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Klipsch RP-400M vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf Comparison

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Klipsch RP-400M

Passive Bookshelf | 52-25k Hz

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M
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SVS Ultra Bookshelf

Passive Bookshelf | 45-32k Hz

SVS Ultra Bookshelf
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Klipsch RP-400M Klipsch RP-400M
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SVS Ultra Bookshelf SVS Ultra Bookshelf
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Klipsch RP-400M
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SVS Ultra Bookshelf
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Klipsch RP-400M vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing RP-400M and Ultra Bookshelf, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and SVS.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Klipsch RP-400M and SVS Ultra Bookshelf first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Klipsch RP-400M Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 4" Cerametallic Woofer
  • 52-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 93 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 50watts
  • Weight:4.10kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 298.0" x 5.6" x 7.5"( 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm )

SVS Ultra Bookshelf Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer
  • 45-32k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:20-150watts
  • Weight:8.64kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 380.0" x 8-9/16" x 11-1/16"( 380.0 x 218.0 x 281.0mm )

What size room are the Klipsch RP-400M 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:

Listening Environment* Klipsch RP-400M SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Near-field Good Poor
Small Room Good Average
Mid-size Room Average Good
Large Room Poor Average
Very Large Room No way Poor

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-400M 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.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both RP-400M and Ultra Bookshelf are 2-way speakers.

Driver Klipsch RP-400M SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 4-inch 1 x 6.5-inch

RP-400M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" 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-400M has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz whereas Ultra Bookshelf has a frequency range of 45-32k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Ultra Bookshelf can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-400M's min frequency of 52Hz.

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

RP-400M
Ultra Bookshelf
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Klipsch RP-400M
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Min
Average
Max

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-400M and Ultra Bookshelf have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-400M sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the Ultra Bookshelf's is at 87 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-400M a more sensitive speaker compared to SVS Ultra Bookshelf, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

RP-400M
Ultra Bookshelf
Min
Average
Max

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-400M can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-400M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS , 100 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

Ultra Bookshelf features 5-way post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-400M has a Single binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Klipsch RP-400M Terminals
Klipsch RP-400M's Single binding posts terminals

SVS Ultra Bookshelf5-way post Terminals
SVS Ultra Bookshelf's 5-way post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both RP-400M 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.

Klipsch RP-400M  Port
Klipsch RP-400M Tractrix horn-shaped Port

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-400M's and SVS Ultra Bookshelf's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-400M has external dimensions of 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm ( 11.7 x 5.6 x 7.5inch) 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) .

SVS Ultra Bookshelf is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 74mm wider, 82mm taller and 90mm deeper than Klipsch RP-400M.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-400M and SVS Ultra Bookshelf in scale.

Klipsch RP-400M vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-400M and SVS Ultra Bookshelf Size and External Dimensions

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-400M is approximately 275.0cm2 / 42.6inch2 and base area of the SVS Ultra Bookshelf is approximately 612.6cm2 / 95.0inch2. The RP-400M requires 55% less surface area than the Ultra Bookshelf which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.

Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:

Klipsch RP-400M vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Klipsch RP-400M and SVS Ultra Bookshelf on a Media Console
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-400M weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs and the SVS Ultra Bookshelf weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs. This makes the Ultra Bookshelf 111% heavier than the RP-400M.

Here is a comparison of how RP-400M and Ultra Bookshelf's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch RP-400M
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400M?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-400M:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles (installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information
  • What's in the Box of SVS Ultra Bookshelf?

    Here are the items that come with the Ultra Bookshelf:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 8 Rubber feet
  • 2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)
  • Owners Manual
  • SVS brochure
  • Online Product Registration Card

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M over SVS Ultra Bookshelf
    Sensitivity 93 dB vs 87 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Mounting Bracket Yes vs No Allows mounting on walls
    Height 298mm vs 380mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 275cm2 vs 612cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 399USD vs 1200USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose SVS Ultra Bookshelf over Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M

    Max Input Power 150 watts vs 50 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Woofer Size 6.5 inches vs 4 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 45 Hz vs 52 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 32k Hz vs 25k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
    Klipsch RP-400M vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M SVS Ultra Bookshelf
    Brand Klipsch SVS
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range up to 50 watts 20-150 watts
    Sensitivity 93 dB 87 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 52-25k Hz 45-32k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 4" 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 298.0mm (11.7") 380.0mm (15")
    Width 144.0mm (5.7") 218.0mm (8.6")
    Depth 191.0mm (7.5") 281.0mm (11.1")
    Weight 4.10kg (9lbs) 8.64kg (19lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood-grain vinyl MDF/Oak veneer
    Available Colors Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black Black Oak,Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White
    Mounting Bracket Keyhole No
    Recommended Stand Height 28-30" 22-28"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No Yes
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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