Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Tonally balanced, and provide good detail and clarity
- Versatile and produce a relaxing sound
- Classic design that will look good in any room
Product Considerations
- Positioning is important; placing them too close to a wall compromises the soundstage, while placing them too far out makes them sound thin
- Out of the box, the speakers can be bass-heavy, and may need EQ adjustments
- One reviewer noted a minor issue with the finish on the front edge of their speaker
Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio SX-50 is a great pair of bookshelf speakers that offer good value for their price, especially for small to medium-sized rooms. They are versatile and good for different kinds of music.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
SX50
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Sensitivity: 87dB
- Frequency response: 50Hz-22kHz
- Impedance: 8 Ohms compatible
- Recommended amplifier power: 10-100 watts
- Drivers: 5.25" (135mm) treated paper cone woofer, 1" (25mm) Silk dome tweeter
- Crossover: 2 way
- Ported: 1 rear
- Magnetic shielding: No
- Colour: Matte Black
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 225 x 161 x 240mm (8.9 x 6.3 x 9.4")
- Weight: 3.0kg (6.6lbs)
Description
SX50 are a pair of compact hi-fi speakers designed to sit in confined spaces like bookshelves – hence the name. Despite their modest size, they output a confident, detailed, and rich stereo sound to fill smaller rooms with music as it was meant to be heard. It's the combination of engineering quality and value, that make SX50 so hard to beat.
SX50. Sound Comes First
SX50 are a pair of compact hi-fi speakers designed to sit in confined spaces like bookshelves – hence the name. Despite their modest size, they output a confident, detailed, and rich stereo sound to fill smaller rooms with music as it was meant to be heard. It's the combination of engineering quality and value, that make SX50 so hard to beat.
Sound Reproduction
SX50 speakers have a 135mm (5.25") woofer made from treated paper. Hi-fi manufacturers have used it for years, as paper's impressive strength-to-weight ratio is matched by excellent tonality – so music sounds rich, well defined, and real. 25mm (1") soft dome tweeters, made from treated silk, take care of the higher frequencies – with the same balance of realism and refinement.
Two Drivers, One Voice
Our team in London took great care and attention when designing the crossovers in SX50 – as they're responsible for ensuring that each driver receives the correct frequency. Accuracy of timing and stereo imaging depend on phase remaining completely linear, from top to bottom. The result? Your music sounds engaging, energetic and real.
Engineered, Front to Back
Spin SX50 around to see that our attention-to-detail runs from front to back. There's a neat bass reflex port that lets you fine-tune lower frequencies, by adjusting the position of the speaker with the wall. Immediately below are a pair o...
SX50 are a pair of compact hi-fi speakers designed to sit in confined spaces like bookshelves – hence the name. Despite their modest size, they output a confident, detailed, and rich stereo sound to fill smaller rooms with music as it was meant to be heard. It's the combination of engineering quality and value, that make SX50 so hard to beat.
Sound Reproduction
SX50 speakers have a 135mm (5.25") woofer made from treated paper. Hi-fi manufacturers have used it for years, as paper's impressive strength-to-weight ratio is matched by excellent tonality – so music sounds rich, well defined, and real. 25mm (1") soft dome tweeters, made from treated silk, take care of the higher frequencies – with the same balance of realism and refinement.
Two Drivers, One Voice
Our team in London took great care and attention when designing the crossovers in SX50 – as they're responsible for ensuring that each driver receives the correct frequency. Accuracy of timing and stereo imaging depend on phase remaining completely linear, from top to bottom. The result? Your music sounds engaging, energetic and real.
Engineered, Front to Back
Spin SX50 around to see that our attention-to-detail runs from front to back. There's a neat bass reflex port that lets you fine-tune lower frequencies, by adjusting the position of the speaker with the wall. Immediately below are a pair o...
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Cambridge Audio incorporates high-quality components, such as toroidal transformers and ESS Sabre DAC chips, but they make sure that the components are chosen for their sonic character, rather than measured performance.
- With some lines receiving 5-year warranties with product registration, they convey a commitment to product durability, even when their products are sold through hifi stores, which are not generally known for high-end clientele.
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Select product comparisons
AXA25
- Positioning: The entry-level integrated stereo amplifier in Cambridge Audio's lineup.
- Description: Offers a straightforward design with 25 watts per channel, making it ideal for small rooms and budget-conscious users. Unlike the more advanced models like the EXA100, it lacks digital inputs and Bluetooth connectivity, focusing instead on simplicity and analog connections, which suits users who prioritize basic functionality over advanced features.
Evo 75
- Positioning: The mid-range streaming amplifier in the Evo series.
- Description: Combines streaming capabilities with a powerful 75-watt amplifier, offering a compact solution for modern audio needs. It features the StreamMagic Gen 4 module for seamless streaming, unlike the AXA25, which lacks streaming capabilities.
EXA100
- Positioning: The high-end integrated amplifier in the EX series, offering advanced features and performance.
- Description: Delivers 100 watts per channel with Class AB amplification, providing a wide and detailed soundstage. It includes digital inputs like HDMI eARC and Bluetooth aptX HD, unlike the AXA25, which focuses on analog connections.
Edge A
- Positioning: The flagship integrated amplifier in Cambridge Audio's lineup, representing the pinnacle of their audio engineering.
- Description: Features proprietary Class XA amplification and twin toroidal transformers for exceptional power and clarity. It offers a more refined sound than the EXA100, with a focus on musicality and detail.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
246
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
9
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
40
Founding Year
1968
Our take on the brand
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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Cambridge Audio
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What if you spend more?
Cambridge Audio
EVO S
799
799
/
2
Reviews
The Perfect Partnership
Turn an Evo all-in-one player into an Evo system with a pair of Evo S speakers. They're designed and engineered to be the perfect sonic and aesthetic match for Evo. Premium materials and components throughout ensure Evo S sound as good as they look.
No-Compromise Construction
Every critical component of Evo S has been chosen with one aim in mind: to deliver class-leading audio performance. From the 1" black silk dome tweeters to the 6.5" anodized aluminium mid-bass drivers, the medium density fibreboard cabinet construction to the gold electroplated speaker binding posts – Evo S is designed and engineered to perform alongside Evo.
Information is Power
Thanks to their specification and design, which includes rear bass ports, Evo S can cover the high-resolution audio frequency range from a super-low 50Hz to crisp 40kHz top end. Just what you need to experience Evo's Hi-Res streaming capabilities and hear music packed with detail and emotional punch.
Your Music, Complete
Designed to match Evo's compact, but premium aesthetic, Evo S echo key design cues – such as the 'floating' base and robust 'plated' construction. They're designed to fit discreetly on a bookshelf and are supplied with speaker grilles as well as speaker cable. Everything you need to finish off your Evo system.
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Clear and high-resolution audio output, even at very loud volumes
- Sparkly and clear highs, providing an extremely high-resolution output
- Easy to drive
- An all-in-one player with an amplifier, streamer player, and DAC
- Multi-room music support via Google Home, Apple Airplay, and Tidal
Product Considerations
- Does not provide massive bass
- Only offered in black matte
- Placing them too close to a wall will create too much bass
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The EVO 150 has 'taken the throne' from the Naim Uniti Atom as the network amplifier to buy
Takeaway: The EVO series is a great option for someone looking for an audiophile experience without a lot of clutter. The EVO 150 and EVO S work together to create a clean and high-resolution output for any music genre
Video review
Our take on the brand
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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Wharfedale
Evo4.2
899
899
/
22
Reviews
Wharfedale’s new EVO4 has grown out of the extensive research and development that produced the ELYSIAN flagship loudspeakers and borrows much of the technology involved in ELYSIAN.
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent focus and separation, with the speakers 'disappearing' to create a natural soundstage
- Impressive low-end performance, adding authority to the music
- Cohesive driver integration, with no perceivable handover between the AMT tweeter, midrange dome, and woofer
- Remarkable neutrality in the midrange, with a detailed yet smooth treble—avoiding harshness even at higher volumes
- Clear and detailed sound reproduction, extracting nuances and levels of information outstanding for its price
Product Considerations
- Vertical off-axis performance of the AMT tweeter is not good, so correct speaker height and toe-in are important
- Soundstage is not super wide, with the presentation mostly between the speakers
- Some reviewers found the aesthetics or proportions to be awkward or not to suit all tastes
- Bass may be a bit polite for some listeners wanting subwoofer-type rumble
- The midrange can be fatiguing if the listener's ear is at the midrange driver level
Takeaway: The Evo4.2 is a well-rounded speaker that delivers excellent sound quality with impressive imaging, detail, and tonal balance. It is capable of providing an audiophile experience at an affordable price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Wharfedale is a speaker brand known for making high-end audio accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles, particularly through their Heritage Series and Diamond line which offer premium sound at affordable prices. Their speakers feature curved cabinets and are celebrated for their rich, full-bodied sound with excellent tonal balance, notably in their Linton 85s and Dovedale models.
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Q Acoustics
5020
899
899
/
18
Reviews
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Attractive design with rounded cabinet edges and multiple finish options (Satin Black, Satin White, Santos Rosewood, Holme Oak)
- Good midrange reproduction—clean and uncolored—especially for the price
- Clear and detailed sound with good separation of instruments
- Taut and agile bass performance
- Internal bracing (P2P) stiffens the cabinet, reducing vibrations and improving stereo image
- Connectivity options such as binding posts
Product Considerations
- Can tend towards brightness, potentially causing fatigue during longer listening sessions—especially with the wrong equipment pairing
- Cabinet size is relatively large for a bookshelf speaker
- Bass response is somewhat subdued
- Some reviewers noted imaging issues, with vocals lacking a firm presence in the center
- Grilles muddle the sound
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics 5020 is a great-looking speaker that offers a rich and musical sound, making it a very entertaining listen for the price. With its ability to reveal details from recordings, it's a wise choice for those looking for a well-built and sonically pleasing speaker.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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Product Page
Klipsch
RP-600M II
649
649
/
14
Reviews
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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Product Strengths
- Larger horn tweeter and a new Cerametallic woofer, compared to its predecessor
- Upgraded binding posts and crossover plate elevate to Reference Premiere status
- Larger diameter voice coils and aluminum shorting rings on the woofers give the speaker better linearity throughout the bass, decrease distortion while upping power handling resulting in improved speed and accuracy
- Better detail retrieval, more articulate bass, and vastly improved soundstage width and imaging, compared to the RP-600M
- The binding posts are the same that are found on costlier Heritage speakers
Product Considerations
- Finish options did not receive an upgrade over the outgoing model, leaving customers with the same ebony or walnut wraps
- The tweeter may be too bright for some listeners who are sensitive to a more aggressive top end
- Rated sensitivity is 94.5dB, which is a decrease compared to the original's reported sensitivity of 96
- Needs a bit of space behind them and to the sides, or at least positioning on open shelves, if the powerful output from that port isn't to muddy the sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the older RP-600M, the new sounds far more linear
- The new is very easy to listen to for long periods of time, and while it still has a presence, a speed and transparency to the artist or instrument—at least with respect to the midrange—it is not as forward sounding as past designs
- The new proved to be surprisingly flat, but best of all, not the least bit fatiguing
- There was very little difference in tone with respect to the mids between the new and a costlier Revel bookshelf
- These two are actually pretty neck and neck
- As for the Wharfedale Evo 4.1, the Evo is better constructed, not to mention nicer looking
Takeaway: The RP-600M II is a refined speaker with better components, improved sound, and better bass response and imaging. It's a speaker that would be great for someone who likes to listen to a variety of music genres and wants a good-sounding speaker that can last a long time.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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What competes at this price?
Cambridge Audio
SX60
299
/
Released
2024
SX60 standmount speakers build on the strengths of SX50, taking on a larger form-factor for an assured musical performance. They can work happily in bigger spaces, while still offering you flexibility in terms of placement. Speaker stands or a cabinet top, it's your call. SX60's combination of engineering, confident sound reproduction, and price makes them a winning combination.
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Easy speakers to get up and running and easy to fall in love with
- Neutral midrange
- Great presence and detail in the highs
- Good dynamics
- Good at detail, intelligibility, clarity, and dynamics from about the midrange on up
Product Considerations
- Require a sub for full-range playback
- Bass is not great on its own
- Lack upward firing speakers
- Are sonically a bit ill-refined and aesthetically ordinary, bordering on boring
- The top end can get a bit edgy at times
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Kanto YU Passives, the SX60s provide some gains in the nuance and detail departments
- Vs Q Acoustics 3010i, the Cambridge is more captivating
- Vs Fluance XL8s, the Cambridge has a bit more detail and definition throughout the mid-range and treble
- Vs Wharfedale Diamond 121, the Wharfedales have a clearer sound, with greater dynamic reach
Takeaway: The SX60 speakers are pretty special, especially if detail, intelligibility, clarity, and dynamics from about the midrange on up are prioritized, and they do not command a premium price. These speakers are confident and full of energy, making them an engaging and fun listen.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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Q Acoustics
M20
499
/
Released
2021
Designed to deliver stunning wireless high-resolution stereo sound, the flexible M20 HD audio system is the most powerful and immersive way to enjoy music, movies and gaming sound anywhere in the home.
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Effortlessly detailed and balanced sound
- Excellent stereo imaging and dynamics
- High-quality Bluetooth streaming
- Simple setup and control
- Multiple connection options, including subwoofer output, digital input for TV, and analog inputs
Product Considerations
- No HDMI ARC for seamless control with TV remote
- No dedicated app for adjusting settings
- Bass output may be lacking for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer
- Grilles are non-removable
- Speakers power down after 20 minutes at rest, requiring manual Bluetooth pairing each time
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2, the Q Acoustics M20 sounds fuller, louder and less compressed
Takeaway: The Q Acoustics M20 HD speakers offer detailed, balanced sound and are easy to set up with various devices. They're a versatile audio solution for upgrading sound, whether for music, movies, or gaming.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
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SVS
Prime Bookshelf
299
/
Released
The Prime Bookshelf speakers are sonic overachievers on all levels. Stunningly dynamic, pinpoint accurate and utterly transparent, they deftly serve as reference monitor loudspeakers in a two-channel system, or as high performance front, center, or side/rear surround speakers in a multi-channel home theater.
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good ability to get loud, clean sound without distortion or compression issues above 80 Hz when paired with a subwoofer
- Really good build quality cabinet
- Very clear, immediate, vivid sounding speaker
- Ultra-focused sounding, clean, and nicely balanced vocals
- A lot of treble liveliness combined with quality clarity and crispness
Product Considerations
- Treble is a little bit bright
- Not the most neutral speaker
- Leaner sound in terms of bass delivery
- Very tight, tuneful, and on-point bass, but the perceived amount of bass is less substantial than other speakers reviewed
- Some port noise or chuffing can be heard when setting the speakers to deliver as much bass as the Klipsch RP600M
Takeaway: The SVS Prime bookshelf is a sweet little speaker that delivers clear and vivid sound and has great build quality. It's also versatile, as it can be used in a stereo setup or as part of a home theater system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
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Sonos
Era 100
230
/
Released
2023
Featuring next-gen acoustics and new levels of connectivity, Era 100 transforms any room with the finely tuned stereo sound and rich bass your music deserves.
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers stereo sound, unlike the Sonos One, due to angled tweeters
- Has a larger woofer, resulting in deeper bass
- Features Bluetooth connectivity, in addition to Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2, offering more flexibility
- Easy to set up and use with the Sonos app, which integrates many music sources
- Includes Trueplay room tuning, now available for Android users, which optimizes the speaker's sound based on its placement in the room, and adjustable EQ
Product Considerations
- The Apple HomePod 2 provides more natural warmth of human voices
- A separate adapter is needed for a wired connection, and it's not included in the box
- Lacks Google Assistant support
- Android users may find the Quick Tuning feature is not as capable as the iOS version
- Isn't designed for outdoor use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Era 100 has better sound quality with cleaner bass and can playback stereo content without downmixing to mono, compared to Sonos One/One SL
- Era 100 is more affordable and compact but lacks Dolby Atmos support, compared to Sonos Era 300
- Era 100 is cheaper but doesn't have a built-in battery for portability, compared to Sonos Move 2
Takeaway: The Sonos Era 100 is a versatile wireless speaker with great sound, enhanced bass, and easy integration with streaming services. It's a solid choice for anyone seeking a compact, all-in-one speaker that delivers both convenience and quality audio for an immersive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.
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SVS
Ultra (Bookshelf)
399
/
Released
2024
The SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers are the rare speaker design that deliver effortless full-range sound and an expansive soundstage with pitch-perfect accuracy and pinpoint imaging. A true reference quality speaker, critics and music lovers celebrate the absolute transparency while home theater speaker fans laud the room-energizing dynamics and palpable bass output. It’s an amazingly balanced speaker that radiates acoustic power while rendering the finest details with precision and refinement.
Every design element of the SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers was scrutinized to achieve cost-no-object audio performance and build quality to create a groundbreaking bookshelf loudspeaker. Countless design innovations and world-class build materials result in reference sound quality and stunning dynamics normally reserved for the world’s most expensive speakers.
Whether handling the warm and engaging sound of vinyl or the demanding, multi-layered soundtrack of an action movie, the Ultra Bookshelf speakers deliver a powerful and convincing audio experience and are among the top audio investments available at any price.
Read
Every design element of the SVS Ultra Bookshelf speakers was scrutinized to achieve cost-no-object audio performance and build quality to create a groundbreaking bookshelf loudspeaker. Countless design innovations and world-class build materials result in reference sound quality and stunning dynamics normally reserved for the world’s most expensive speakers.
Whether handling the warm and engaging sound of vinyl or the demanding, multi-layered soundtrack of an action movie, the Ultra Bookshelf speakers deliver a powerful and convincing audio experience and are among the top audio investments available at any price.
Read
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Nice cabinets
- Fluid and captivating articulation in the mids, with warmth and clarity to voices
- The bass is good enough that one could conceivably get away without ever having a subwoofer
- Excellent clarity and tonal balance
- Able to use so much high-performance technology in products that cost so little
Product Considerations
- Has aluminum wiring
- Lacks a little bit of detail at the very top—kicks, punches, and gunshots do not quite have enough "snap" to them
- Rated at 8 ohms, but in reality, they are 4 ohm speakers
- Do not have magnetic grills, they have a pin-and-cup grill retention system
- Tendency to sound bright with modern pop and electronic music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the SVS Prime Bookshelf Speaker, it is a noticeable step up in linearity
- The Ultra Towers' performance is beaten by perhaps only one or two other models in the same price range
- The SVS's more laid-back character and natural response remains composed compared to the JBLs, where the JBLs start to lose control and break up
Takeaway: The Ultra speakers are a good value because of their high-quality sound and build that offer performance often found in more expensive speakers. One can enjoy great sound without breaking the bank.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SVS is a hifi brand known for its subwoofers that feature dual 8-inch voice coils and 17-inch drivers, delivering deep bass with precise control through their force-balanced woofer array design. Their Ultra Evolution series uses diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeters and acoustically centered time alignment cabinet architecture to ensure all sound reaches listeners' ears simultaneously for a coherent soundstage.
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