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SVS Prime Satellite Review
SVS Prime Satellite - Image 1

Main Features

  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 69-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 85 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 20-150watts
  • Weight:6.50 lbs / 3.00 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 8-13/16"x4-15/16"x6-3/8" / 224.0 x 126.0 x 162.0mm
MSRP: $349 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›

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SVS Prime Satellite Review
SVS Prime Satellite SVS Prime Satellite
Check price atAmazon›

SVS Prime Satellite 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 4.5" Polypropylene Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 69-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 85 dB. SVS Prime Satellite has an MSRP of 349$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

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

(* 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 Prime Satellite  Lifestyle
SVS Prime Satellite Lifestyle

SVS's Prime Series of Loudspeakers

Prime Satellite 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
Compare
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
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 Satellite Speaker

SVS Prime Satellite has a Frequency response range of 69-25k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 20-150 watts. With a minimum frequency of 69 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from Prime Satellite so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how Prime Satellite's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
SVS Prime Satellite
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the SVS Prime Satellite?
  • Work out the crossover setting — it follows from this speaker's 69 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $500 — a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

SVS Prime Satellite Tweeter
SVS Prime Satellite's aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter

SVS Prime Satellite Crossover
SVS Prime Satellite Crossover

Impedance and Sensitivity

SVS Prime Satellite's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.2 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 85 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
SVS Prime Satellite
Min
Average
Median

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

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 85 dB, SVS Prime Satellite 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 Satellite plays in your room →

Minimum Impedance of the SVS Prime Satellite

Even though the nominal impedance of the Prime Satellite is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to SVS is 3.2 ohms SVS Prime Satellite so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

What amplifier does the SVS Prime Satellite need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 24–150 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 Satellite 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 Satellite Back View
SVS Prime Satellite Back View

SVS Prime Satellite External Dimensions and Weight

SVS Prime Satellite has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 28-32inch x 4-15/16inch x 6-3/8inch (224.0 x 126.0 x 162.0mm ).

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 Satellite is approximately 204.1cm2 / 31.6inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of SVS Prime Satellite, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

SVS Prime Satellite Real Life Body Size Comparison
SVS Prime Satellite Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the SVS Prime Satellite 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 Satellite placed next to an amplifier and turntable
SVS Prime Satellite Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The SVS Prime Satellite weighs 3.00kg / 6.6lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Prime Satellite's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
SVS Prime Satellite
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $500
SVS Prime Satellite
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

SVS Prime Satellite 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 Satellite 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 Satellite 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 Satellite is available in Black.

Wall Mounting

Prime Satellite doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the SVS Prime Satellite come with a Grille?

Prime Satellite comes with Magnetic 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 Satellite  with Grille
SVS Prime Satellite with Grille

What's in the Box of SVS Prime Satellite?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Prime Satellite:
  • 2 Satellite 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 Satellite.

  • 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.
  • 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.

User's Manual

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

Official Product Page

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

Warranty

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

SVS Prime Satellite Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
SVS Prime Bookshelf
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
SVS Prime Center
Compare
3-way 86 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
Polk ES10
Compare
2-way 84 dB 8 ohms 78-40k Hz
SVS Prime Tower
Compare
3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 30-25k Hz
SVS Prime Pinnacle
Compare
3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 29-25k Hz
KEF Q150
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
Klipsch R-41M
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 68-21k Hz
Polk ES20
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 41-40k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about SVS Prime Satellite

What amplifier do you need for the SVS Prime Satellite?

SVS rates the SVS Prime Satellite for 20-150 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 Satellite easy to drive?

The SVS Prime Satellite has a sensitivity of 85 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the SVS Prime Satellite need a subwoofer?

The SVS Prime Satellite reaches down to 69Hz (full range 69-25k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the SVS Prime Satellite use?

The SVS Prime Satellite is a 2-way design using a 1" Hard-Dome tweeter and a 4.5" Polypropylene woofer.

Is the SVS Prime Satellite sealed or ported?

The SVS Prime Satellite 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 Satellite be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The SVS Prime Satellite has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses 5-Way post terminals.

Does the SVS Prime Satellite come with grilles?

Yes. The SVS Prime Satellite comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the SVS Prime Satellite?

The SVS Prime Satellite weighs 3.00kg / 6.6lbs each and measures 28-32inch x 4-15/16inch x 6-3/8inch (HxWxD).

How much does the SVS Prime Satellite cost?

The SVS Prime Satellite has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $349 per pair.


SVS Prime Satellite Detailed Specifications

General
BrandSVS
Full Model NameSVS Prime Satellite
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power Range20-150 watts
Sensitivity85 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response69-25k Hz
Release Date2015
DRIVERS
Woofer Size4.5-inch
Woofer CompositionPolypropylene
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector Type5-Way post
Biamp InputsNo
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height224.0mm ( 8-13/16-inch)
Width126.0mm ( 4-15/16-inch)
Depth162.0mm ( 6-3/8-inch)
Height224.0mm ( 8-13/16-inch)
Weight3 kg (6.5 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
FinishMDF/Wood-grain vinyl
Available ColorsBlack
Recommended Stand Height28-32
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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