In this review, we will be comparing Ultra Bookshelf and RTi A3, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from SVS and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Ultra Bookshelf and Polk RTi A3 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the SVS Ultra Bookshelf and Polk RTi A3 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 Ultra Bookshelf and Polk RTi A3 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 Ultra Bookshelf and RTi A3 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
SVS Ultra Bookshelf |
Polk RTi A3 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Ultra Bookshelf features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz. On the other hand, the RTi A3 features a 1" silk polymer composite Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polymer composite Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800Hz.
Frequency Response
Ultra Bookshelf has a frequency range of 45-32k Hz whereas RTi A3 has a frequency range of 50-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Ultra Bookshelf can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RTi A3'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
Ultra Bookshelf and RTi A3 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Ultra Bookshelf sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the RTi A3's is at 89 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Polk RTi A3 a more sensitive speaker compared to SVS Ultra 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.
Ultra Bookshelf and RTi A3 has the same power range of 20-150 watts.
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
Both Ultra Bookshelf and RTi A3 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Ultra Bookshelf has a rear firing port whereas RTi A3 has a back and front firing ports.
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 Ultra Bookshelf's and Polk RTi A3's external dimensions. SVS Ultra Bookshelf has external dimensions of 380.0 x 218.0 x 281.0mm ( 14-15/16 x 8-9/16 x 11-1/16inch) whereas Polk RTi A3 has external dimensions of 374.7 x 214.4 x 355.6mm ( 14.7 x 8.4 x 14.0inch) .
Polk RTi A3 is 3.6mm narrower and 5.3mm shorter than SVS Ultra Bookshelf but it is also 74.6mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of SVS Ultra Bookshelf and Polk RTi A3 in scale.
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 Ultra Bookshelf is approximately 612.6cm2 / 95.0inch2 and base area of the Polk RTi A3 is approximately 762.4cm2 / 118.2inch2. The Ultra Bookshelf requires 20% less surface area than the RTi A3 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:
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 Ultra Bookshelf weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs and the Polk RTi A3 weighs 7.26kg / 16lbs. This makes the Ultra Bookshelf 19% heavier than the RTi A3.
Here is a comparison of how Ultra Bookshelf and RTi A3'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 Ultra Bookshelf?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Ultra Bookshelf:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Rubber feet2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)Owners ManualSVS brochureOnline Product Registration Card
What's in the Box of Polk RTi A3?
Here are the items that come with the RTi A3:
2 Cherry bookshelf speakers 2 Self-tapping screws 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Template Online registration sheet Polk Audio product brochure
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
32k Hz
vs
26k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Base Surface Area |
612cm2 (218x281mm)
vs
762cm2 (214x355mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Height |
374mm
vs
380mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
465USD
vs
1200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
SVS Ultra Bookshelf |
Polk Audio RTi A3 |
Brand |
SVS |
Polk Audio |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
20-150 watts |
20-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
45-32k Hz |
50-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Composite glass-fiber |
Polymer composite |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Butyl rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2000Hz |
2800Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
back and front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
380.0mm (15") |
374.7mm (14.8") |
Width |
218.0mm (8.6") |
214.4mm (8.4") |
Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
355.6mm (14") |
Weight |
8.64kg (19lbs) |
7.26kg (16lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Oak veneer |
Real wood veneer |
Available Colors |
Black Oak,Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White |
Black, Cherry |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
Recommended Stand Height |
22-28" |
24-31" |
Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |