SVS Ultra Bookshelf is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by SVS. It was released in 2013. 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-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 Ultra Series of Loudspeakers
Ultra Bookshelf is a member of SVS's Ultra series of Passive speakers. The Ultra range is SVS's flagship line of speakers and subwoofers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
SVS Ultra Series Speakers
SVS Ultra Series Speakers
Frequency Response of the SVS Ultra Bookshelf Speaker
SVS Ultra Bookshelf has a Frequency response range of 45-32k Hz 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.
Here we have a comparison of how Ultra 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 Ultra Bookshelf?
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
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. Work out how loud the SVS Ultra Bookshelf plays in your room →
What amplifier does the SVS Ultra 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 $1,500, or every amplifier we cover.
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.
Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →
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 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 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 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
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $1500
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
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
- 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.
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.