In this review, we will be comparing Prime Bookshelf and S15, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from SVS and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Prime Bookshelf and Polk S15 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the SVS Prime Bookshelf and Polk S15 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf and Polk S15 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 Prime Bookshelf and S15 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
SVS Prime Bookshelf |
Polk S15 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Prime Bookshelf features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2300Hz. On the other hand, the S15 features a 1" Terylene Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Prime Bookshelf has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz whereas S15 has a frequency range of 50-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the Prime Bookshelf can go slightly deeper then the S15's min frequency of 50Hz.
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
Prime Bookshelf and S15 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Prime Bookshelf sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the S15's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk S15 a more sensitive speaker compared to SVS Prime 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.
Prime Bookshelf can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas S15 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the Prime 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
Prime Bookshelf features Pair of Binding Posts - Gold Plated type posts and S15 has a Pair of Binding Posts - Gold Plated type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
SVS Prime Bookshelf's 5-way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Prime Bookshelf and S15 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf's and Polk S15's external dimensions. SVS Prime Bookshelf has external dimensions of 337.8 x 203.2 x 261.6mm ( 13.2 x 8.0 x 10.2inch) whereas Polk S15 has external dimensions of 304.8 x 190.0 x 260.4mm ( 12.0 x 7.4 x 10.2inch) .
SVS Prime Bookshelf is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 13.2mm wider, 33mm taller and 1.2mm deeper than Polk S15.
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 SVS Prime Bookshelf is approximately 531.6cm2 / 82.4inch2 and base area of the Polk S15 is approximately 494.8cm2 / 76.7inch2. The Prime Bookshelf requires 7% more surface area than the S15 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf weighs 7.03kg / 15.5lbs and the Polk S15 weighs 5.90kg / 13lbs. This makes the Prime Bookshelf 19% heavier than the S15.
Here is a comparison of how Prime Bookshelf and S15's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of SVS Prime Bookshelf?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Prime Bookshelf:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber bumpers Owners Manual SVS brochure Online Product Registration Card
What's in the Box of Polk S15?
Here are the items that come with the S15:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grille (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetWall-mount templateOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
304mm
vs
337mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
494cm2 (190x260mm)
vs
531cm2 (203x261mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
259USD
vs
600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
SVS Prime Bookshelf |
Polk Audio Signature S15 |
| Brand |
SVS |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-150 watts |
20-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
48-25k Hz |
50-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Mica-reinforced polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Polypropylene |
Butyl rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2300Hz |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
337.8mm (13.3") |
304.8mm (12") |
| Width |
203.2mm (8") |
190.0mm (7.5") |
| Depth |
261.6mm (10.3") |
260.4mm (10.3") |
| Weight |
7.03kg (15.5lbs) |
5.90kg (13lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Meddite MDF |
| Available Colors |
Black Ash,Piano Gloss Black |
Black, Walnut, Brown Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-30" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |