SVS Prime Bookshelf is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by SVS. It was released in 2015. It features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. SVS Prime Bookshelf has an MSRP of 600$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the SVS Prime Bookshelf is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:
| Listening Environment* |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Average |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Average |
| Very Large Room | 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.)
SVS's Prime Series of Loudspeakers
Prime Bookshelf is a member of SVS's Prime series of Passive speakers. The Prime range is SVS's affordable line of speakers and subwoofers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
See all 6 SVS Prime models compared »
SVS Prime Series Speakers
SVS Prime Series Speakers
Frequency Response of the SVS Prime Bookshelf Speaker
SVS Prime Bookshelf has a Frequency response range of 48-25k Hz and Power Range of 25-150 watts. With a minimum frequency of 48 Hz, Prime Bookshelf delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.
Here we have a comparison of how Prime Bookshelf's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Thinking about a subwoofer for the SVS Prime Bookshelf?
SVS Prime Bookshelf's aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter
Crossover frequency of the SVS Prime Bookshelf?
The crossover frequency of the Prime Bookshelf is set to 2300Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.
SVS Prime Bookshelf Crossover is set to 2300Hz
Impedance and Sensitivity
SVS Prime Bookshelf's nominal impedance level is
8 ohms and has a sensitivity of
87 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so SVS Prime Bookshelf is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, SVS Prime Bookshelf is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the SVS Prime Bookshelf plays in your room →
What amplifier does the SVS Prime Bookshelf need?
At normal listening levels in a medium room, about
15–150 W
per channel into 8 ohms.
Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.
Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $750, or every amplifier we cover.
Input Type
Prime Bookshelf features 5-way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →
SVS Prime Bookshelf Back View
SVS Prime Bookshelf External Dimensions and Weight
SVS Prime Bookshelf has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 13.2 x 8.0 x 10.2inch (337.8 x 203.2 x 261.6mm ).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of SVS Prime Bookshelf is approximately 531.6cm2 / 82.4inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of SVS Prime Bookshelf, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
SVS Prime Bookshelf Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Here we place the SVS Prime Bookshelf virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.
SVS Prime Bookshelf Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable
Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove → · Work out where they should sit in the room →
WeightThe SVS Prime Bookshelf weighs 7.03kg / 15.5lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Prime Bookshelf's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $750
SVS Prime Bookshelf on a Stand
How does the SVS Prime Bookshelf compare to the SVS Ultra Bookshelf?
One of the natural alternative to the SVS Prime Bookshelf is the Ultra Bookshelf which is located one step higher in SVS's Passive Bookshelf selection.
Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:
Comparison image of SVS Prime Bookshelf and SVS Ultra Bookshelf Size and External Dimensions
Check the Detailed Comparison of SVS Prime Bookshelf vs Ultra Bookshelf for more details.
Cabinet type and Materials
SVS Prime Bookshelf has a
Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Wood-grain vinyl finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Speaker Feet
SVS Prime Bookshelf comes with 8 Self-adhesive rubber bumpers which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.
It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.
Port Position
SVS Prime Bookshelf is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.
Available colors
SVS Prime Bookshelf is available in Black Ash and Piano Gloss Black.
Wall Mounting
Prime Bookshelf doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Does the SVS Prime Bookshelf come with a Grille?
Prime Bookshelf comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.
SVS Prime Bookshelf with Grille
What's in the Box of SVS Prime Bookshelf?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Prime Bookshelf:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles (pre-installed)
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber bumpers
- Owners Manual SVS brochure
- Online Product Registration Card
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the SVS Prime Bookshelf.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
- Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
- Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the SVS Prime Bookshelf speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for SVS Prime Bookshelf
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.