In this review, we will be comparing Prime Satellite and RP-400M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from SVS and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Prime Satellite and Klipsch RP-400M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
SVS Prime Satellite Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer
- 69-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:3.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 224.0" x 4-15/16" x 6-3/8"( 224.0 x 126.0 x 162.0mm )
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 )
What size room are the SVS Prime Satellite and Klipsch RP-400M 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* |
SVS Prime Satellite |
Klipsch RP-400M |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Good |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Good |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
No way |
(* 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 SVS Prime Satellite and Klipsch RP-400M 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 Satellite and RP-400M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
SVS Prime Satellite |
Klipsch RP-400M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Prime Satellite features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-400M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
Prime Satellite has a frequency range of 69-25k Hz whereas RP-400M has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the RP-400M can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Prime Satellite's min frequency of 69Hz.
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 Satellite and RP-400M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Prime Satellite sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the RP-400M's is at 93 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-400M a more sensitive speaker compared to SVS Prime Satellite, 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 Satellite 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 Prime Satellite.
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 Satellite features Single binding posts type posts and RP-400M has a Single binding posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
SVS Prime Satellite's 5-Way post terminals
Klipsch RP-400M's Single binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Prime Satellite and RP-400M 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
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 Satellite's and Klipsch RP-400M's external dimensions. SVS Prime Satellite has external dimensions of 224.0 x 126.0 x 162.0mm ( 28-32inch x 4-15/16inch x 6-3/8inch ) whereas Klipsch RP-400M has external dimensions of 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm ( 11.7 x 5.6 x 7.5inch) .
Klipsch RP-400M is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 18mm wider, 74mm taller and 29mm deeper than SVS Prime Satellite.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS Prime Satellite and Klipsch RP-400M in scale.
Comparison image of SVS Prime Satellite and Klipsch RP-400M 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 SVS Prime Satellite is approximately 204.1cm2 / 31.6inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-400M is approximately 275.0cm2 / 42.6inch2. The Prime Satellite requires 26% less surface area than the RP-400M 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:
Size Comparison image of SVS Prime Satellite and Klipsch RP-400M 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 SVS Prime Satellite weighs 3.00kg / 6.6lbs and the Klipsch RP-400M weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs. This makes the RP-400M 37% heavier than the Prime Satellite.
Here is a comparison of how Prime Satellite and RP-400M'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 Satellite?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Prime Satellite:
2 Satellite loudspeakers2 Grilles (pre-installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber bumpersOwners ManualSVS brochureOnline Product Registration Card
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-400M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information