In this review, we will be comparing Prime Bookshelf and M16, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from SVS and Revel. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Prime Bookshelf and Revel M16 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the SVS Prime Bookshelf and Revel M16 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 Revel M16 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 M16 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
SVS Prime Bookshelf |
Revel M16 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-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 M16 features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Anodized aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Prime Bookshelf has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz whereas M16 has a frequency range of 55- Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the Prime Bookshelf can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the M16's min frequency of 55Hz.
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 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the M16 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Prime Bookshelf sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the M16's is rated at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the SVS Prime Bookshelf a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel M16, 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 M16 has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 30 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 5-way post type posts and M16 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Prime Bookshelf and M16 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 Revel M16'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 Revel M16 has external dimensions of 378.0 x 221.0 x 280.0mm ( 14-7/8 x 8-11/16 x 11inch) .
Revel M16 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 17.8mm wider, 40.2mm taller and 18.4mm deeper than SVS Prime Bookshelf.
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 Revel M16 is approximately 618.8cm2 / 95.9inch2. The Prime Bookshelf requires 14% less surface area than the M16 which gives it a small advantage 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 Revel M16 weighs 7.27kg / 16lbs. This makes the M16 3% heavier than the Prime Bookshelf.
Here is a comparison of how Prime Bookshelf and M16'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 Revel M16?
Here are the items that come with the M16:
Bookshelf loudspeakerGrilleOwners Manual
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
337mm
vs
378mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
531cm2 (203x261mm)
vs
618cm2 (221x280mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
600USD
vs
990USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
SVS Prime Bookshelf |
Revel Concerta2 M16 |
Brand |
SVS |
Revel |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
25-150 watts |
50-120 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
86 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
Frequency Response |
48-25k Hz |
55- Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
|
Anodized aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Polypropylene |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2300Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
337.8mm (13.3") |
378.0mm (14.9") |
Width |
203.2mm (8") |
221.0mm (8.7") |
Depth |
261.6mm (10.3") |
280.0mm (11") |
Weight |
7.03kg (15.5lbs) |
7.27kg (16lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Wood/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Black Ash,Piano Gloss Black |
Gloss Black,Gloss White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-28" |
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 |