When comparing Edifier R1700BT vs Mackie CR3, the Slant community recommends Mackie CR3 for most people. In the question“What are the best bookshelf speakers for $100?” Mackie CR3 is ranked 4th while Edifier R1700BT is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Mackie CR3 is:
It’ll be easier for you to position the main speaker as you prefer. At the back of the main speaker is a switch that allows you to select if the main speaker will be left or right channel. The other speaker will automatically be set to the other channel.
Specs
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Pros
Pro They have a good sound quality and convenient features that are rare in the price range
The R1700BT has a very good sound performance which is enhanced by Bluetooth connectivity, tone controls, and remote functionality. Other speakers in this price category usually don't have such a combination of useful features.
Pro You can use wireless connection
With the R1700BT, you won’t need to deal with wired connectivity issues. These speakers can connect to audio sources via Bluetooth, so you can easily pair these with smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled audio sources.
Pro You don't need an external amp
These speakers are really easy to set up because there is a built-in amp. You can connect them directly to an audio source without a receiver or an external speaker amplifier.
Pro Having a remote is very convenient
With the remote, you can turn the speakers on or off, adjust volume, mute the sound, or switch between Bluetooth and wired sources.
Pro The tone controls are easy to reach
You can easily tweak the sound of these speakers using the tone control knobs on the right speaker. You can adjust volume, treble, and bass to better suit your preferences.
Pro The sound is warm and smooth
The speakers have full sounding mids with a slightly boosted bass. Vocals, guitar, and keys can be easily heard and sound good; bass hits have good power. Hip-hop and dance music as well as movie and game audio sound great, with dialogue easy to hear and understand.
Pro Wired input is still available
You don't need to worry if your audio sources do not have Bluetooth. There are 2 RCA input connections so you can still hook up to two wired devices.
Pro You can select what channel the main speaker will be
It’ll be easier for you to position the main speaker as you prefer. At the back of the main speaker is a switch that allows you to select if the main speaker will be left or right channel. The other speaker will automatically be set to the other channel.
Pro Clear sound with good bass levels
The highs are clear and have okay detail. The mids are not very forward but they sound natural and full. The bass is quite powerful and will give music a boomy and thumpy feel.
Pro Two analog input options to choose from
You’ll have some flexibility as to the source devices that you can use with these speakers. You can choose between TRS or RCA inputs.
Pro Loud volume output
Despite the small size, these speakers can output good volume levels, enough to fill a small room with sound.
Pro Foam isolation pads included
Excess vibrations from the speakers to your desk won’t be too much of a big issue. Instead of stick on rubber feet, the CR3 speakers come with foam isolation pads which are quite good at minimizing vibrations.
Cons
Con Sound may be too muddy
This isn't the best choice if you want a highly detailed sound. While the mids and the bass are forward, the highs are quite recessed, and fine audio details may sound muddy.
Con No room compensation controls
You’ll have to take the extra time and effort to properly position these speakers. There are no bass compensation controls to adjust low-end output when positioning these speakers near a wall, so it’ll be much harder for you to get the proper bass response.
Con Bass can overpower the overall sound
The overall sound can get boomy and muddy. The bass is quite powerful so on bass-heavy tracks, the details of the music may be washed out.
