Edifier R1700BT vs. MartinLogan Motion 20i

Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
MSRP
$180 $2000
Dimensions (H × W × D)
9.75” × 6.00” × 8.00”
248mm × 152mm × 203mm
36.60” × 6.80” × 11.70”
930mm × 173mm × 297mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
60-20,000 Hz 46-25,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of home audio, the Edifier R1700BT stands as an affordable Bluetooth bookshelf contender, offering a balanced sound profile and wireless convenience for the casual listener. Contrastingly, the MartinLogan Motion 20i, an audiophile-grade tower speaker, soars with its electrostatic driver technology, delivering a vast soundstage and nuanced detail that can captivate the discerning ear. While the Edifiers excel in value and space economy, the Motion 20i is a statement in sonic excellence and design for those willing to invest in premium audio artistry. The choice hinges on personal priorities: budget and space, or acoustic immersion.

Speaker Comparison

Audiophiles often find themselves at a crossroads when deciding between the chic, compact design of bookshelf speakers and the statuesque, commanding presence of tower speakers. In the realm of high-fidelity audio reproduction, both speaker types have their adherents, but today we'll be contrasting two very distinct contenders: the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speakers. Though different in stature and design, both strive to deliver that coveted room-filling sound, but they do so with markedly different approaches and philosophies.

The Compact Powerhouse: Edifier R1700BT

Edifier's R1700BT speakers are a testament to the leaps and bounds made in the realm of compact audio systems. With built-in amplifiers, these speakers streamline the listening experience by cutting down on the clutter of external components. The Bluetooth connectivity is a nice touch, lending the R1700BTs to a modern, wire-free aesthetic and a user-friendly setup. The sound is impressively full for such small cabinets, with a clear midrange and sparkling highs—though, understandably, they can't quite reach the depths of bass that their larger counterparts can fathom.

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

The Majestic MartinLogan Motion 20i

On the other side of the spectrum stands the MartinLogan Motion 20i, a towering figure in the landscape of floor-standing speakers. These speakers are built for audiophiles who appreciate intricate cabinet design and the unmistakable presence of physical sound drivers. The Motion 20i speakers boast MartinLogan's renowned Folded Motion tweeters and sturdy woofers that promise an expansive soundstage and precise imaging. The bass response, aided by the larger volume of the cabinet, is more authoritative and deep, allowing listeners to not only hear but also feel the music.

Design and Aesthetics

When it comes to design, the Edifier R1700BTs offer a modern, almost minimalist look that can blend into a variety of decors without dominating the space. The wooden finish gives them a classic touch, while their size makes them versatile for placement on desks, shelves, or stands. The MartinLogan Motion 20i towers, by contrast, are designed to be seen and not just heard. They exude an air of sophistication with their sleek lines and premium finishes. Standing proudly, they are a statement piece for any room, often dictating their environment rather than adapting to it.

MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 20i arrow (at Amazon.com)

Functionality is another key difference. The R1700BTs offer a straightforward plug-and-play experience with the added convenience of Bluetooth pairing. This suits the modern lifestyle where streaming from various devices is the norm. The MartinLogan Motion 20i, being passive speakers, require a separate amplifier or receiver to drive them, which can be a plus for those seeking to tailor their sound system with specific components but may be a drawback for users looking for an all-in-one solution.

Sound Quality and Performance

Sound quality is, of course, the crux of any speaker comparison. The Edifier R1700BTs punch above their weight, providing a sound that is robust and pleasing, especially in smaller rooms or close listening environments. The treble and midrange are their strong suit, with vocals and instruments coming through with clarity and precision. However, the MartinLogan Motion 20i towers are in a different league, delivering a more true-to-life listening experience that captures the nuances and dynamics of live music. The bass is deeper, the highs are crisper, and the overall coherence of the sound is something that only larger, well-crafted speakers like the Motion 20i can achieve.

Ultimately, the choice between the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers and the MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speakers comes down to personal preference, space, and application. The R1700BTs are perfect for those seeking a compact, stylish, and user-friendly audio solution with decent performance. The MartinLogan Motion 20i, on the other hand, are for the purists and the aesthetes, those willing to invest in a full-sized, high-performance audio system that will be as much a centerpiece as it is a source of high-fidelity sound. Each has its own place in the pantheon of great speakers, and each provides a window into the soul of the music they reproduce.


Check Current Prices:

Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 20i Tower 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.