In this review, we will be comparing Ultra Evolution Bookshelf and ES20, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from SVS and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf and Polk ES20 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf and Polk ES20 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 Evolution Bookshelf and Polk ES20 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 Evolution Bookshelf and ES20 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf |
Polk ES20 |
|
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 ES20 features a 1" Terylene Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
Ultra Evolution Bookshelf has a frequency range of 40-40k Hz whereas ES20 has a frequency range of 41-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the Ultra Evolution Bookshelf can go slightly deeper then the ES20's min frequency of 41Hz.
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 ES20 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Ultra Evolution Bookshelf sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the ES20's is rated at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk ES20, 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 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas ES20 has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the Ultra Evolution Bookshelf.
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 Evolution Bookshelf features Gold-plated 5-way posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. ES20 has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf's Gold-plated 5-way terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Ultra Evolution Bookshelf and ES20 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 Polk ES20'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 Polk ES20 has external dimensions of 375.0 x 218.0 x 351.0mm ( 14-3/4 x 8-9/16 x 13-13/16inch) .
Polk ES20 is 2mm narrower and 7mm shorter than SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf but it is also 55mm 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 Polk ES20 is approximately 765.2cm2 / 118.6inch2. The Ultra Evolution Bookshelf requires 15% less surface area than the ES20 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 Polk ES20 weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs. This makes the Ultra Evolution Bookshelf 11% heavier than the ES20.
Here is a comparison of how Ultra Evolution Bookshelf and ES20'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 Polk ES20?
Here are the items that come with the ES20:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grille (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
41 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Base Surface Area |
651cm2 (220x296mm)
vs
765cm2 (218x351mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Height |
375mm
vs
382mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
1198USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 |
| Brand |
SVS |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-150 watts |
20-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
40-40k Hz |
41-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Composite glass-fiber |
Mica-reinforced polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Butyl rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1800Hz |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
382.0mm (15") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
220.0mm (8.7") |
218.0mm (8.6") |
| Depth |
296.0mm (11.7") |
351.0mm (13.8") |
| Weight |
8.60kg (18.9lbs) |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White,Black Oak Veneer |
Black,White,Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
22-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |