The R1700BTs is the better speaker-first buy for desks and small rooms where higher output, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD support, and a larger cabinet matter more than TV-style digital inputs. The R1280DBs is the easier pick when you need optical or coaxial input for a TV, console, or older source.
As an Amazon Associate, Worth Adding earns from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links.
Choose the R1700BTs for a stronger music-first setup; choose the R1280DBs when digital inputs and a smaller cabinet matter more.
Edifier gives the R1700BTs 66 watts RMS, Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX HD, dual RCA inputs, DSP/DRC processing, a sub-out port, and larger active/passive cabinets. That combination makes it the stronger pick for a desk, shelf, or small-room system built around Bluetooth and analog sources. The R1280DBs gives up output and cabinet volume, but it adds optical and coaxial alongside Bluetooth and line-in, so it is the more practical alternative for TV, game console, and digital-source setups.
Better if you need optical or coaxial input, want a smaller cabinet, or plan to connect the speakers directly to a TV without an extra converter.
A larger, higher-output active Bluetooth bookshelf speaker pair with 66W RMS output, Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX HD, dual RCA inputs, DSP/DRC processing, remote control, and a sub-out port.
A more input-flexible active Bluetooth bookshelf speaker pair with 42W RMS output, Bluetooth, line-in, optical, coaxial, dual RCA input support, side controls, remote control, and a sub-out port.
These two Edifier pairs overlap as powered bookshelf speakers, but they solve different setup problems. The R1700BTs makes more sense when the speakers are the main listening system. The R1280DBs makes more sense when the source mix includes a TV, console, or digital audio output.
The R1700BTs has 66W RMS listed output versus 42W RMS on the R1280DBs, so it is the better fit when the speakers need to fill more than a close-range desktop spot.
The R1280DBs adds optical and coaxial to Bluetooth and line-in/RCA, which matters if the speaker pair is replacing a compact TV soundbar or serving several source types.
The R1700BTs cabinets are taller and deeper, while the R1280DBs is smaller in all listed dimensions; measure shelf depth before choosing on sound goals alone.
Both models are active two-speaker systems with Bluetooth, remote control, and sub-out. The meaningful split is output and codec support on the R1700BTs versus optical/coaxial input and smaller cabinet size on the R1280DBs.
| Metric | Edifier R1700BTs | Edifier R1280DBs |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Winner for music-first useMusic-first desks, shelves, and small rooms built around Bluetooth or RCA sources. | TVs, consoles, streamers, and compact desks that benefit from optical or coaxial input. |
| Model | R1700BTs | R1280DBs |
| Power | 66W RMS total output | 42W RMS total output |
| Dimensions | 154 x 254 x 214 mm active speaker; 154 x 254 x 209 mm passive speaker | 146 x 234 x 196 mm |
| Compatibility | Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX HD, dual RCA inputs, sub-out, remote, and side controls. | Bluetooth, line-in, optical, coaxial, dual RCA inputs, sub-out, remote, and side controls. |
| Main drawback | No optical or coaxial input, so TV and digital-source setups may need another path. | Lower listed RMS output and smaller cabinet than the R1700BTs. |
| Buyer feedback summary | Best when speaker output, Bluetooth codec support, and a fuller cabinet matter more than digital input flexibility. | Best when one speaker pair needs to handle Bluetooth plus TV-style optical or coaxial sources. |
We compared official Edifier product pages for output rating, input options, Bluetooth details, cabinet dimensions, subwoofer output, and stated control features, then checked product-specific Amazon listing destinations for affiliate links. We did not use live prices, ratings, review counts, or availability in the recommendation.
Official Edifier spec pages were used for output, input, Bluetooth, cabinet, and sub-out details.
The recommendation favors source fit first: Bluetooth/RCA listening for R1700BTs, digital-input convenience for R1280DBs.
Pick R1700BTs for Bluetooth/RCA music systems; pick R1280DBs for TVs and digital-source setups.
Best when speaker output, Bluetooth codec support, and a fuller cabinet matter more than digital input flexibility.
Sources: Edifier and retailer listing.
Best when one speaker pair needs to handle Bluetooth plus TV-style optical or coaxial sources.
Sources: Edifier and retailer listing.
The R1280DBs is the cleaner TV pick if your TV has optical or coaxial output because it can connect directly without a separate converter. The R1700BTs can still work in TV-adjacent setups if your source supports RCA or Bluetooth, but it is not the digital-input choice.
The R1700BTs is the better desktop music pick when you use Bluetooth or RCA sources and have room for the larger cabinets. Its higher listed output and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD support make it the stronger speaker-first option.
Yes. Edifier lists a sub-out port on both the R1700BTs and R1280DBs. That gives either pair an upgrade path, but you still need a compatible powered subwoofer and the right cable.
No. Both are powered speaker pairs, so the amplification is built in. You do not need a separate stereo receiver for normal use, but you do need AC power and the right input cable or Bluetooth source.
No. Watts help explain why the R1700BTs is better for speaker-first listening, but input fit can matter more. If your main source is optical or coaxial, the R1280DBs is the more practical choice even with a lower listed RMS output.
66W RMS output, Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD, DSP/DRC, larger cabinets, dual RCA inputs, and sub-out make it the stronger music-first choice.
Last checked: . Retailer availability, coupons, delivery estimates, and other listing details can change without notice.