SVS Prime Bookshelf Truthful & Technical Review

Written review/data can be found here:

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All of my tests are conducted using KLIPPEL Hardware and Software. KLIPPEL is an innovative leader in providing unique test equipment for electro-acoustical transducers and audio systems. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Wolfgang Klippel, the novel techniques developed for control and measurement systems of loudspeakers and other transducers are the result of over 30 years of fundamental research. This provides more accurate physical models of loudspeakers, micro-speakers and headphones valid for both small and large amplitudes. The focus is on revealing the root causes of signal distortion and defects and giving practical indications for improvements in design and manufacturing of audio products. For information on KLIPPEL products, please visit their site below:

[formerhobbit]

Erin, Love the EQing of your voice to represent a forward mid-range. Very original content and very useful to your viewers.

[avnut]

Love your reviews backed up by testing.
Thank you!

[Huube]

This sounds like a great HT speaker. It can handle high volumes and the midrange boost can help some dialogue.

[ronnzi]

Thanks for this review! Providing us with your EQ settings is SUPER helpful. For people that already own these speakers, having this data following the klippel data is great!

[Simon_Hawkshaw]

Thank you for this review. I decided to get the Ultras and have found them my 'go to speaker'. The Ultras are the best I have ever heard or owned. I was glad to hear your precise and in-depth review of the Primes. Thank you as always for your time and effort.

[NosEL]

Man I freaking love these vids. Overall not a bad speaker and now I know why a lot of people like this one...that slightly boosted midrange and up while staying together at high volumes. Decent looking too. Not for me but I do like the SVS sub I own, their PEQ really works well and has made an audible difference in my room. A few changes to this older model speaker and I think SVS could have a true winner on their hands if they manage to stay at this price point. Great vid, truly enjoyed it.

[dananskidolf]

I hope SVS (and others) send you more gear to test, free of bias. Would very much like to see what the Ultra range has over the Prime range. If it resolves that directivity problem here and with the centre speaker, it could be well worth the extra money.

[chashint]

Thanks in particular for talking a little bit about your robotic measuring machine.
As always, your description about the speaker’s sound is well thought out and presented without hyperbole and then circling the measured data and predicted room response back to the listening description is just very cool.

[RdandTrk]

Been anticipating this review! Thanks for your hard work.

Edit: I've had this speaker for over 6 months now and am in love with it. After watching the entire review, I can say that what you've said about it and what the data shows is fair, or that is to say, lines up with my experience. Nice work Erin! Any suggestions on a good speaker in this price range?

[deankim]

So cool how you actually demonstrated what you mean by forward sound.

[ShamuXEagleDriver]

EQ voice demos separate your reviews from the crowd. Very informative, combined with the data makes us more critical listeners and better educated consumers.
Keep up the great work 👍

[ronniefarhat]

Thank you for looking into this one! I would love if SVS were to send you their Ultra Center. In its price range, it seems to be one of the best 3-way centers out there. I’d be really interested to see what you think about it compared to others you’ve tested.

[ChihuAudioMan]

Hopefully the Ultra bookshelves, and center are on the list for review as well. Wondering if they are a bit flatter in their response.

[brucermarino]

Great work, again Erin! Keep these technical reviews coming ...

[MRPC]

Feels like so many speakers "intended" for HT use are bright. Sure, EQ will help, but the common wisdom also seems to be to not EQ above Schroeder. Kind of like how many "rock" speakers are bright and make a lot of rock recordings unlistenable.

[mynthecooldude]

Awesome review.

When it comes to speakers there is always have to compromise, I think.

What I want is 3 speakers left, right, and center for music and home theater.

They have to be linear, loud, and a wide off-axis response.
Aka a unicorn.

[adamjj]

Great review Erin. Nice to see SVS get some attention. I had the Prime Wireless and also experienced the 2-4k bump and lifted highs. I'd be curious how the Ultra's compare.

[JF-emhr]

Very smart to show the more forward sound on the fly. Thanks.

[TheBassallyear]

the frustrating part with the Prime line is that the bookshelves and the towers do ok, especially with some EQ, but the matching center is just not great at all. I'd love to see a test of the SVS ultra center to see if it can keep up with its counterparts?

[nervouscough]

Preying to the audio Gods for a truthful and technical review of the SVS Ultra Towers.