrained in their delivery, offering a bass that is present but not overpowering, balancing well with the rest of the sonic spectrum.

MartinLogan Motion 2i Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 2i arrow (at Amazon.com)

Connectivity and Ease of Use

The Edifier R1700BTs shine in the connectivity department, thanks to their Bluetooth capabilities, which make them highly versatile and user-friendly. They are an excellent choice for users who prioritize ease of use and prefer streaming audio wirelessly from their smartphones, tablets, or computers. This feature alone can be a deciding factor for many users who seek simplicity in their setup. The MartinLogan Motion 2i speakers, though lacking Bluetooth, provide exceptional wired connectivity, ensuring a pure and uninterrupted signal path which can be crucial for maintaining audio fidelity in a high-end system.

While the MartinLogan Motion 2i speakers may have an edge in sonic purity, the Edifier R1700BT's offer a more approachable price point, which is an important consideration for many. The R1700BTs provide a lot of bang for the buck, making them an attractive choice for the budget-conscious music lover. They deliver an excellent audio experience without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Motion 2i's are an investment in high-quality audio, and their price reflects the premium components and engineering that go into each speaker.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the choice between the Edifier R1700BT and the MartinLogan Motion 2i bookshelf speakers comes down to personal preference, listening habits, and budget. The Edifier speakers offer a great all-around package with their pleasing sound, attractive design, and user-friendly features at a competitive price. The MartinLogan speakers, on the other hand, cater to the discerning listener who values acoustic precision and is willing to invest in a higher caliber of sound reproduction. Whichever path one chooses, both sets of speakers are capable of delivering a delightful audio experience that can elevate any music collection to new heights.


Check Current Prices:

Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 2i Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 2i Bookshelf Speakers
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

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Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.