In this review, we will be comparing Prime Wireless and Mackie CR4-XBT, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from SVS and Mackie. 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 Mackie CR4-XBT first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
SVS Prime Wireless Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 200-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 4.5" composite glass-fiber Woofer
- 52-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 192 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 4.0 Bluetooth
- App Control Feature
- Weight:3.96kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 260.0" x 6.125" x 8.6875"( 260.0 x 155.0 x 160.0mm )
Mackie CR4-XBT Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 25-watt RMS( 50-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Dome Tweeter
- 4" Polypropylene Woofer
- 65-20k Hz Frequency Response
- N/A Max Depth / N/A Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 4.2 Bluetooth
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 222.3" x 6.125" x 8.5"( 222.3 x 155.6 x 215.9mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the SVS Prime Wireless and Mackie CR4-XBT 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 Wireless and Mackie CR4-XBT are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
SVS Prime Wireless |
Mackie CR4-XBT |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 4-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 Mackie CR4-XBT features a 0.75" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
Prime Wireless has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz whereas Mackie CR4-XBT has a frequency range of 65-20k 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 Mackie CR4-XBT's min frequency of 65Hz.
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 Mackie CR4-XBT 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 Mackie CR4-XBT'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 Mackie CR4-XBT has external dimensions of 222.3 x 155.6 x 215.9mm ( 8.75 x 6.125 x 8.5inch) .
SVS Prime Wireless is 0.59999999999999mm narrower and 55.9mm less deeper than Mackie CR4-XBT but it is also 37.7mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS Prime Wireless and Mackie CR4-XBT in scale.
Comparison image of SVS Prime Wireless and Mackie CR4-XBT 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 Wireless is approximately 248.0cm2 / 38.4inch2 and base area of the Mackie CR4-XBT is approximately 335.9cm2 / 52.1inch2. The Prime Wireless requires 26% less surface area than the Mackie CR4-XBT 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 Wireless and Mackie CR4-XBT on a Media Console
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 Mackie CR4-XBT?
Here are the items that come with the Mackie CR4-XBT:
Powered monitor w/ attached 5.5-feet power cord (C7 unpolarized)Passive monitor6.5-feet Speaker wire5-feet Stereo mini to RCA cableQuick Start Guide