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SVS Prime Satellite Review
SVS Prime Satellite

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
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SVS Prime Satellite Review

SVS Prime Satellite is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by SVS. 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.

What size of room is the SVS Prime Satellite speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the SVS Prime Satellite is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

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.)

What are the speakers in SVS's Prime Series?

Prime Satellite is a member of SVS's Prime series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

SVS Prime Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
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 Tower
Compare
30-25k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
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"


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

What is the 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. At a minimum frequency of 69 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from Prime Satellite so depending on your intended use, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with SVS Prime Satellite, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $500. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how Prime Satellite's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
SVS Prime Satellite
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
SVS Prime Satellite
Min
Average
Max


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

SVS Prime Satellite Crossover
SVS Prime Satellite Crossover

What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the SVS Prime Satellite? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

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
Max

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 speakers.

Minimum Impedance of 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.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the SVS Prime Satellite:

  • Integrated Amps under 300 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

Prime Satellite features 5-Way post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
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

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
Max
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
  • 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  Lifestyle
    SVS Prime Satellite Lifestyle

    SVS Prime Satellite Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
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    Frequently Asked Questions about SVS Prime Satellite
    What is the External Dimensions of SVS Prime Satellite
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of SVS Prime Satellite
    is the SVS Prime Satellite an easy to drive speaker?



    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
    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)
    Weight3.00kg ( 6.50 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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