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SVS Ultra Bookshelf Review
SVS Ultra Bookshelf

Main Features

  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer
  • 45-32k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 20-150watts
  • Weight:19.01 lbs / 8.64 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 14-15/16"x8-9/16"x11-1/16" / 380.0 x 218.0 x 281.0mm
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SVS Ultra Bookshelf Review
SVS Ultra Bookshelf SVS Ultra Bookshelf
See at AMAZON

SVS Ultra Bookshelf is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by SVS. It features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 45-32k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. SVS Ultra Bookshelf has an MSRP of 1200$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the SVS Ultra 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-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 Ultra Series of Loudspeakers

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

SVS Ultra Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
SVS Ultra Center
Compare
45-32k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
SVS Ultra Tower
Compare
28-32k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 8.0"
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
45-32k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"


**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.

Frequency Response of the SVS Ultra Bookshelf Speaker

SVS Ultra Bookshelf has a Frequency response range of 45-32k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 20-150 watts. With a minimum frequency of 45 Hz, Ultra Bookshelf delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with SVS Ultra Bookshelf, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $1500. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how Ultra Bookshelf'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 Ultra Bookshelf
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Min
Average
Max
SVS Ultra Bookshelf Woofer
SVS Ultra Bookshelf's Composite glass-fiber Woofer


Crossover frequency of the SVS Ultra Bookshelf?

The Crossover frequency of the Ultra Bookshelf is set to 2000Hz. 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.

Impedance and Sensitivity

SVS Ultra Bookshelf's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Min
Average
Max

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

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, SVS Ultra 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.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the SVS Ultra Bookshelf:

  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

Ultra Bookshelf has 5-way post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

SVS Ultra Bookshelf Back View
SVS Ultra Bookshelf Back View

SVS Ultra Bookshelf External Dimensions and Weight

SVS Ultra Bookshelf has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 14-15/16 x 8-9/16 x 11-1/16inch (380.0 x 218.0 x 281.0mm ).

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 Ultra Bookshelf is approximately 612.6cm2 / 95.0inch2.

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

SVS Ultra Bookshelf Real Life Body Size Comparison
SVS Ultra Bookshelf Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the SVS Ultra 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 Ultra Bookshelf placed next to an amplifier and turntable
SVS Ultra Bookshelf Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The SVS Ultra Bookshelf weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Ultra Bookshelf's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $1500
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

SVS Ultra Bookshelf has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Oak veneer 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 Ultra Bookshelf comes with 8 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 Ultra 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 Ultra Bookshelf is available in Black Oak, Piano Gloss Black and Piano Gloss White.

Wall Mounting

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

Does the SVS Ultra Bookshelf come with a Grille?

Ultra 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 Ultra Bookshelf  with Grille
SVS Ultra Bookshelf with Grille

What's in the Box of SVS Ultra Bookshelf?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Ultra Bookshelf:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles
  • 8 Rubber feet
  • 2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)
  • 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 Ultra Bookshelf.

    • 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 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.

    Warranty

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

    SVS Ultra Bookshelf Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    B&W 606
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    SVS Prime Bookshelf
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
    Klipsch RP-600M
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 45-25k Hz
    KEF Q350
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 63-28k Hz
    Polk L200
    Compare
    2-way 85.5 dB 4 ohms 46-38k Hz
    Wharfedale EVO4.2
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 54-22k Hz
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
    KEF LS50
    Compare
    2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 79-28k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about SVS Ultra Bookshelf
    What is the External Dimensions of SVS Ultra Bookshelf
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of SVS Ultra Bookshelf
    is the SVS Ultra Bookshelf an easy to drive speaker?

    SVS Ultra Bookshelf Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandSVS
    Full Model NameSVS Ultra Bookshelf
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range20-150 watts
    Sensitivity87 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response45-32k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionComposite glass-fiber
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
    Crossover freq2000Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector Type5-way post
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height380.0mm ( 14-15/16-inch)
    Width218.0mm ( 8-9/16-inch)
    Depth281.0mm ( 11-1/16-inch)
    Height380.0mm ( 14-15/16-inch)
    Weight8.64kg ( 19.01 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Oak veneer
    Available ColorsBlack Oak,Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White
    Mounting BracketNo
    Recommended Stand Height22-28
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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