In this review, we will be comparing Ultra Evolution Bookshelf and HDI-1600, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from SVS and JBL.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf and JBL HDI-1600 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer
- 40-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:8.60kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 382.0" x 8.66" x 11.64"( 382 x 220 x 295.6mm )
JBL HDI-1600 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter
- 6.5" Aluminum Woofer
- 40-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:15-200watts
- Weight:9.98kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 383.0" x 9-1/8" x 11-3/8"( 383.0 x 232.0 x 289.0mm )
What size room are the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf and JBL HDI-1600 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 Evolution Bookshelf |
JBL HDI-1600 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* 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 Evolution Bookshelf and JBL HDI-1600 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 Evolution Bookshelf and HDI-1600 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf |
JBL HDI-1600 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1800Hz. On the other hand, the HDI-1600 features a 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf has a frequency range of 40-40k Hz whereas HDI-1600 has a frequency range of 40-30k 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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
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 Evolution Bookshelf is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the HDI-1600 which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the HDI-1600 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Ultra Evolution Bookshelf sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the HDI-1600's is rated at 85 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL HDI-1600, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
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 Evolution Bookshelf can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Ultra Evolution Bookshelf has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the HDI-1600.
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 Evolution Bookshelf and HDI-1600 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf's Gold-plated 5-way terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
JBL HDI-1600's 5-way post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Ultra Evolution Bookshelf and HDI-1600 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 Evolution Bookshelf's and JBL HDI-1600's external dimensions. SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf has external dimensions of 382 x 220 x 295.6mm ( 11.14 x 8.66 x 11.64”) whereas JBL HDI-1600 has external dimensions of 383.0 x 232.0 x 289.0mm ( 15-1/16 x 9-1/8 x 11-3/8inch) .
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf is 12mm narrower and 1mm shorter than JBL HDI-1600 but it is also 7mm deeper.
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 Evolution Bookshelf is approximately 651.2cm2 / 100.9inch2 and base area of the JBL HDI-1600 is approximately 670.5cm2 / 103.9inch2. The Ultra Evolution Bookshelf requires 3% less surface area than the HDI-1600 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 Ultra Evolution Bookshelf weighs 8.60kg / 18.9lbs and the JBL HDI-1600 weighs 9.98kg / 22lbs. This makes the HDI-1600 16% heavier than the Ultra Evolution Bookshelf.
Here is a comparison of how Ultra Evolution Bookshelf and HDI-1600's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
What's in the Box of JBL HDI-1600?
Here are the items that come with the HDI-1600:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
Owner's Manual
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
6 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
382mm
vs
383mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
651cm2
vs
670cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1198USD
vs
1980USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
| General |
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf |
JBL HDI-1600 |
| Brand |
SVS |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-150 watts |
15-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
40-40k Hz |
40-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Composite glass-fiber |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Horn-Loaded |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1800Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
382.0mm (15") |
383.0mm (15.1") |
| Width |
220.0mm (8.7") |
232.0mm (9.1") |
| Depth |
296.0mm (11.7") |
289.0mm (11.4") |
| Weight |
8.60kg (18.9lbs) |
9.98kg (22lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
| Available Colors |
Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White,Black Oak Veneer |
Walnut,Black,Oak |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
22-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |