In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . SVS Ultra Elevation is a Surround speaker whereas the RP-500M is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Ultra Elevation and Klipsch RP-500M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
SVS Ultra Elevation Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Composite glass-fiber Woofer
- 48-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:5.60kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 283.0" x 7.28" x 9.82"( 283 x 185 x 249.4mm )
Klipsch RP-500M Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer
- 48-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 93 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 75watts
- Weight:5.40kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 343.0" x 6.8" x 9.4"( 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm )
What size room are the SVS Ultra Elevation and Klipsch RP-500M 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 Ultra Elevation |
Klipsch RP-500M |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Good |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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 Ultra Elevation and Klipsch RP-500M 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 Ultra Elevation and RP-500M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
SVS Ultra Elevation |
Klipsch RP-500M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Ultra Elevation features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1900Hz. On the other hand, the RP-500M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
Ultra Elevation has a frequency range of 48-40k Hz whereas RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz.
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 Surround class in our database.
Low Frequency
Surround Speakers
High Frequency
Surround 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 Elevation is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the RP-500M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Ultra Elevation sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the RP-500M's is rated at 93 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500M a more sensitive speaker compared to SVS Ultra Elevation, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Surround 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 Elevation can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500M has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 75 watts less than the Ultra Elevation.
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
Ultra Elevation features Single binding posts type posts and RP-500M has a Single binding posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
SVS Ultra Elevation's Gold-plated 5-way terminals
Klipsch RP-500M's Single binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Ultra Elevation and RP-500M 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 Ultra Elevation's and Klipsch RP-500M's external dimensions. SVS Ultra Elevation has external dimensions of 283 x 185 x 249.4mm ( 11.14 x 7.28 x 9.82”) whereas Klipsch RP-500M has external dimensions of 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm ( 13.5 x 6.8 x 9.4inch) .
Klipsch RP-500M is 12mm narrower and 8mm less deeper than SVS Ultra Elevation but it is also 60mm taller.
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 Elevation is approximately 460.7cm2 / 71.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500M is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2. The Ultra Elevation requires 11% more surface area than the RP-500M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
Max Input Power 
High Frequency Response 
Height 
Sensitivity 
Nominal Impedance 
Base Surface Area 
Price per pair*