Wow, the difference in sound is extremely subtle I almost couldn't tell one speaker from the other. I think it was more noticeable with vocals than anything else.
If you had that hard a time placing them above the UB5s for performance and the ELACs are 1/2 the cost, then value wise the ELACs are head and shoulders better for the money.
Once again killer sound demos. This is how it's done! The Ultras sound pretty close to the reference section on my system! Impressive because my system has a nice subwoofer in it. But the highs, mids and even higher bass notes are very similar. Really makes me happy because that means my homemade speakers sound just as good if not better then SVS expensive stuff!
Hi Joe, I found this review from the SVS newsletter today. I really appreciate your high quality content -- sharp video, detailed review, great use of cutaway video, and nice lighting and audio quality. Your presentation quality reminds of of Marques Brownlee. I'm always trying to make my own content better so you are a good example to follow. I've subscribed to your channel and look forward to more great content. Thanks!
Thank you for the awesome compliments! I am a fan of MKBHD. That guy is constantly improving and is so far ahead of most TH-camrs in terms of video production and professionalism. I've been a follower of his before the guy even started college. Would you mind forwarding the email to joe@joentell.com?
Seems like some subtle differences in the sound signature of these speakers. A little more depth and clarity, but certainly not worth double the price. Of course this isn't like listening to them in person, but the Sony MDR-Z7M2 headphones I'm using do a pretty good job.
I have Uni-Fi UB5's and UC5's for my front stage for my Dolby Atmos setup at home. I love it. I feel like it's a bit dark (highs are rolled off too much) for certain dialogue on TV shows and movies. Audyssey room correction helps a lot. For music, I use direct mode.
Thank you Joe! I just ordered a set of the Ultra and a set of the Klipsch R-51M, along with the SVS SoundBase amp to level the playing field... I have 3 SVS subs, so good there... I want the best of both worlds. You rock.
Been two weeks with the Ultra bookshelves... They just keep getting better and better... Still have yet to set everything up, almost there, just finishing up the new AV stand. I'm not as fast as I used to be...
Wow... a really awesome review of these SVS Ultras! Even though your heart is with the UB5s, you showed great objectivity, while still acknowledging your UB5 love! The suspense was incredible! I’m a SVS sub owner, and will likely get the Ultras. Your review fleshed out a lot more information, and was really helpful, bro! Thanks again!
So for use as side surrounds in a home theater setup, is it safe to say the Primes would be just as good, or do you think it would be worth going with the Ultras?
I would definitely not spend extra for the Ultras in that scenario. Maybe, you could make the case for front main speakers. But that's just my opinion. It may depend on your room size and the distance from your speakers. Call up SVS. Their guys won't try to upsell you if they don't think it's right for you. They talk people down from getting bigger, more expensive subs if they have to. They're good folks.
Interesting. I recently purchased a pair of the SVS Ultra Bookshelves. I use them probably 60% in 2.1 for music, 40% as part of a larger home theater system. If you just cannot put big tower speakers in your room, these plus a subwoofer make for a very compelling alternative, even in larger rooms where lesser bookshelf speakers would struggle and run out of gas. Mine have no issues filling a room 24' x 19' x 9' and remain utterly unruffled even when driven as hard as I would ever want to drive them. Admittedly, they are a bit bigger and heavier than a typical bookshelf speaker, but they still manage to punch above their size/weight. Probably the thing that has impressed me the most is the crispness of the imaging they are capable of. I've never before had speakers so precise that you can identify not only where the drum set is on the stage, but also identify where each individual drum in that drum set is located in relation to one another, even though they are all less than a foot or two apart in the real world. You are not going to hear things like that in every track, it is going to heavily depend on how the source was originally recorded and mixed. But when you do catch little moments like that, it can make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. To the extent there is any downside beyond price, it is that you basically have to commit to using these with a sub. It would be criminal not to. I have a very much not-at-SVS-level subwoofer, and so I was a bit dubious about pairing my lesser sub with these great speakers. But in A/B comparisons between 2.0 and 2.1, it was not even close. A sub should make the speakers sound better, that is the whole point, but these speakers just come alive with one. They are so much more vibrant and alive when used with a sub that it felt like they were specifically designed to be used with one. So it is nice to see my intuitions confirmed with that graph. Given how flat these speakers are generally, that dip right at 80Hz has to be deliberate, and it has to be there because they are expecting you to use a sub.
I was curious about the difference from the current Prime Bookshelf speakers that I’ve had for years. It essentially confirmed my suspicion that the Ultras sound a bit larger, like monitors, but an SVS SB-1000 Pro subwoofer with Prime Bookshelf speakers will probably make most people happier for a similar price (adjustable bass settings for different rooms and positions).
I’ve never seen such flat response from speakers in my life. And even more amazing was both the Elac and SVS had almost perfectly flat response (3:06 and 3:41) all the way from 55hz to almost 20,000hz. Simply amazing.
The acoustic guitar demo sealed the deal for me that the ultras is the superior one. Now, I must find some change under the car carpet for savings. As always, stellar comparisons vid.
I'm famous! LOL great review brother. For fun we can continue the debate in regard to price. UniFi floorstanders you can get right now for $800 a pair. $200 less than the ultra bookshelves. Perhaps it's not fair to compare Towers to bookshelves but it does make one think. Then I suppose you need to bring the prime Towers into the conversation versus the ultra bookshelves as well. The battle goes on LOL
Michael Greco Build quality costs money, too. The Ultras have well made cabinets (19 lbs each), real wood veneer, and high quality drivers and crossover components. It would be more fair to compare the Uni-fi Slims, but they still have the plastic trim rings compared to machined aluminum on the Ultra.
It’s hard to overstate how well the ultras handle high volume. Mine are powered by two bridged Crown XLS1502s giving them over 1000 watts each and when I crank the volume up they deliver loud and clear. Of course I have them backed up by an incredible sub, the Rythmik G25HP. It’s not an audiophile system by any means, but for parties and listening while outside it rocks. My neighbors are huge fans I assume.
I bought both of these. Love them! Using the Primes as side surrounds in a 5.1.4. And the Ultras in a 2-channel system. Fantastic sound. Love these guys!! Yes. The sub is also svs! Lol
Hey Joe, great job as always. It doesn't look like you were totally convinced to put the Ultras ahead of the UB5s. Reviewers like yourself have a tough job. So many things to consider. Now try to find a pair of Buchardt S300 or S400s. Love your channel. Honesty, integrity, and great sound demo comparisons.
Nice, Joe. It's tough to see a fave take 2nd spot, but honestly, at half the price those UB5's are amazing, even to the point that you prefer them over the SVS Ultra for strict music listening. Nice video, thanks for the demo tracks link!
Yeah, it's just that the last column says "Best Overall Sound Quality (Regardless of Price)" I did that on purpose. I also have different price ranges and the UB5's are still at the top of the best under $500 category.
@@joentell just some fyi, you turned me on to a couple of speakers on your board. Tomorrow I'll be picking up the floorstanding Pioneers (FS52), and after a bit of time I am planning on those Wharfedale Crystal 4.3...those are both thanks to your channel so manufacturers listen up! Lol I actually pushed back my plans on getting the big Fluance Signature HFF for a while so I could experience the Wharfedales. If you get a chance to audition those large Fluance...I'd love it. Lol
I agree with Joe on that aspect. The UB5'S are top notch two channel speaker set ups. I think they're already a staple in benchmarks by far. The only thing that kills them is the 4 ohm load and they want power power power. Which in most cases they aren't set up that way. Still awesome
Thanks joe for helping me make my decision on the Utras. They are a beautiful speaker. Really enjoying my movies and music content with these beauties.
Great review once again. As I mentioned in an earlier video, I'm very happy with these speakers and to my ear were better sounding than the LS50s. Once positioning and toe in is perfect, the imaging is incredible. If you still have the Ultras, play "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" and close your eyes while listening. My ultras are now paired with the SVS PB2000 (1000 wasn't enough) and I'm DSPing with Dirac and DDRC-24. FWIW I'm crossing over at 60 with a LR24 filter. I never tried the the UB5s due to the reviews-- "great speakers" always followed by the caveat "for the money"-- and lower end build quality.
I really don't have a lot of bad things to say about the UB5's build quality except for the vinyl being easier to pull up compared to other speakers. They're higher than the Primes on my leaderboard and those are more expensive. Your system seems like it would be awesome especially with Dirac.
i learned from my Microlab Solo 6 that if you want them to do bass mids and highs well , you use a 2.1 ( or 2.2 ) setup or pick 3-way speakers ( like the UniFi UB5 ) . if you ask a midwoofer to do bass like a sub ( even cheap sub ) it will obey , but both mids and bass will be produced mediocre at best
That 80 Hz dip is most likely due to the passive crossover , as suggested . To avoid this an electronic active crossover would have to be utilized . Something like Symmetry , using a sub , crossing over at above 80 dip .
Joe N Tell it’s not like you didn’t have the knowledge before , I just feel like you are presenting it in a way that is easier to relate to...when someone is deciding upon a setup.
Do the svs prime bookshelfs have good performance overall? I am in a very small room and have 2 svs sb 1000’s, so i don’t need crazy bass from these. Do they have a strong and good midrange? My final question is, are they good for home theatre? Sorry for my noob questions
They're really solid. Mid-range and top end are as good as it gets in my opinion. They were designed for home theater! Those aren't Noob questions...they're really good ones!
Hey Joe can you review the audioengine hdp6 speakers? am curious to know about your opinion on those speakers has well has where would it fall in your leaderboard.
Love the channel - also curious to see you review the Klipsch RP book shelves and the RP smaller towers that aren’t super expensive to see how they stack up. Keep up the good work!
I'm actually looking for a frankenstein setup of sorts; already have a pair of LS50's and considering what center and rears to get. Pretty much fixed on the center with the SVS Ultra, but I wonder if the Prime is enough for the rears and if I won't have any frequency issues. Using a DefTech Prosub 800 atm, might upgrade to SVS SB down the road (or add it in as 5.2?). Any suggestions/ideas?
So if I have a decent SVS sub (PB12-NSD), are you saying I wouldn't notice much difference between prime/ultra for home theater use? I'd love to get the ultras....but thats a lot of $$, wondering if I would be better off getting the 2 primes and a center for about the same $$. Your thoughts?
Great video, awesome comparison, and amazing speakers! The SVS Ultra towers offer a larger separation with greater imaging and enhancement with low frequencies with SVS's better crossover design vs the bookshelf speakers in my opinion.
Nice work brother! 👍 - I am listening to this review on my svs ultra bookshelf 🙂. I said in my amazon review that you can use the ultras as studio monitor.
SVS Ultra FTW! Truly true to their claim of "enhanced sensitivity and voicing that’s transparent and completely faithful to the source material. ... The clarity offers a sense of transparency, while offering an ‘airy’ presentation so vocals, dialogue and musical content always sound crisp, smooth and natural."
Hi i have the ultra towers and ultra center and ultra surrounds. Do you think i could go Whit the Prime bookshelf instead of the ultra bookshelf as back surrounds speakers. Or is it better to stay Whit the ultra series..? I do have 2 subbs for the lows.
I love that you liked the Peerless DA25TX00-08 1" Corundum Dome Tweeter, it measures great and its super flat to +/-1.5 db ive been thinking about ordering the parts to make toid's eso7s which use this tweeter and now they're out of stock, they must be that good! The SVS ultra sounds amazing, the depth to the soundstage, i can really hear the echo. The thing I dont like about hifi is that edm sounds muddy when a lot is going on and its very apparent with these amazing speakers
Do these need an amp to play or do they have a built in one? I'm torn between the Audioengine HD6 or these, but the Audioengines have a built in amp with DAC...
These are passive. Maybe look at something like the SMSL AD18 to amplify these. Here's my review of that amp/DAC th-cam.com/video/6-LNA-Or_zc/w-d-xo.html
If I wanted a pair of these, and a svs sub..how would I power this stuff? I'd like to hook it up to a laptop, and a tv. Sorry, I'm a noob..but I want the best sound..
You would need an amplifier for the two speakers. Subs usually have their own amplifier. Maybe look at some audio video receivers (AVR's.) I have some here that I like: www.kit.com/joentell
@@joentell Thank you. Does svs not make amplifiers? I'm honestly thinking about maybe going with the svs ultra towers haha. Power on those is recommended 20-300 watts, what does that mean? Should I go for 300 watts - is that each? If I am looking at amplifiers and it says '50w x2' does that mean it will supply 50w to two speakers? So if I went with the ultra towers I'd want something like 250 x2 to get a pretty good sound, correct?
Does price factor into your overall rating? If so, wouldn't the UB5 be best overall at less than half the price? Are you getting twice the speaker/performance with the Ultra?
With dual terminals that separate the Woofer from the tweeter, how do any internal crossovers work? Or do these speakers require external crossovers unless they ARE bi-amped?
Should I buy into a 5.1 system with Klipsch 8000f as LCR and SVS PB-3000 as subwoofer. Alternatively, should I buy SVS Ultra Towers and subwoofer for a 2.1 system and upgrade to 5.1 over time? Thanks,
Thks for review. Other than the differences in the low end which I feel is subtle, both speakers sound the same. What I'd like to know is, which speaker can produce the SQ in the red zones? That area sounds best to me
How Do the BIC Venturi DV62si stand for budget bookshelves? Stereophile mag says the center version is the BEST sounding center they've heard at ANY price
Hey @TheeJoeyLee, I have a set of BIC Venturi Bipolar Floorstanders that stay in my rotation for a long time when I get them out. They are super nice speakers from some time back with a great personality that's both warm and laid back, yet also sound huge and will jam like crazy when you ask them to. I really like BIC Venturi.
Thanks for doing the AB speaker test, I am listening on a pair of $20 computer speakers and well...should I be able to hear a difference? I am interested in a Music set and I liked Elac 6.2 but something is missing.
Hey brotha, I was sold on the Ultra’s as the way to go for bookshelves, but a friend of mine suggested Monitor Audio Silver Series. I’m simply looking for the best sounding bookshelves. Have you listened to the Monitor Audio Silver Series? If so, how do they compare to the Ultras? I appreciate your feedback.
I currently have the Dayton b652 air bookshelf speakers with klipsch 12 inch sub for my room, and I'm debating weather or not I should go for the svs primes or to the ultras. I've been fantasizing about getting a pair of those svs speakers for a while and now I have the opportunity to make the jump because I get a nice discount on them. Really I just need a second opinion on which pair I should buy
I would go ultra if you are mainly interested in music and going to be doing a lot of 2.1 listening. For mainly home theater, I would get an ultra center and drop down to primes for the other two front channels. The center channel is the most important, by far, in home theater. I currently have all three of my front channels in a matched set of ultras. That is frankly significant overkill for just home theater. It is not overkill if you are using one system for both music and home theater and going to be doing a lot of both kinds of listening. Either way, keep your sub and definitely use it with whatever you go with.
Thank you!! Awesome video and great narratives! Easy to understand Was considering prime or ultra and going to save some money with that subwoofer coming together. Didn’t realize these were two years old now! Anything new to recommend for 2.1?
HI , Joe I brought the SVS ultra I am very happy with them. I also got Sonos Amp also in less the 15 months the sonos stop working . Sonos send me a new amp now they have updated their app and my LG tv isn't working by HDMI ARC. They claim LG need to update their software . LG claims it is Sonos software. Have you heard anything about this problem ? The software updated happen last night. I have been on the phone with both companies with no answers for this issue
Hi Gavin. What I mean is that when you look at the frequency response graph the left represents the lower frequencies, the middle for the mid-range frequencies, and the right the upper frequencies. When I say the top end is rolled off, I mean that instead of upper frequencies being flat or upward, they are tilted downwards. The same phrase can be used to describe how the bass frequencies begin to drop off or "roll off". Hope that helps.
I’m a big fan of your reviews. Very objective and detailed! Can you please review the Goldenear AON3? Would love to hear your objective comparison to the SVS ultras.
The Elac Carina comes out this year! The Carina will be in the Ultra price bracket. $1200 is what they're saying. On my list already 😁. But as far as $500 price bracket. The Elac for music is hard to beat. Still depends on tastes in the end
You bring up a VERY good point. As with most of the stuff we buy, twice the price does not usually equate to twice as good. I've been listening very critically to the Ultra's for a few days now and they do sound twice as good as SOME $500 a pair speakers I have tried out. But just as the Ultra's can compete with speakers that cost twice their price, and even more, I'm sure there are $500-600 speakers that can hold their own with them as well. One of the things I like about reviews and comparisons like this is the aspect of value. Also, while these comparos are good for baseline data, one has to listen to a speaker in their environment with their ears to determine what's best for them.
@@mikehanks1399 I am in 100% agreement with you and to add to that value is very subjective as well. Some people are willing to pay 10 times the money just to get that extra little bit of whatever it is they want. I have no issue with that and I agree that these comparisons are good for baseline data but the proof is in the hearing or more accurately the listening. What I find great you may think is terrible and vice versa. It really is a matter of taste.
My issue is home theater cheapens everything. Nothing worse than trying to listen to reviews and comments for 2 channel systems and home theater rules with comments. I do like the video though, because you point that difference out very clearly!
The finish and build quality is at a different level on the Ultra. Primes don’t even have internal bracing. Best is to order both and see the the difference for yourself. SVS offers free return shipping anyway.
Hi Joe N Tell! Great channel you have!! Could you review the SVS Ultra Towers? Also what setup (source/DAQ/amp) would you recommend for getting the best music quality ? Thank you !!!
Hey Joe; as these ultras are going to be my next upgrade after the first of the year I am interested in running double duty on them for home theater and stereo. I have a older theater set up with mix matched klipsch and jamo speakers and klipsch r-110 sub. Really considering ditching some of the clutter and just running a quality 2.1 set up in my small living room with the ultras and the sb-2000 . I’m interested in your take on the prime wireless sound base for my amp and just wondering if you were going to give it a review.
Joe - Can you do an experiment for me? Take your favorite speaker and measure them as you reguarly do. Then flip those speakers to face the back wall and measure them again. To make it more interesting, post it as a blind test.
@@joentell wow man. Thats super quick reply. How do they compare with Wharfedale treble? I have Wharfedale Diamond 220 LCR and dialogues are not that clear. I have Yamaha RXV677 for last 4 years. I have increased level from AVR still thay lack clarity in dialogues. So want to upgrade. But those Klipsches are expensive in India. Last checked couple of years back RP150 were equal to 700$ in Indian Rupees. SVS were cheaper. Also SVS centre has 3 way design. So my preference was SVS. Have you listened to SVS centres? Please listen.
Wharfedales have a laid back treble response which is non-fatiguing and easy to listen to. With movies and TV though, unless you're listening loud, it's hard to hear vocals at lower volumes. That's why they have loudness compensation on certain receivers to make up for the way we hear. (Equal loudness contour curve.) The Klipsch and SVS are easier to hear at low volumes because they have brighter treble, but that can be fatiguing for some at louder volumes.
You can tell the Ultra are crossed over lower than the prime, 2kish and probably 4th order - the upper mids and higher are much cleaner and clearer. The Prime has to me a muddier quality that sounds like the woofers were crossed up higher, like 2.5-3k, and not rolled off soon enough.
I tried different things. I tried seeing if it was some sort of cancellation between the woofer and the port. It is audible during sine sweeps also. Easy to pick out. I think it has to do with the specific tuning of this speaker. It doesn't seem like an accident. Whenever you tune a port, there's a likelihood of creating a dip somewhere in the response.
@@joentell A port wouldn't create a dip so close to the tuning frequency. I notice there's also a dip at 160Hz which is double the frequency. Probably related? Too bad you don't have a close woofer measurement, it could tell what's happening.
These measurements are about 2ft from the woofer so pretty close. The port is on the rear and the speaker wasn't near any walls. I've moved the speaker to many different places. I've tested many speakers in this location without that dip so I don't think it's the room. Why can't a dip be that close to the tuning frequency? I don't see why it wouldn't. Could be wrong. The thing that's odd about it to me is how narrow the width of the dip is.
@@joentell 2ft is enough for all kind of interactions to take place. BTW, is it present on both speakers? Port leakage noises are usually narrow peaks, you can see them in some of noaudiophile's or stereophile measurements
Both speakers. I don't have the speakers anymore, but the Prime was doing it too. I still have those. None of my other speakers I've tested did that though. Just seems like an SVS thing from what I've seen. One thing you'll notice immediately is when you look at the speakers, the 6.5" woofer and the relatively large enclosure, you expect them to have more/deeper bass. It's obvious to me that they went with a higher port tuning, on the Prime especially, to be able to play the speaker louder without any distortion. They don't distort at the volume I would expect most speakers to distort.
Great review on this. Being a 2.1 stereo guy the Elac are the ones for me but the 4 ohms is a killer. From what they tell me can’t run my Yamaha cx a 780 receiver. 6 ohms or 8 ohms so how about checking out the wharfedale. 11.2 some time I just got a pair. Thanks again great Job
Man I have one more day with the wharfedale 11.2, before I can return / exchange them. I'm debating whether to keep them or exchange them for the svs ultra bookshelf. 🤔 I mainly use them for retro gaming and watching movies. I just feel like they don't play loud enough or give me that striking, enveloping, powerful sound. Like the are made for audiophile music.
Wow, the difference in sound is extremely subtle I almost couldn't tell one speaker from the other. I think it was more noticeable with vocals than anything else.
what are you listening to them on?
@@superjervis A pair of ordinary, gaming G230, headphones.
I have many speakers to review so I am not missing out on good sound.
Um. Ok. You're saying weird stuff. FYI, I have and use Audacity.
@@joentell this guy goes on random audio channels saying dumb stuff like this. I think its actually a bot.
If you had that hard a time placing them above the UB5s for performance and the ELACs are 1/2 the cost, then value wise the ELACs are head and shoulders better for the money.
Once again killer sound demos. This is how it's done!
The Ultras sound pretty close to the reference section on my system!
Impressive because my system has a nice subwoofer in it. But the highs, mids and even higher bass notes are very similar.
Really makes me happy because that means my homemade speakers sound just as good if not better then SVS expensive stuff!
Hi Joe, I found this review from the SVS newsletter today. I really appreciate your high quality content -- sharp video, detailed review, great use of cutaway video, and nice lighting and audio quality. Your presentation quality reminds of of Marques Brownlee. I'm always trying to make my own content better so you are a good example to follow. I've subscribed to your channel and look forward to more great content. Thanks!
Thank you for the awesome compliments! I am a fan of MKBHD. That guy is constantly improving and is so far ahead of most TH-camrs in terms of video production and professionalism. I've been a follower of his before the guy even started college.
Would you mind forwarding the email to joe@joentell.com?
@@joentell - Thanks for the quick response. I forwarded that newsletter just now. Have a great day!
Seems like some subtle differences in the sound signature of these speakers. A little more depth and clarity, but certainly not worth double the price. Of course this isn't like listening to them in person, but the Sony MDR-Z7M2 headphones I'm using do a pretty good job.
Man I have a Elac Uni-fi for home theater and they are absolutely awesome.
I have Uni-Fi UB5's and UC5's for my front stage for my Dolby Atmos setup at home. I love it. I feel like it's a bit dark (highs are rolled off too much) for certain dialogue on TV shows and movies. Audyssey room correction helps a lot. For music, I use direct mode.
Wich is better svs or elac for movies?
Thank you Joe! I just ordered a set of the Ultra and a set of the Klipsch R-51M, along with the SVS SoundBase amp to level the playing field... I have 3 SVS subs, so good there... I want the best of both worlds. You rock.
Been two weeks with the Ultra bookshelves... They just keep getting better and better... Still have yet to set everything up, almost there, just finishing up the new AV stand. I'm not as fast as I used to be...
Thank you for a comprehensive review with sound samples!!!! I was seriously considering the Primes but now I need to check out the Ultras!!!!!!!
Wow... a really awesome review of these SVS Ultras! Even though your heart is with the UB5s, you showed great objectivity, while still acknowledging your UB5 love! The suspense was incredible! I’m a SVS sub owner, and will likely get the Ultras. Your review fleshed out a lot more information, and was really helpful, bro! Thanks again!
So for use as side surrounds in a home theater setup, is it safe to say the Primes would be just as good, or do you think it would be worth going with the Ultras?
I would definitely not spend extra for the Ultras in that scenario. Maybe, you could make the case for front main speakers. But that's just my opinion. It may depend on your room size and the distance from your speakers. Call up SVS. Their guys won't try to upsell you if they don't think it's right for you. They talk people down from getting bigger, more expensive subs if they have to. They're good folks.
Interesting. I recently purchased a pair of the SVS Ultra Bookshelves. I use them probably 60% in 2.1 for music, 40% as part of a larger home theater system. If you just cannot put big tower speakers in your room, these plus a subwoofer make for a very compelling alternative, even in larger rooms where lesser bookshelf speakers would struggle and run out of gas. Mine have no issues filling a room 24' x 19' x 9' and remain utterly unruffled even when driven as hard as I would ever want to drive them. Admittedly, they are a bit bigger and heavier than a typical bookshelf speaker, but they still manage to punch above their size/weight.
Probably the thing that has impressed me the most is the crispness of the imaging they are capable of. I've never before had speakers so precise that you can identify not only where the drum set is on the stage, but also identify where each individual drum in that drum set is located in relation to one another, even though they are all less than a foot or two apart in the real world. You are not going to hear things like that in every track, it is going to heavily depend on how the source was originally recorded and mixed. But when you do catch little moments like that, it can make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.
To the extent there is any downside beyond price, it is that you basically have to commit to using these with a sub. It would be criminal not to.
I have a very much not-at-SVS-level subwoofer, and so I was a bit dubious about pairing my lesser sub with these great speakers. But in A/B comparisons between 2.0 and 2.1, it was not even close. A sub should make the speakers sound better, that is the whole point, but these speakers just come alive with one. They are so much more vibrant and alive when used with a sub that it felt like they were specifically designed to be used with one. So it is nice to see my intuitions confirmed with that graph. Given how flat these speakers are generally, that dip right at 80Hz has to be deliberate, and it has to be there because they are expecting you to use a sub.
I was curious about the difference from the current Prime Bookshelf speakers that I’ve had for years. It essentially confirmed my suspicion that the Ultras sound a bit larger, like monitors, but an SVS SB-1000 Pro subwoofer with Prime Bookshelf speakers will probably make most people happier for a similar price (adjustable bass settings for different rooms and positions).
Congrats on the direct referral from SVS that brought me to this much needed review! 😉👍
I’ve never seen such flat response from speakers in my life. And even more amazing was both the Elac and SVS had almost perfectly flat response (3:06 and 3:41) all the way from 55hz to almost 20,000hz. Simply amazing.
The acoustic guitar demo sealed the deal for me that the ultras is the superior one. Now, I must find some change under the car carpet for savings. As always, stellar comparisons vid.
Great detailed review. I think comparisons are ESSENTIAL to any review and for me, more relevant.
Thank you!
@@joentell what is the average impendence of these speakers?
I'm famous! LOL great review brother. For fun we can continue the debate in regard to price. UniFi floorstanders you can get right now for $800 a pair. $200 less than the ultra bookshelves. Perhaps it's not fair to compare Towers to bookshelves but it does make one think. Then I suppose you need to bring the prime Towers into the conversation versus the ultra bookshelves as well. The battle goes on LOL
Michael Greco Build quality costs money, too. The Ultras have well made cabinets (19 lbs each), real wood veneer, and high quality drivers and crossover components. It would be more fair to compare the Uni-fi Slims, but they still have the plastic trim rings compared to machined aluminum on the Ultra.
It’s hard to overstate how well the ultras handle high volume. Mine are powered by two bridged Crown XLS1502s giving them over 1000 watts each and when I crank the volume up they deliver loud and clear. Of course I have them backed up by an incredible sub, the Rythmik G25HP. It’s not an audiophile system by any means, but for parties and listening while outside it rocks. My neighbors are huge fans I assume.
Agree!
Great review
Any chance you’ll be reviewing the SVS Prime Pinnacle towers?
I bought both of these. Love them!
Using the Primes as side surrounds in a 5.1.4. And the Ultras in a 2-channel system. Fantastic sound. Love these guys!!
Yes. The sub is also svs! Lol
Hello. Can you tell me would Primes be good as front L/R speakers in home theatre 5.1.2. setup ? Thanks
Hey Joe, great job as always. It doesn't look like you were totally convinced to put the Ultras ahead of the UB5s. Reviewers like yourself have a tough job. So many things to consider. Now try to find a pair of Buchardt S300 or S400s. Love your channel. Honesty, integrity, and great sound demo comparisons.
Nice, Joe. It's tough to see a fave take 2nd spot, but honestly, at half the price those UB5's are amazing, even to the point that you prefer them over the SVS Ultra for strict music listening. Nice video, thanks for the demo tracks link!
Yeah, it's just that the last column says "Best Overall Sound Quality (Regardless of Price)" I did that on purpose. I also have different price ranges and the UB5's are still at the top of the best under $500 category.
@@joentell just some fyi, you turned me on to a couple of speakers on your board. Tomorrow I'll be picking up the floorstanding Pioneers (FS52), and after a bit of time I am planning on those Wharfedale Crystal 4.3...those are both thanks to your channel so manufacturers listen up! Lol I actually pushed back my plans on getting the big Fluance Signature HFF for a while so I could experience the Wharfedales. If you get a chance to audition those large Fluance...I'd love it. Lol
That's awesome. I want to know what you think.
I agree with Joe on that aspect. The UB5'S are top notch two channel speaker set ups. I think they're already a staple in benchmarks by far. The only thing that kills them is the 4 ohm load and they want power power power. Which in most cases they aren't set up that way. Still awesome
@@joentell I'll listen for a bit and definitely let you know. :)
Thanks joe for helping me make my decision on the Utras. They are a beautiful speaker. Really enjoying my movies and music content with these beauties.
Glad it helped!
Just curious what you think Joe N Tell. Would you go with the Primes or Ultras as your rear surround sound speakers?
Great review once again. As I mentioned in an earlier video, I'm very happy with these speakers and to my ear were better sounding than the LS50s. Once positioning and toe in is perfect, the imaging is incredible. If you still have the Ultras, play "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" and close your eyes while listening. My ultras are now paired with the SVS PB2000 (1000 wasn't enough) and I'm DSPing with Dirac and DDRC-24. FWIW I'm crossing over at 60 with a LR24 filter. I never tried the the UB5s due to the reviews-- "great speakers" always followed by the caveat "for the money"-- and lower end build quality.
I really don't have a lot of bad things to say about the UB5's build quality except for the vinyl being easier to pull up compared to other speakers. They're higher than the Primes on my leaderboard and those are more expensive.
Your system seems like it would be awesome especially with Dirac.
i learned from my Microlab Solo 6 that if you want them to do bass mids and highs well , you use a 2.1 ( or 2.2 ) setup or pick 3-way speakers ( like the UniFi UB5 ) . if you ask a midwoofer to do bass like a sub ( even cheap sub ) it will obey , but both mids and bass will be produced mediocre at best
That 80 Hz dip is most likely due to the passive crossover , as suggested . To avoid this an electronic active crossover would have to be utilized . Something like Symmetry , using a sub , crossing over at above 80 dip .
You have to love the video quality in Joe N Tell. Top Notch stuff. Really similar sound compared to other comparisons that have been done.
Your reviews have def started getting better . kudos
Thanks for saying that. I'm always trying new things for better or for worse. I try to keep what works.
Joe N Tell it’s not like you didn’t have the knowledge before , I just feel like you are presenting it in a way that is easier to relate to...when someone is deciding upon a setup.
Do the svs prime bookshelfs have good performance overall? I am in a very small room and have 2 svs sb 1000’s, so i don’t need crazy bass from these. Do they have a strong and good midrange? My final question is, are they good for home theatre? Sorry for my noob questions
They're really solid. Mid-range and top end are as good as it gets in my opinion. They were designed for home theater! Those aren't Noob questions...they're really good ones!
Joe N Tell Thank you so much. Will look into buying them some day down the line
Hey Joe can you review the audioengine hdp6 speakers? am curious to know about your opinion on those speakers has well has where would it fall in your leaderboard.
Klipsch RP Bookshelves ? Why aren't they on your board ?
I haven't tested any yet
Love the channel - also curious to see you review the Klipsch RP book shelves and the RP smaller towers that aren’t super expensive to see how they stack up. Keep up the good work!
I have prime satellite and ultra towers in my home theater... They do really well great review man
Now you need to try Kef R300s. Friends and family love my pair. Friend even has a pair of Ultras and prefers the kefs
Squirrelz why does he prefer the kefs over ultras?
The next progression is a first comparison between the SVS Ultras and LS50's
I'm actually looking for a frankenstein setup of sorts; already have a pair of LS50's and considering what center and rears to get. Pretty much fixed on the center with the SVS Ultra, but I wonder if the Prime is enough for the rears and if I won't have any frequency issues. Using a DefTech Prosub 800 atm, might upgrade to SVS SB down the road (or add it in as 5.2?). Any suggestions/ideas?
one thing to note, is that the ultra bookshelf are 4ohm speakers, and not 8ohm. so you better have a decent amplifier for them.
8 ohms according to SVS's website.
that’s for marketing purpose. check out the extensive review on audioholics, with their testing, they found out that they are truly 4 ohm speakers
Link please.
So if I have a decent SVS sub (PB12-NSD), are you saying I wouldn't notice much difference between prime/ultra for home theater use? I'd love to get the ultras....but thats a lot of $$, wondering if I would be better off getting the 2 primes and a center for about the same $$. Your thoughts?
Yes, I don't think I could tell much difference when crossed over at 80hz.
I noticed when comparing them to some JBLs ( Arena 130 ) that the clarity in vocals (movies) are very impressive with the Ultras.
Great video, awesome comparison, and amazing speakers! The SVS Ultra towers offer a larger separation with greater imaging and enhancement with low frequencies with SVS's better crossover design vs the bookshelf speakers in my opinion.
Nice work brother! 👍 - I am listening to this review on my svs ultra bookshelf 🙂. I said in my amazon review that you can use the ultras as studio monitor.
Oh wow. I didn't actually read it, but cool we came to the same conclusion.
SVS Ultra FTW! Truly true to their claim of "enhanced sensitivity and voicing that’s transparent and completely faithful to the source material. ... The clarity offers a sense of transparency, while offering an ‘airy’ presentation so vocals, dialogue and musical content always sound crisp, smooth and natural."
For surround duty what would you buy prime or ultra I have ultras but to me spending 1k for surrounds doesn’t seem right idk
Hi i have the ultra towers and ultra center and ultra surrounds. Do you think i could go Whit the Prime bookshelf instead of the ultra bookshelf as back surrounds speakers. Or is it better to stay Whit the ultra series..? I do have 2 subbs for the lows.
I love that you liked the Peerless DA25TX00-08 1" Corundum Dome Tweeter, it measures great and its super flat to +/-1.5 db ive been thinking about ordering the parts to make toid's eso7s which use this tweeter and now they're out of stock, they must be that good! The SVS ultra sounds amazing, the depth to the soundstage, i can really hear the echo. The thing I dont like about hifi is that edm sounds muddy when a lot is going on and its very apparent with these amazing speakers
Do these need an amp to play or do they have a built in one? I'm torn between the Audioengine HD6 or these, but the Audioengines have a built in amp with DAC...
These are passive. Maybe look at something like the SMSL AD18 to amplify these. Here's my review of that amp/DAC th-cam.com/video/6-LNA-Or_zc/w-d-xo.html
If I wanted a pair of these, and a svs sub..how would I power this stuff? I'd like to hook it up to a laptop, and a tv. Sorry, I'm a noob..but I want the best sound..
You would need an amplifier for the two speakers. Subs usually have their own amplifier. Maybe look at some audio video receivers (AVR's.) I have some here that I like: www.kit.com/joentell
@@joentell Thank you. Does svs not make amplifiers? I'm honestly thinking about maybe going with the svs ultra towers haha. Power on those is recommended 20-300 watts, what does that mean? Should I go for 300 watts - is that each? If I am looking at amplifiers and it says '50w x2' does that mean it will supply 50w to two speakers? So if I went with the ultra towers I'd want something like 250 x2 to get a pretty good sound, correct?
Just ordered them. So excited
Are the primes more comparable when using a subwoofer?
I really think they get much closer when using a sub
Does price factor into your overall rating? If so, wouldn't the UB5 be best overall at less than half the price? Are you getting twice the speaker/performance with the Ultra?
I have price categories where the UB5 is still the best under $500.
With dual terminals that separate the Woofer from the tweeter, how do any internal crossovers work? Or do these speakers require external crossovers unless they ARE bi-amped?
Should I buy into a 5.1 system with Klipsch 8000f as LCR and SVS PB-3000 as subwoofer. Alternatively, should I buy SVS Ultra Towers and subwoofer for a 2.1 system and upgrade to 5.1 over time?
Thanks,
Is the veneer real wood also what made you choose this over gloss?
I think it's veneer. It was loaned to me by TechnoDad here on TH-cam.
Are the ultras worth twice the price? I know they're better but how much better? What percentage
Thks for review. Other than the differences in the low end which I feel is subtle, both speakers sound the same. What I'd like to know is, which speaker can produce the SQ in the red zones? That area sounds best to me
Red zone is the original track
I would love to see the measurements frequency response of the two and see how they differ.
How Do the BIC Venturi DV62si stand for budget bookshelves? Stereophile mag says the center version is the BEST sounding center they've heard at ANY price
I haven't heard them. I've definitely heard of them, bit I've yet to hear them.
Hey @TheeJoeyLee, I have a set of BIC Venturi Bipolar Floorstanders that stay in my rotation for a long time when I get them out. They are super nice speakers from some time back with a great personality that's both warm and laid back, yet also sound huge and will jam like crazy when you ask them to. I really like BIC Venturi.
Thanks for doing the AB speaker test, I am listening on a pair of $20 computer speakers and well...should I be able to hear a difference? I am interested in a Music set and I liked Elac 6.2 but something is missing.
Do you have a measurements database? Looking forward to it.
Great review with some great comparisons.
I'm really diggin' this channel. Notifications switched ON.✔
🙏🙏🙏
Great objectivity. SVSs rock. You gained a new subscriber
Hey brotha,
I was sold on the Ultra’s as the way to go for bookshelves, but a friend of mine suggested Monitor Audio Silver Series. I’m simply looking for the best sounding bookshelves. Have you listened to the Monitor Audio Silver Series? If so, how do they compare to the Ultras? I appreciate your feedback.
Haven't tried the Monitors
@@joentell thanks. I appreciate you taking the time to get back to me!
I currently have the Dayton b652 air bookshelf speakers with klipsch 12 inch sub for my room, and I'm debating weather or not I should go for the svs primes or to the ultras. I've been fantasizing about getting a pair of those svs speakers for a while and now I have the opportunity to make the jump because I get a nice discount on them. Really I just need a second opinion on which pair I should buy
With a nice sub, I would save my money and get the Primes. With no sub, get the Ultras.
@@joentell thank you for the advice! 👍
I would go ultra if you are mainly interested in music and going to be doing a lot of 2.1 listening. For mainly home theater, I would get an ultra center and drop down to primes for the other two front channels. The center channel is the most important, by far, in home theater. I currently have all three of my front channels in a matched set of ultras. That is frankly significant overkill for just home theater. It is not overkill if you are using one system for both music and home theater and going to be doing a lot of both kinds of listening. Either way, keep your sub and definitely use it with whatever you go with.
Good insight! Appreciate it!🙏
@@trustbuster23 thank you, I guess I'm gonna have to go for the ultra because you described my situation perfectly.
I have unifi Elac ub5 and center channel. Love them.
How do they compare regarding soundstage/ imaging etc. ? The Elacs do very well in these aspects when it comes to 2 channel
Thank you!! Awesome video and great narratives! Easy to understand
Was considering prime or ultra and going to save some money with that subwoofer coming together.
Didn’t realize these were two years old now! Anything new to recommend for 2.1?
Please check my speaker leaderboard. I have reviews for most of those speakers if you search on TH-cam. bit.ly/SpeakerLeaderboard
What would you recommend for surround sides? I currently so have a klispch rp 504c? Used For all channel stereo listening and Home theater
Have you considered reviewing the Chane 2.4s? Or any of the chanes? I would be curious to see them show up on your speaker leaderboard
HI , Joe I brought the SVS ultra I am very happy with them. I also got Sonos Amp also in less the 15 months the sonos stop working . Sonos send me a new amp now they have updated their app and my LG tv isn't working by HDMI ARC. They claim LG need to update their software . LG claims it is Sonos software. Have you heard anything about this problem ? The software updated happen last night. I have been on the phone with both companies with no answers for this issue
you have helped me so much! thank you for your detailed feedback
The Klipsch Reference Premiere bookshelves are more in the peer group of the SVS Ultra's than the Elac are.
What does he mean by roled off highs when talking about tweeters???
Hi Gavin. What I mean is that when you look at the frequency response graph the left represents the lower frequencies, the middle for the mid-range frequencies, and the right the upper frequencies. When I say the top end is rolled off, I mean that instead of upper frequencies being flat or upward, they are tilted downwards.
The same phrase can be used to describe how the bass frequencies begin to drop off or "roll off".
Hope that helps.
Prime vs RP600M, which one is better?
I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the RP-600M's vs the SVS Ultra Bookshelves.
I’m a big fan of your reviews. Very objective and detailed! Can you please review the Goldenear AON3? Would love to hear your objective comparison to the SVS ultras.
I have some speakers lined up to review but I always keep notes on products people request.
For the price of these bookshelves, you could get Airmotiv T2 tower speakers with AMT tweeters. I wonder how these would compare with those.
Good approach to compare
They both sound pretty amazing
Really I would rather hear a comparison with the ELACs at the same price point. At twice the price the Ultra is not twice the speaker in my opinion.
I have a recording of the ELAC UB5's playing the same test tracks. Look up my review shootout with the UB5 and the Wharfedale Diamond 11.1
The Elac Carina comes out this year! The Carina will be in the Ultra price bracket. $1200 is what they're saying. On my list already 😁. But as far as $500 price bracket. The Elac for music is hard to beat. Still depends on tastes in the end
You bring up a VERY good point. As with most of the stuff we buy, twice the price does not usually equate to twice as good. I've been listening very critically to the Ultra's for a few days now and they do sound twice as good as SOME $500 a pair speakers I have tried out. But just as the Ultra's can compete with speakers that cost twice their price, and even more, I'm sure there are $500-600 speakers that can hold their own with them as well. One of the things I like about reviews and comparisons like this is the aspect of value. Also, while these comparos are good for baseline data, one has to listen to a speaker in their environment with their ears to determine what's best for them.
@@mikehanks1399 I am in 100% agreement with you and to add to that value is very subjective as well. Some people are willing to pay 10 times the money just to get that extra little bit of whatever it is they want. I have no issue with that and I agree that these comparisons are good for baseline data but the proof is in the hearing or more accurately the listening. What I find great you may think is terrible and vice versa. It really is a matter of taste.
@@joentell thank you I will have to give it a listen.
Great stuff! Have you reviewed any of the klipsch reference Premier line book shelf speakers?
My issue is home theater cheapens everything. Nothing worse than trying to listen to reviews and comments for 2 channel systems and home theater rules with comments. I do like the video though, because you point that difference out very clearly!
I know some guys using Wilson Audio speakers for their home theater so there's something for everyone.
Thanks for the review. Have you, by chance, had the opportunity to listen to the Legacy Studio HD Bookshelfs?
Maybe at a show, but definitely not at my place.
The finish and build quality is at a different level on the Ultra. Primes don’t even have internal bracing. Best is to order both and see the the difference for yourself. SVS offers free return shipping anyway.
Hi Joe N Tell! Great channel you have!! Could you review the SVS Ultra Towers? Also what setup (source/DAQ/amp) would you recommend for getting the best music quality ? Thank you !!!
Hey Joe; as these ultras are going to be my next upgrade after the first of the year I am interested in running double duty on them for home theater and stereo. I have a older theater set up with mix matched klipsch and jamo speakers and klipsch r-110 sub. Really considering ditching some of the clutter and just running a quality 2.1 set up in my small living room with the ultras and the sb-2000 . I’m interested in your take on the prime wireless sound base for my amp and just wondering if you were going to give it a review.
I have the SoundBase. It's a good amp for sure, but no dedicated remote is a deal breaker for me. Changing the volume using your phone isn't ideal.
Joe - Can you do an experiment for me? Take your favorite speaker and measure them as you reguarly do. Then flip those speakers to face the back wall and measure them again. To make it more interesting, post it as a blind test.
The best part is always when it goes back to the original track :)
Are Primes really fatiguing than Ultras? Now how can you compare to RP600M treble i.e.brightness?
They all sound similar with regard to top end. I think the RP600M's have more bass though
@@joentell wow man. Thats super quick reply. How do they compare with Wharfedale treble? I have Wharfedale Diamond 220 LCR and dialogues are not that clear. I have Yamaha RXV677 for last 4 years. I have increased level from AVR still thay lack clarity in dialogues. So want to upgrade. But those Klipsches are expensive in India. Last checked couple of years back RP150 were equal to 700$ in Indian Rupees. SVS were cheaper. Also SVS centre has 3 way design. So my preference was SVS. Have you listened to SVS centres? Please listen.
Wharfedales have a laid back treble response which is non-fatiguing and easy to listen to. With movies and TV though, unless you're listening loud, it's hard to hear vocals at lower volumes. That's why they have loudness compensation on certain receivers to make up for the way we hear. (Equal loudness contour curve.) The Klipsch and SVS are easier to hear at low volumes because they have brighter treble, but that can be fatiguing for some at louder volumes.
You can tell the Ultra are crossed over lower than the prime, 2kish and probably 4th order - the upper mids and higher are much cleaner and clearer. The Prime has to me a muddier quality that sounds like the woofers were crossed up higher, like 2.5-3k, and not rolled off soon enough.
Right type of intro music & Transformers👍🏾
God I would love to see a direct comparison with the Ultra's against Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 or 2. I would put everything on hold to watch that.
In Australia the SVS ultra cost double of the Unify UB5. Elac for me anyday of the week not over-expensive rest of things not needed.
i really like the Ultra
Hi, How would the SVS ultra work with the sonos amp ?
I don't see why not.
@@joentell I am thinking of buying them but wasn't sure . In the review you said subwoofer may not be need . My living room is 14 by 18 . Thanks
A sub is always good if you can do it. If you can't, find some speakers that have pretty deep bass. Also, your room is not small so you could use it.
@@joentell Thanks ! Joe
This 80Hz dip should not be there. Did you close mic the woofer and the port?
I tried different things. I tried seeing if it was some sort of cancellation between the woofer and the port. It is audible during sine sweeps also. Easy to pick out.
I think it has to do with the specific tuning of this speaker. It doesn't seem like an accident. Whenever you tune a port, there's a likelihood of creating a dip somewhere in the response.
@@joentell A port wouldn't create a dip so close to the tuning frequency.
I notice there's also a dip at 160Hz which is double the frequency. Probably related?
Too bad you don't have a close woofer measurement, it could tell what's happening.
These measurements are about 2ft from the woofer so pretty close. The port is on the rear and the speaker wasn't near any walls. I've moved the speaker to many different places. I've tested many speakers in this location without that dip so I don't think it's the room.
Why can't a dip be that close to the tuning frequency? I don't see why it wouldn't. Could be wrong. The thing that's odd about it to me is how narrow the width of the dip is.
@@joentell 2ft is enough for all kind of interactions to take place. BTW, is it present on both speakers?
Port leakage noises are usually narrow peaks, you can see them in some of noaudiophile's or stereophile measurements
Both speakers. I don't have the speakers anymore, but the Prime was doing it too. I still have those. None of my other speakers I've tested did that though. Just seems like an SVS thing from what I've seen.
One thing you'll notice immediately is when you look at the speakers, the 6.5" woofer and the relatively large enclosure, you expect them to have more/deeper bass. It's obvious to me that they went with a higher port tuning, on the Prime especially, to be able to play the speaker louder without any distortion. They don't distort at the volume I would expect most speakers to distort.
What if SVS Ultra compares to Wharfedale Diamond 225?
SVS speaker I love so much, specially for home treater
How svs for casual Music listeners?
Great review on this. Being a 2.1 stereo guy the Elac are the ones for me but the 4 ohms is a killer. From what they tell me can’t run my Yamaha cx a 780 receiver. 6 ohms or 8 ohms so how about checking out the wharfedale. 11.2 some time I just got a pair. Thanks again great Job
Man I have one more day with the wharfedale 11.2, before I can return / exchange them. I'm debating whether to keep them or exchange them for the svs ultra bookshelf. 🤔
I mainly use them for retro gaming and watching movies.
I just feel like they don't play loud enough or give me that striking, enveloping, powerful sound.
Like the are made for audiophile music.