Aperion Audio Intimus 5B vs. Edifier R1700BT

Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP
$450 $180
Dimensions (H × W × D)
12.00” × 6.75” × 8.00”
305mm × 171mm × 203mm
9.75” × 6.00” × 8.00”
248mm × 152mm × 203mm
Power Type
Passive Powered
Frequency Response
80-20,000 Hz 60-20,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of immersive home audio, the Aperion Audio Intimus 5B and Edifier R1700BT bookshelf speakers cater to discerning ears. The Intimus 5B exudes premium craftsmanship, delivering a detailed, natural soundstage for purists. Meanwhile, the Edifier R1700BT melds convenience with performance, offering Bluetooth connectivity for a seamless wireless experience without sacrificing audio fidelity. While the Intimus 5B prioritizes acoustical precision for the audiophile, the R1700BT's modern features and robust sound appeal to a broader audience seeking a blend of quality and connectivity in their sonic sanctuary.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to choosing between the Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers and the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers, audiophiles and casual listeners alike are presented with two distinct flavors of acoustic excellence. Both contenders serve up an immersive audio experience, but they play in somewhat different leagues, aimed at slightly different audiences. The Aperion Intimus 5B is the epitome of high-fidelity sound packed into a compact form factor, exuding a sense of premium craftsmanship aimed at the purist listener. On the other hand, the Edifier R1700BT is a versatile, modern option with Bluetooth connectivity that appeals to the tech-savvy music lover seeking convenience without sacrificing sound quality.

Design and Build Quality

The Aperion Intimus 5B speakers boast a robust construction with real-wood veneer finishes that evoke a classic, timeless aesthetic. They exude an air of sophistication that is expected from a speaker in its price bracket, suggesting a long-term investment in your home audio setup. Conversely, the Edifiers offer a more contemporary look with their dark wood finish and sleek design, fitting effortlessly into modern decor. While they may not match the sheer elegance of the Aperions, they certainly do not lack in durability or quality of workmanship.

Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers
Aperion Audio Intimus 5B arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Quality and Performance

Sound quality is where the Aperion Intimus 5B truly shines. With its silk-dome tweeter and woven-fiberglass woofer, it delivers a pristine and articulate sound stage that can be both powerful and nuanced. The level of detail and warmth it provides makes for an intimate listening experience that can be appreciated across various music genres. In contrast, the Edifier R1700BT, with its 19mm dome tweeter and 4-inch woofer, offers a more than satisfactory performance that punches above its weight, offering a balanced and engaging sound that's hard to critique given its price point and additional features.

Connectivity and Flexibility

One of the most significant differences comes in the form of connectivity. The Edifier R1700BT offers Bluetooth capability, which makes them incredibly user-friendly and adaptable to the modern home environment where streaming music wirelessly is often the norm. It's a set-it-and-forget-it scenario that allows seamless integration with smartphones, tablets, and computers. The Aperion Intimus 5B, being a more traditional passive speaker, requires a separate amplifier or receiver but rewards the listener with a purer signal path and potentially higher audio fidelity for those who value a wired connection.

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

The Intimus 5B, due to its passive nature, also offers the flexibility to be paired with a variety of amplifiers, which lets connoisseurs fine-tune their sound to their liking. This can be both a boon and a bane, as it requires additional investment and knowledge to extract the best performance. The Edifiers, however, with built-in amplification, are virtually plug-and-play, which is great for those who prefer a more straightforward setup with minimal fuss.

In terms of value, both sets of speakers offer impressive returns for their respective price points. The Aperion Intimus 5B, while commanding a higher price, is a statement of audiophile intent, offering a level of immersion and audio fidelity that justifies the expenditure for serious listeners. The Edifier R1700BT, meanwhile, delivers robust performance with the added convenience of Bluetooth at a price that's hard to beat, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget or looking for their first pair of quality speakers.

Ultimately, the choice between the Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers and the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers boils down to personal preferences and priorities. If pure sound quality and the indulgence in the nuances of audio reproduction are your main criteria, the Aperions are a compelling choice. However, if you value modern features, flexibility, and affordability without a significant compromise in audio quality, the Edifiers stand out as an attractive option. Both sets of speakers are capable of delivering hours of listening pleasure, but they cater to different sensibilities within the diverse world of home audio enthusiasts.


Check Current Prices:

Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers
Aperion Audio Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth 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.