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.
| Key Specs | Klipsch RP-400M | SVS Ultra Bookshelf |
|---|
| Brand | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 | SVS
United States · founded 1998 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Tractrix Horn | 1" Hard-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 4" Cerametallic | 6.5" Composite glass-fiber |
|---|
| Frequency response | 52-25k Hz | 45-32k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 93 dB | 87 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 50 watts | 20-150 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 4.10kg / 9lbs | 8.64kg / 19lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 11.7" x 5.6" x 7.5"
298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm | 14-15/16" 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both RP-400M and Ultra Bookshelf are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch RP-400MSVS Ultra Bookshelf
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| 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.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. 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
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Ultra Bookshelf can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS, whereas RP-400M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the Ultra Bookshelf.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
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's Single binding posts 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 Tractrix horn-shaped Port
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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.
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 another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
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
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
 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) |
 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 |
| 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 |
These sit in different price classes - SVS Ultra Bookshelf costs roughly 3x what Klipsch RP-400M does. Expect it to lead on paper; the question is whether the gap is audible enough in your room to be worth it.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | SVS Ultra Bookshelf digs deeper - 45Hz against 52Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs | A | Klipsch RP-400M is more sensitive (93dB vs 87dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom | B | SVS Ultra Bookshelf takes more power (150W vs 50W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | Klipsch RP-400M is easier to place; SVS Ultra Bookshelf is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | depends | SVS Ultra Bookshelf: bi-amping. Klipsch RP-400M sits in a wider range (17 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | A | Klipsch RP-400M is cheaper - $399 against $1,200, about 67% less; arguably a different class. |
A Klipsch RP-400M B SVS Ultra Bookshelf
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
SVS Ultra Bookshelf is ahead, but only on 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 3x the price. That is a lot of money for a narrow margin on paper - Klipsch RP-400M looks like the sensible buy unless something else about the SVS Ultra Bookshelf appeals to you. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 52Hz anyway, which makes the cheaper Klipsch RP-400M much easier to justify. Match it to your room: we rate Klipsch RP-400M the better fit for near-field listening and a small room, and SVS Ultra Bookshelf for a mid-size room and a large room.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.