Edifier R1700BT vs. MartinLogan Motion 6i

Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker
MSRP
$180 $300
Dimensions (H × W × D)
9.75” × 6.00” × 8.00”
248mm × 152mm × 203mm
5.20” × 17.50” × 4.00”
132mm × 444mm × 102mm
Power Type
Powered Passive
Frequency Response
60-20,000 Hz 120-23,000 Hz
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of accessible high-fidelity sound, the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers offer a compelling blend of wireless convenience and sterling audio performance for the budget-conscious listener. Their dynamic range and clear tonality are perfect for intimate listening spaces. In contrast, the MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker, while not Bluetooth-capable, is a serious contender in the home theater market, delivering exceptionally articulate dialog and detailed midrange thanks to its advanced Folded Motion tweeter. It's an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking a pristine, cinematic experience. Choosing between the two depends on one's priority: versatile streaming or home theater precision.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to setting up a home audio system, the choice of speakers can make or break the listening experience. For the audiophile looking at mid-range options, the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers stand out as a versatile and user-friendly choice, while the MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker is a specialized option that caters to a more discerning ear, particularly for home theater enthusiasts. Comparing these two can help determine which might serve your audio needs more effectively.

Design and Build Quality

The Edifier R1700BT speakers boast a sleek, classic bookshelf design that can fit into a variety of room aesthetics. The wooden finish not only adds a touch of elegance but also contributes to the overall sound quality. On the other hand, the MartinLogan Motion 6i, with its unique curved design and the iconic MartinLogan build, exudes a more modern look. It's designed to complement flat-screen TVs and is crafted with high-quality materials that reflect its premium lineage.

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

Connectivity and Convenience

An area where the Edifier R1700BT shines is in its connectivity options. Equipped with Bluetooth, these speakers offer a level of convenience for users looking to wirelessly stream audio from various devices. This feature is absent in the MartinLogan Motion 6i, which, as a dedicated center channel speaker, is designed to be hardwired into a home theater system, limiting its flexibility but ensuring a stable connection for a critical element of a surround sound setup.

Sound Performance

Sound quality is where the comparison gets intriguing. The Edifier R1700BT provides a balanced sound with a satisfying bass response, which is impressive for bookshelf speakers. They are well-suited for a range of music genres and can fill a medium-sized room with ease. However, the MartinLogan Motion 6i is specifically tuned for vocal clarity, making it superb for dialogue and on-screen action. Its precision and detail in the midrange frequencies are hard to beat, and with the Folded Motion tweeter, the highs are exceptionally clear without being piercing.

MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 6i arrow (at Amazon.com)

Purpose and Functionality

It's important to consider the intended use of the speakers. The Edifier R1700BT speakers are versatile and can be used for a wide array of audio experiences, from music to casual movie watching. The MartinLogan Motion 6i, though, is a dedicated center channel meant to anchor the dialogue and critical sound elements in a multi-speaker home theater arrangement. It's not intended for standalone usage like the Edifiers, but rather to complement additional speakers in delivering an enveloping audio experience.

When evaluating performance against cost, the Edifiers offer great value for money. They deliver a quality audio experience at a price point that is accessible for most. The MartinLogan Motion 6i, however, is an investment for the home theater purist. It's priced higher, but it promises and delivers audio fidelity that can justify the expense for those who demand nuanced sound reproduction, especially in cinematic contexts.

In conclusion, the choice between the Edifier R1700BT and the MartinLogan Motion 6i depends largely on the user's specific needs and audio environment. For the everyday listener who seeks convenience and broad functionality, the Edifiers are a compelling choice. However, for the home theater enthusiast who requires crisp dialogue and a speaker that can work in concert with others to create a truly immersive experience, the MartinLogan Motion 6i is undoubtedly the way to go. Both speakers represent the quality and dedication of their respective brands to deliver top-notch audio experiences to their audiences.


Check Current Prices:

Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion 6i Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Motion 6i 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.