SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS
    • By Type
      Passive Bookshelf Speakers Passive Floor-standing Speakers Passive Center Channel Speakers Passive In-wall Speakers All Passive Speakers Powered Subwoofers Powered Stereo Speakers
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Front Firing Port Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      By Brand
      Acoustic Energy Aperion ATC Audio-Technica Audioengine Bluesound Bowers Wilkins Buchardt Cambridge Audio Canton DALI Definitive Technology Dynaudio ELAC Emotiva Fluance Focal Fyne Audio Genelec GoldenEar Harbeth Jamo JBL Kanto KEF KLH Klipsch Leak Mackie Magnepan MartinLogan McIntosh Mission MoFi Monitor Audio Nuvo Onkyo OSD Paradigm Perlisten Polk Audio PS Audio PSB Q Acoustics REL Revel Russound Sennheiser Sonos Sonus faber Sony Spendor SVS Tannoy Technics Triangle Velodyne Victrola Wharfedale Wilson Audio Yamaha
  • AMPLIFIERS
    • By Type
      All Amplifiers Integrated Amplifiers Stereo Receivers Streaming Amplifiers Power Amplifiers Compact Amplifiers
      Home Theater
      All Home Theater Receivers AnthemARCAMDenonIntegraJBLMarantzMcIntoshNADOnkyoSonyYamaha
      By Power
      Up to 60 watts 61 to 90 watts 91 to 120 watts 121 to 180 watts Over 180 watts
      By Feature
      HDMI Input Room Correction Subwoofer Output Handheld Remote Roon Ready
      By Brand
      Accuphase Advance Paris Anthem Arcam Audio Research AudioControl Audioengine Audiolab Bluesound Bose Buchardt Cambridge Audio Denon Devialet ELAC Emotiva Eversolo FiiO Fosi Audio Hegel HiFi Rose Integra JBL LEAK Luxman Marantz Mark Levinson McIntosh Michi MISSION MOON Musical Fidelity NAD Naim Onkyo OSD Parasound Pass Labs Peachtree PrimaLuna Primare PS Audio Rega Rogue Audio Roksan Rotel Schiit Audio Sonos Sony SVS T+A TEAC Technics Vincent WiiM Yamaha
  • SMART FIND
  • TOOLS
  • BLOG
  1. Home
  2. SVS Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. SVS Prime Center
SVS Prime Center Review
SVS Prime Center - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" dome Tweeter
  • 3-1/2" Polypropylene Midrange
  • 2 x 5.25" polypropylene Woofer
  • 48-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 86 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 20-200 watts
  • Weight: 20.20 lbs / 9.18 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7-11/16"x18-11/16"x9-1/8" / 196.0 x 475.0 x 232.0mm
MSRP: $399 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›
x
Add a Speaker for comparison
SVS Prime Center Review
SVS Prime Center SVS Prime Center
Check price atAmazon›

Made by SVS · United States · since 1998 · direct and retail

SVS Prime Center is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by SVS. It was released in 2015. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" dome Tweeter, 1 x 3-1/2" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" polypropylene Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 86 dB. SVS Prime Center has an MSRP of 399$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the SVS Prime Center 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-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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 Center 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
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
SVS Prime Tower
Compare
30-25k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
SVS Prime Bookshelf
Compare
48-25k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
SVS Prime Center
48-25k Hz 86 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
SVS Prime Pinnacle
Compare
29-25k Hz 88 dB8Ω 3 x 6.5"
SVS Prime Satellite
Compare
69-25k Hz 85 dB8Ω 1 x 4.5"
SVS Prime Elevation
Compare
55-25k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 4.5"
SVS Prime Series Speakers
SVS Prime Series Speakers


**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the SVS Prime Center Speaker

SVS Prime Center has a Frequency response range of 48-25k Hz and Power Range of 20-200 watts. With a minimum frequency of 48 Hz, Prime Center 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 Center's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
SVS Prime Center
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the SVS Prime Center?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 48 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $500 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Crossover frequency of the SVS Prime Center?

Prime Center is a 3-way speaker and its crossover frequency between the woofer and the midrange is set to 350 Hz and the crossover frequency between the midrange and the tweeter is set to 2400 Hz.

SVS Prime Center driver frequency bands48-350Woofer 5.25"350-2.4kMidrange2.4k-25kTweeter 1"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

SVS Prime Center's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 86 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
SVS Prime Center
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so SVS Prime Center is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 86 dB, SVS Prime Center 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 Center plays in your room →

What amplifier does the SVS Prime Center need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 19–200 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Prime Center features 5-Way post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

SVS Prime Center Back View
SVS Prime Center Back View

SVS Prime Center External Dimensions and Weight

SVS Prime Center has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7-11/16 x 18-11/16 x 9-1/8inch (196.0 x 475.0 x 232.0mm ).

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 Center is approximately 1102.0cm2 / 170.8inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The SVS Prime Center weighs 9.18kg / 20.2lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Prime Center's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
SVS Prime Center
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $500
SVS Prime Center
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

SVS Prime Center has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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 Center comes with 4 Rubber feet 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 Center 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 Center is available in Black.

Does the SVS Prime Center come with a Grille?

Prime Center 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 Center  with Grille
SVS Prime Center with Grille

What's in the Box of SVS Prime Center?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Prime Center:
  • Center channel loudspeaker
  • Grille (pre-installed)
  • 4 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 Center.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • 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.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the SVS Prime Center, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for SVS Prime Center

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the SVS Prime Center speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for SVS Prime Center

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

SVS Prime Center Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Emotiva Airmotiv C1+
Compare
3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 50 Hz – 28 kHz
Klipsch RP-500C
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 60-25k Hz
SVS Ultra Center
Compare
3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 45-32k Hz
Polk ES30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
Polk R400
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 48-39K Hz
ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52
Compare
3-way 85 dB 6 ohms 48-35k Hz
Klipsch RP-504C
Compare
2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 58-25k Hz
Polk ES35
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 66-40k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about SVS Prime Center

What amplifier do you need for the SVS Prime Center?

SVS rates the SVS Prime Center for 20-200 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the SVS Prime Center easy to drive?

The SVS Prime Center has a sensitivity of 86 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the SVS Prime Center need a subwoofer?

The SVS Prime Center reaches down to 48Hz (full range 48-25k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the SVS Prime Center use?

The SVS Prime Center is a 3-way design using a 1" dome tweeter and 2 x 5.25" polypropylene woofers.

Is the SVS Prime Center sealed or ported?

The SVS Prime Center uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the SVS Prime Center be wall mounted?

The SVS Prime Center does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the SVS Prime Center come with grilles?

Yes. The SVS Prime Center comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the SVS Prime Center?

The SVS Prime Center weighs 9.18kg / 20.2lbs each and measures 7-11/16 x 18-11/16 x 9-1/8inch (HxWxD).

How much does the SVS Prime Center cost?

The SVS Prime Center has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $399 per pair.


SVS Prime Center Detailed Specifications

General
BrandSVS
Full Model NameSVS Prime Center
Speaker Type3-way Center Channel
Power Range20-200 watts
Sensitivity86 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response48-25k Hz
Release Date2015
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer Compositionpolypropylene
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter Typedome
Midrange Size3-1/2-inch
Crossover freq350Hz and 2400Hz
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type5-Way post
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height196.0mm ( 7-11/16-inch)
Width475.0mm ( 18-11/16-inch)
Depth232.0mm ( 9-1/8-inch)
Height196.0mm ( 7-11/16-inch)
Weight9.18 kg (20.2 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
Was this review useful?
Tell us what is missing or wrong and we will fix it.
Thanks. Anything you would add?
Optional, and it goes straight to the person who maintains this page.
Thanks - noted.
LATEST BLOG POSTS

Only 22 Powered Speakers Have a Built-In Phono Stage, and Klipsch Makes 9 of Them
Denon Rates the Same Receiver at 95 Watts and 125 Watts. Only One Is Full Bandwidth.
Michi's New 3,999 Dollar S430 Makes 390 Watts Into 4 Ohms. The 9,499 Dollar X5 Makes 390 Into 8.
The Streaming Amps That Buy the Most Watts Under 1000 Dollars, and Why FiiO Beats WiiM On This One
PS Audio's Amplifiers Are All In Now, and One Brand Covers 5 Dollars a Watt to 80
Every PS Audio Speaker Is Now in Our Database, and Only Three Speakers We Hold Do What These Do


Latest Passive Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-5403C
Klipsch RP-5403C
2-way Center Channel | 96 dB | 8 ohms
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-5203C
Klipsch RP-5203C
2-way Center Channel | 94 dB | 8 ohms
Revel Performa4 C245
Revel Performa4 C245
2-way Center Channel | 86 dB | 6 ohms
DALI SONIK CINEMA
DALI SONIK CINEMA
2-way Center Channel | 89.5 dB | 6 ohms
Monitor Audio Silver Centre 8G
Monitor Audio Silver Centre 8G
3-way Center Channel | 89 dB | 8 ohms
Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci
Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci
2-way Center Channel | 90 dB | 8 ohms
Focal Omada Center
Focal Omada Center
2-way Center Channel | 91.5 dB | 8 ohms
Monitor Audio Bronze Centre 7G
Monitor Audio Bronze Centre 7G
2-way Center Channel | 88 dB | 8 ohms
Wharfedale EVO5.C
Wharfedale EVO5.C
2-way Center Channel | 89 dB | 4 ohms
Bowers & Wilkins HTM82 D5
Bowers & Wilkins HTM82 D5
3-way Center Channel | 89 dB | 8 ohms


Copyright © 2026 by SpeakerDecision
About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision