Edifier R1700BT vs. MartinLogan Motion 50XTi

Speaker Comparison

If there's one thing audiophiles can agree on, it's that the speaker is the soul of any audio system. Today, we're exploring two quite distinct offers in the market: the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker. Both have their loyalists and for good reasons, but they serve very different purposes in the landscape of sound.

Design and Build Quality

The Edifier R1700BT speakers boast a classic bookshelf design with a modern twist. Their walnut vinyl finish gives them a retro charm that appeals to those who appreciate a touch of nostalgia. On the other hand, the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi, with its sleek, piano black finish and the signature perforated steel grille, exudes a contemporary high-end vibe. The build quality of both sets is admirable, but the Motion 50XTi takes the lead in premium feel and aesthetic elegance.

Sound Signature and Performance

When it comes to performance, the Edifier R1700BTs are a pleasant surprise. They deliver a warm, balanced sound with a surprising amount of depth and clarity for their size. However, they are, at heart, consumer-oriented speakers. The MartinLogan Motion 50XTi, designed for the discerning audiophile, steps into another league. It is a center channel speaker, often considered the anchor of a home theater's soundstage, and it lives up to this role with its precise, articulate, and dynamic audio reproduction. The Motion 50XTi's Folded Motion tweeter ensures crisp highs without ever becoming piercing, while its commanding midrange delivers dialogue and screen action with full-bodied realism.

Power handling is another aspect where these two diverge. The Edifier R1700BT's built-in amplifier is quite capable for casual listening, but they don't hold a candle to the power and range the Motion 50XTi can handle when paired with a high-quality external amplifier. The MartinLogan's capacity to maintain clarity at high volumes is a testament to its superior engineering and design.

Connectivity and Versatility

The Edifier R1700BTs shine with their built-in Bluetooth connectivity, making them a versatile pair for casual listening from a variety of devices. They're ideal for those who prioritize wireless convenience. The Motion 50XTi, on the other hand, is a passive speaker requiring a connection to an AV receiver. Its focus is on delivering an unrivaled home theater experience, rather than catering to the simplicity of wireless streaming.

In terms of versatility, the Edifier speakers are more of an all-rounder; they can be used for music, movies, and everyday TV, but they won't excel in any particular area. The Motion 50XTi is designed to function as part of a larger system, and when it's paired with other speakers from the Motion series, the results are stunning. It is a specialist piece of equipment for a consumer who desires a home theater with the audio quality that rivals the local cinema.

In conclusion, the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 50XTi Center Channel Speaker cater to two very different sectors of the audio world. The Edifiers are for the Bluetooth-enabled, value-conscious consumer looking for a pleasant, everyday audio solution. The MartinLogan, however, is the choice for the home theater enthusiast who wants to dive into the nuances of sound, creating a rich and immersive cinematic experience. Choice, as always, comes down to the listener's priorities, be it versatility and convenience or the ultimate fidelity and power of a dedicated home theater setup.