Edifier R1700BT vs. MartinLogan Motion 8i

Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers MartinLogan Motion 8i Center Channel Speaker
MSRP
$180 $450
Dimensions (H × W × D)
9.75” × 6.00” × 8.00”
248mm × 152mm × 203mm
5.60” × 22.00” × 5.20”
142mm × 559mm × 132mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
60-20,000 Hz 70-23,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the quest for superior home audio, the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth bookshelf speakers offer versatility and a warm, balanced sound at an affordable price, with the convenience of wireless connectivity. Meanwhile, the MartinLogan Motion 8i center channel speaker, a titan in the world of high-fidelity, promises unmatched clarity for dialogue and cinematic sound with its advanced Folded Motion tweeters. While the Edifier serves a generalist audience looking for a solid stereo experience, the MartinLogan is a specialized contender in a home theater setup, focusing on a crystal-clear midrange for the discerning audiophile.

Speaker Comparison

When venturing into the realm of home audio, the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 8i Center Channel Speaker present themselves as two intriguing options, although they cater to slightly different needs within an audio setup. Edifier’s R1700BT is a pair of powered speakers that combine convenience with a modern aesthetic, while MartinLogan’s Motion 8i is a specialized speaker designed to anchor the dialogue and central sounds in a multi-channel audio system. In this exploration, we'll delve into the nuances of both models, assessing their design, sound quality, and overall value.

Design and Build

The Edifier R1700BT speakers sport a classic bookshelf design with a modern twist, featuring a walnut vinyl finish and a black front panel that gives them a timeless yet contemporary look. These speakers are built with convenience in mind, hosting an integrated amplifier and offering Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming. On the other hand, the MartinLogan Motion 8i boasts a unique curved design that allows it to blend seamlessly with the decor. It's designed to be versatile, capable of horizontal or vertical placement, making it a sleek addition to any home theater without demanding too much space.

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

Connectivity and Usability

Connectivity is a strong suit for the Edifier R1700BT. With Bluetooth capabilities, it's a breeze to connect to a variety of devices wirelessly, adding to its user-friendly nature. In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 8i does not offer Bluetooth connectivity, as it’s a passive speaker that requires connection to an AV receiver. However, it shines as part of a dedicated home theater system, ideally suited for clear, crisp dialogues and central sounds that are critical for a cinematic experience.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is where the R1700BT and Motion 8i diverge the most. The Edifier speakers provide a balanced sound with impressive lows and clear highs for bookshelf speakers. They come with a built-in tone control that allows listeners to tweak the bass and treble to their liking, granting a reasonable degree of customization. In comparison, the Motion 8i is engineered with MartinLogan's acclaimed Folded Motion tweeters, which yield precise and highly articulate sound. The Motion 8i excels in clarity, especially in the midrange, making it an exceptional speaker for dialog and central audio in movies and television.

MartinLogan Motion 8i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 8i arrow (at Amazon.com)

The R1700BTs are a versatile pair that can handle a variety of genres and audio sources with ease. They are particularly suited for casual listening and can fill a small to medium-sized room with sound. However, they might not satisfy audiophiles seeking the last word in audio fidelity. The MartinLogan Motion 8i, on the other hand, is the kind of speaker that brings out the nuances in vocals and dialogues in a way that few other speakers in its class can match. It’s optimized for performance in a home theater setup and might slightly underwhelm in a stereo music configuration when compared to more specialized stereo speakers.

Value for Money

Considering value for money, the Edifier R1700BT offers a lot for its price point. With built-in amplification and Bluetooth, it represents a solid investment for those wanting good sound without the complexity of additional components. The MartinLogan Motion 8i, while more expensive, is part of a higher-end lineup, and its price reflects the advanced technology and superior sound quality it delivers. For those building a premium home theater system, the Motion 8i is well worth the investment, especially when paired with matching MartinLogan speakers for a coherent soundstage.

In conclusion, choosing between the Edifier R1700BT and the MartinLogan Motion 8i depends largely on the intended use and the listener's priorities. The R1700BTs are ideal for those who value convenience and versatility in a compact package, suitable for everyday listening and a variety of content. The Motion 8i, conversely, is targeted at the home theater enthusiast looking for a center channel speaker that can deliver crystal-clear dialogue and integrate seamlessly into a high-end surround sound system. Both speakers have their merits, and the ultimate decision hinges on the specific requirements and expectations of the user.


Check Current Prices:

Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 8i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 8i Center Channel Speaker
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.