In this review, we will be comparing Ultra Evolution Nano and R100, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from SVS and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Ultra Evolution Nano and Polk R100 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the SVS Ultra Evolution Nano and Polk R100 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 Nano and Polk R100 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 Nano and R100 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
SVS Ultra Evolution Nano |
Polk R100 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Ultra Evolution Nano 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 R100 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700Hz.
Frequency Response
Ultra Evolution Nano has a frequency range of 44-40k Hz whereas R100 has a frequency range of 58-39k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the Ultra Evolution Nano can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R100's min frequency of 58Hz.
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 Evolution Nano is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the R100 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Ultra Evolution Nano sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the R100's is rated at 86 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk R100 a more sensitive speaker compared to SVS Ultra Evolution Nano, 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.
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 Nano features Binding post type posts and R100 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
SVS Ultra Evolution Nano's Gold-plated 5-way terminals
Polk R100's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Ultra Evolution Nano and R100 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.
Polk R100 Port
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 Nano's and Polk R100's external dimensions. SVS Ultra Evolution Nano has external dimensions of 314 x 190 x 243mm ( 12.36 x 7.48 x 9.57”) whereas Polk R100 has external dimensions of 326.0 x 167.0 x 259.0mm ( 12-13/16 x 6-9/16 x 10-3/16inch) .
SVS Ultra Evolution Nano is 12mm shorter and 16mm less deeper than Polk R100 but it is also 23mm wider.
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 Nano is approximately 461.7cm2 / 71.6inch2 and base area of the Polk R100 is approximately 432.5cm2 / 67.0inch2. The Ultra Evolution Nano requires 7% more surface area than the R100 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Nano weighs 6.10kg / 13.4lbs and the Polk R100 weighs 5.55kg / 12.2lbs. This makes the Ultra Evolution Nano 10% heavier than the R100.
Here is a comparison of how Ultra Evolution Nano and R100's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk R100?
Here are the items that come with the R100:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 GrillesOwners ManualOnline Registration
 Low Frequency Response |
44 Hz
vs
58 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
39k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
314mm
vs
326mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Sensitivity |
86 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Base Surface Area |
432cm2 (167x259mm)
vs
461cm2 (190x243mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
649USD
vs
899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
SVS Ultra Evolution Nano |
Polk Audio Reserve R100 |
| Brand |
SVS |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-150 watts |
30-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
44-40k Hz |
58-39k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Composite glass-fiber |
Polypropylene Turbine Cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Pinnacle Ring Radiator |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1900Hz |
2700Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
314.0mm (12.4") |
326.0mm (12.8") |
| Width |
190.0mm (7.5") |
167.0mm (6.6") |
| Depth |
243.0mm (9.6") |
259.0mm (10.2") |
| Weight |
6.10kg (13.4lbs) |
5.55kg (12.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White,Black Oak Veneer |
Black, Walnut, White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |