Edifier P17 Passive Shelf Speakers Pair - Clear Highs, Rich Bass

In this review of the Edifier P17 passive bookshelf speakers, the bottom line is simple: these are a well-built, budget-friendly option for anyone building a surround sound system who already has or plans to buy an external amplifier or receiver. The single biggest reason to pick the P17 is their balanced sound signature driven by a silk dome tweeter and a Nomex diaphragm bass driver, which delivers clear highs and surprisingly solid bass extension for compact shelf or wall-mounted use. They work best as satellites in 5.1, 7.1 or 11.1 setups or as left/right speakers where space is limited.

Key Features

• Passive design: Requires an external amplifier or receiver, which lets you choose the power and tonal character to suit your room and preferences.
• Silk dome tweeter: Provides impressively sharp, clear highs that help vocals and high-frequency detail stand out without sounding harsh.
• Nomex membrane driver: Delivers smooth, strong low-frequency response and a sense of depth that benefits movies and games.
• Bass reflex port: Improves bass response and gives the speakers better low-end extension than a sealed bookshelf of similar size.
• Bare wire or banana inputs: Flexible connection options and included speaker cable make setup straightforward for most receivers and amps.
• Built-in wall mounts: Wall brackets are integrated for flexible placement as side or rear surround speakers in multi-channel systems.

Who It's For

The P17 pair is aimed at budget-conscious listeners, dorm and apartment owners, and home theater builders who need compact satellites or bookshelf speakers that can be wall mounted. They suit buyers who already have an amp or receiver, or who plan to select one to tune the system's power and tone.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who want powered speakers with built-in amplification or audiophiles seeking the absolute last bit of detail and imaging from high-end drivers; the P17s are strong for their class but are designed as practical, value-oriented passive speakers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear mid-range and treble from the silk dome tweeter makes dialogue and music detail easy to hear.
• Nomex diaphragm and bass reflex port give better-than-expected low-end for compact speakers.
• Solid MDF enclosure and wood-accent finish look and feel more premium than typical budget boxes.
• Included speaker cable and integrated wall mounts simplify installation in surround setups.

Cons

• Because they are passive, you must provide an amplifier or receiver to power them, adding cost and complexity.
• As compact bookshelf speakers, they cannot match the deep bass of larger floorstanders without a subwoofer.

Specifications

Type	Passive bookshelf / shelf speakers
Configuration	2-way pair with silk dome tweeter and Nomex driver
Driver sizes	34-in silk dome tweeter; 4-in bass driver
Enclosure	Solid MDF with wood accent finish
Mounting	Built-in wall brackets for wall mounting
Connections	Bare wire or banana inputs; speaker cable included

Our Verdict

The Edifier P17 passive bookshelf speakers are a sensible value for anyone assembling a home theater or compact stereo who already has an amp or receiver. They combine clear highs, respectable bass for their size, and flexible mounting options, making them a practical choice as surround satellites or small-room left/right speakers that punch above their price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these speakers need an amplifier?
Yes. The P17 are passive speakers and require an external amplifier or receiver to provide power and crossover control.

Can they be wall mounted?
Yes. The speakers include built-in wall brackets for easy mounting as side or rear surrounds.

Are cables included?
Yes. Speaker cable is included and connections support bare wire or banana plugs for flexibility.