Edifier R1700BT vs. Monoprice Monolith THX-265B

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to bookshelf speakers, the landscape is brimming with choices that can satisfy the discerning ears of audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Navigating this space requires a keen sense of what you desire from your auditory experience. Today, I'll be contrasting two contenders: the Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers and the Monoprice Monolith THX-265B Bookshelf Speakers. These two models represent different philosophies in sound reproduction and feature sets, catering to varied audiences in the ever-expanding market of home audio.

Design and Build Quality

Beginning with aesthetics, the Edifier R1700BT speakers boast a modern look with a sleek design that includes a black front and walnut vinyl finish. They have a retro vibe that exudes a familiar charm, making them a tasteful addition to any room. In contrast, the Monoprice Monolith THX-265B speakers present a more utilitarian appearance, with a focus on function over form. They possess a no-nonsense, matte black finish that suggests these speakers mean business. While both sets are solidly built, the Monolith’s THX certification implies a standard of durability and quality that is reassuring for longevity.

Connectivity and Ease of Use

On the topic of connectivity, the R1700BT edges ahead with its Bluetooth capability, which allows for easy wireless streaming from various devices, a handy feature for those who prioritize convenience. The R1700BT also comes with a compact remote, making it a breeze to control volume and pairing functions. Meanwhile, the Monoprice Monolith THX-265B speakers lack Bluetooth, focusing instead on a traditional wired connection that may appeal to purists who prefer an unadulterated signal path for potentially higher fidelity.

Sound Quality

Sound quality is, of course, the heart of the matter. The Edifier R1700BT speakers deliver a warm and pleasing sound with a decent bass response for their size, due in part to the built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Dynamic Range Control (DRC) that prevent distortion. The treble is crisp, and the mids are clear, making for an overall balanced sound that can easily fill a small to medium-sized room.

Conversely, the Monoprice Monolith THX-265B speakers are a force to be reckoned with. With THX certification, they're engineered to provide a cinema-quality sound that offers a deep, controlled bass, transparent mids, and detailed highs. The soundstage is expansive, and the imaging precise, enabling an immersive listening experience that brings movies and music to life. They are designed to reproduce soundtracks with the authenticity the creators intended, creating a benchmark for accuracy and performance in their class.

Where the R1700BT may have the upper hand in size and nimbleness, the Monolith THX-265B's larger drivers and dedicated crossovers give them a distinct advantage in power handling and sound pressure level capabilities. This means that at higher volumes, the Monolith speakers maintain clarity and articulation, making them a better choice for larger rooms or for those who crave a more visceral listening experience.

Delving deeper into the audio specifics, the Edifier R1700BT speakers operate within a frequency range of 60Hz – 20kHz, which is ample for most music listening scenarios. In comparison, the Monoprice Monolith THX-265B's reach further down to 50Hz and up to 20kHz. This extended range, combined with the THX standard, translates into a more detailed bass response and an ability to reveal the subtle nuances in complex musical passages or film scores.

In terms of power, the R1700BT speakers come with a built-in amplifier delivering 15W RMS to each tweeter and 18W RMS to each woofer, which is respectable for their size and price point. On the flip side, the Monolith THX-265B speakers are passive, requiring an external amplifier or receiver. This could be seen as a drawback or a benefit, depending on your setup — it allows audiophiles the flexibility to pair the speakers with their amp of choice to achieve the desired sound signature.

In conclusion, the choice between the Edifier R1700BT and the Monoprice Monolith THX-265B bookshelf speakers ultimately hinges on the listener's priorities. If you seek a user-friendly, all-in-one solution with modern features like Bluetooth, the R1700BT is an excellent pick. However, for those who demand the pinnacle of audio fidelity and have the equipment to support it, the Monolith THX-265B speakers are the clear standout. Both sets have their merits, and either would be a worthy addition to your home audio repertoire.