In this review, we will be comparing Prime Wireless and R-51PM, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from SVS and Klipsch. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Prime Wireless and Klipsch R-51PM first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the SVS Prime Wireless and Klipsch R-51PM 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 Prime Wireless and R-51PM are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
SVS Prime Wireless |
Klipsch R-51PM |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.0-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Prime Wireless features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz. On the other hand, the R-51PM features a 1.0" Aluminum LTS Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1663Hz.
Frequency Response
Prime Wireless has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz whereas R-51PM has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the Prime Wireless can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-51PM's min frequency of 68Hz.
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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Prime Wireless and R-51PM 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 Wireless's and Klipsch R-51PM's external dimensions. SVS Prime Wireless has external dimensions of 260.0 x 155.0 x 160.0mm ( 10.3125 x 6.125 x 8.6875inch) whereas Klipsch R-51PM has external dimensions of 330.2 x 179.4 x 260.3mm ( 13 x 7.0625 x 10.25inch) .
Klipsch R-51PM is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 24.4mm wider, 70.2mm taller and 100.3mm deeper than SVS Prime Wireless.
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 Wireless is approximately 248.0cm2 / 38.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51PM is approximately 467.0cm2 / 72.4inch2. The Prime Wireless requires 47% less surface area than the R-51PM 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 Wireless weighs 3.96kg / 8.7lbs and the Klipsch R-51PM weighs 4.80kg / 10.6lbs. This makes the R-51PM 21% heavier than the Prime Wireless.
Here is a comparison of how Prime Wireless and R-51PM's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of SVS Prime Wireless?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Prime Wireless:
Active wireless speaker6-feet AC power cordGrille (pre-installed)4 Self-adhesive feetQuick Start GuideWarranty/Registration CardSVS brochure
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-51PM?
Here are the items that come with the R-51PM:
Powered speaker (right)Passive speaker (left)2 Grilles68-inch AC power cordRemote control2
Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
68 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
App-Based Control |
Apple iOS, Android, Windows
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
Height |
260mm
vs
330mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
248cm2 (155x160mm)
vs
467cm2 (179x260mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
500USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Ethernet Connection |
Yes
vs
No
|
High quality streaming over Ethernet |
USB Port |
Service only
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Handheld Remote |
Yes
vs
No
|
Control the speaker by the included RC |
Phono Input |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your turntable directly |
General |
SVS Prime Wireless |
Klipsch Reference R-51PM |
Brand |
SVS |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Frequency Response |
52-25k Hz |
68-21k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
120-watt RMS |
Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
240-watt RMS |
Max Bit Depth |
24-bit |
24-bit |
Max Sample Rate |
192 kHz |
96 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
4.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
composite glass-fiber |
Copper-spun IMG |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.0" |
Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2000Hz |
1663Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
260.0mm (10.2") |
330.2mm (13") |
Width |
155.0mm (6.1") |
179.4mm (7.1") |
Depth |
160.0mm (6.3") |
260.3mm (10.2") |
Weight |
3.96kg (8.7lbs) |
4.80kg (10.6lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Available Colors |
Black |
n/a |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Aux Inputs |
3.5mm, RCA |
3.5mm, RCA |
USB Port |
Service only |
USB-B |
Phone Input |
No |
Yes |
Subwoofer Output |
Wired |
Wired |
Digital Input |
Optical |
Optical |
HDMI Input |
No |
No |
Headphone Jack |
No |
No |
Ethernet Port |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |
Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
1 Year |