In this review, we will be comparing Reva 1 and Ultra Bookshelf, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and SVS. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale Reva 1 and SVS Ultra Bookshelf first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale Reva 1 and SVS Ultra Bookshelf 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 Wharfedale Reva 1 and SVS Ultra Bookshelf 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 Reva 1 and Ultra Bookshelf are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Wharfedale Reva 1 |
SVS Ultra Bookshelf |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Reva 1 features a 1" woven textile Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Woven Glass Fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the Ultra Bookshelf features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz.
Frequency Response
Reva 1 has a frequency range of 52-20k Hz whereas Ultra Bookshelf has a frequency range of 45-32k 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 Reva 1's min frequency of 52Hz.
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
Reva 1 and Ultra Bookshelf have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Reva 1 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Ultra Bookshelf's is at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the SVS Ultra Bookshelf a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Reva 1, 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.
Reva 1 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Reva 1 has a max power handling value of 60 watts RMS , 90 watts less than the Ultra 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
Both Reva 1 and Ultra Bookshelf features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Reva 1 has a bottom firing port whereas Ultra Bookshelf has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale Reva 1's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to SVS Ultra Bookshelf with its rear-firing 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 Wharfedale Reva 1's and SVS Ultra Bookshelf's external dimensions. Wharfedale Reva 1 has external dimensions of 318.0 x 174.0 x 285.0mm ( 12-1/2 x 6-13/16 x 11-3/16inch) whereas 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) .
Wharfedale Reva 1 is 44mm narrower and 62mm shorter than SVS Ultra Bookshelf but it is also 4mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale Reva 1 and SVS Ultra Bookshelf 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 Wharfedale Reva 1 is approximately 495.9cm2 / 76.9inch2 and base area of the SVS Ultra Bookshelf is approximately 612.6cm2 / 95.0inch2. The Reva 1 requires 19% less surface area than the Ultra Bookshelf 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 Wharfedale Reva 1 weighs 5.64kg / 12.4lbs and the SVS Ultra Bookshelf weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs. This makes the Ultra Bookshelf 53% heavier than the Reva 1.
Here is a comparison of how Reva 1 and Ultra Bookshelf's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Reva 1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Reva 1:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (pre-installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper bars (pre-installed)Pair of white glovesUser-feets Manual
What's in the Box of SVS Ultra Bookshelf?
Here are the items that come with the Ultra Bookshelf:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles8 Rubber feet2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)Owners ManualSVS brochureOnline Product Registration Card
Height |
318mm
vs
380mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
495cm2 (174x285mm)
vs
612cm2 (218x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
60 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
52 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
32k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
General |
Wharfedale Reva 1 |
SVS Ultra Bookshelf |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
SVS |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
20-60 watts |
20-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
86 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
52-20k Hz |
45-32k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
4.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Woven Glass Fiber |
Composite glass-fiber |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Hard-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2000Hz |
Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
318.0mm (12.5") |
380.0mm (15") |
Width |
174.0mm (6.9") |
218.0mm (8.6") |
Depth |
285.0mm (11.2") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
Weight |
5.64kg (12.4lbs) |
8.64kg (19lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
Wood composite laminate |
MDF/Oak veneer |
Available Colors |
Walnut |
Black Oak,Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
28-30" |
22-28" |
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 |