In this review, we will be comparing RP-160M and Ultra Bookshelf, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and SVS. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-160M and SVS Ultra Bookshelf first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-160M and SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-160M and SVS Ultra Bookshelf compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both RP-160M and Ultra Bookshelf are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch RP-160M |
SVS Ultra Bookshelf |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
RP-160M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz. On the other hand, the Ultra Bookshelf features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-160M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz whereas Ultra Bookshelf has a frequency range of 45-32k Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
RP-160M and Ultra Bookshelf have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-160M sensitivity is rated at 95 dB and the Ultra Bookshelf's is at 87 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-160M a more sensitive speaker compared to SVS Ultra Bookshelf, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
RP-160M can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-160M has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the Ultra Bookshelf.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Both RP-160M and Ultra Bookshelf features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-160M and Ultra Bookshelf have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Klipsch RP-160M's and SVS Ultra Bookshelf's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-160M has external dimensions of 424.0 x 224.0 x 327.0mm ( 16.6 x 8.8 x 12.8inch) whereas SVS Ultra Bookshelf has external dimensions of 380.0 x 218.0 x 281.0mm ( 14-15/16 x 8-9/16 x 11-1/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-160M is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 6mm wider, 44mm taller and 46mm deeper than SVS Ultra Bookshelf.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-160M and SVS Ultra Bookshelf in scale.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Klipsch RP-160M is approximately 732.5cm2 / 113.5inch2 and base area of the SVS Ultra Bookshelf is approximately 612.6cm2 / 95.0inch2. The RP-160M requires 20% more surface area than the Ultra Bookshelf which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Klipsch RP-160M weighs 9.03kg / 19.9lbs and the SVS Ultra Bookshelf weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs. This makes the RP-160M 5% heavier than the Ultra Bookshelf.
Here is a comparison of how RP-160M and Ultra Bookshelf's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-160M?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-160M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Detachable magnetic grilles User Manual Warranty Information Important Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of SVS Ultra Bookshelf?
Here are the items that come with the Ultra Bookshelf:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Rubber feet2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)Owners ManualSVS brochureOnline Product Registration Card
Sensitivity |
95 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
High Frequency Response |
32k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
380mm
vs
424mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
612cm2 (218x281mm)
vs
732cm2 (224x327mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-160M |
SVS Ultra Bookshelf |
Brand |
Klipsch |
SVS |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
20-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
95 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
45-25k Hz |
45-32k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Composite glass-fiber |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Hard-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
1500Hz |
2000Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
424.0mm (16.7") |
380.0mm (15") |
Width |
224.0mm (8.8") |
218.0mm (8.6") |
Depth |
327.0mm (12.9") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
Weight |
9.03kg (19.9lbs) |
8.64kg (19lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Oak veneer |
Available Colors |
Ebony, Cherry |
Black Oak,Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
22-28" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |