Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

  • Detailed sound with a balanced frequency response is suitable for both music and movies
  • Well-built with a solid cabinet construction and attractive finish options
  • Bass performance is surprisingly strong for its size, with good extension down to lower frequencies
  • Good soundstage and imaging capabilities create a wide and immersive listening experience
  • Offers excellent value for its price point, especially considering SVS's customer service and warranty

Product Considerations

  • Bass may not be engaging or tactile enough for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer
  • Binding post placement could be improved for easier connectivity, especially with spades
  • Some reviewers find the design a bit minimalist
  • The aluminum dome tweeter can lean towards a slightly cool or bright sound signature for some

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Prime Tower offers a more balanced response, while the Klipsch RP6000F is more exciting and forward
  • The Prime Tower has better imaging and soundstage, while the Emotiva T1 Plus has more clarity on the top end
  • The Prime Tower has a more balanced sound across all drivers, compared to the Emotiva T2 Plus
  • SVS Prime Towers offer better sound quality and class than the ELAC Debut F6.2

Takeaway: The SVS Prime Tower is a well-rounded speaker that provides a detailed and balanced sound, making it a good choice for people who want good sound for both movies and music. It's a refined speaker that offers great value and performance for its price.

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

Prime Tower Surround System

reviews

[{"title":"SVS Prime Tower Review","link":"https://www.rhaudioreviews.com/svs-prime-tower-review","source":"rhaudioreviews.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"SVS Prime Towers A very capable design ...","link":"https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0615/SVS_Prime_Towers_Review.htm","source":"enjoythemusic.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"SVS Prime Tower review: Audiophile performance for ...","link":"https://www.cnet.com/reviews/svs-prime-tower-review","source":"cnet.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"SVS Prime Towers Floorstanding Speaker Review","link":"https://www.themasterswitch.com/review-svs-prime-towers","source":"themasterswitch.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Does it Beat Klipsch and Emotiva? SVS Prime Tower Speaker Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMv8iJBZ7Kw","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"SVS Prime Tower | Floorstanding Speaker Full Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ph4V35CnMU","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"The best speaker you didn't know about: The SVS Prime Tower.","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyOUQYcsoks","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"SVS prime towers best in class by a mile….or is it?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcczhhlYwEU","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"SVS Prime Tower Speakers Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P9YbDlcgb4","source":"YouTube","datePublished":"2018"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Cabinet Dimensions (Prime Tower): 36" (H) X 8" (W) X 11.1" (D)
  • Overall Dimensions (Prime Tower): 36.6" (H) X 8" (W) X 11.6" (D)
  • Weight Unboxed (Prime Tower): 40.1 pounds
  • Cabinet Dimensions (Prime Satellite): 8.75" (H) X 4.9" (W) X 6" (D)
  • Weight Unboxed (Prime Satellite): 6.5 pounds
  • Cabinet Dimensions (Prime Center): 7.6" (H) X 18.6" (W) X 8.6" (D)
  • Weight Unboxed (Prime Center): 20.2 pounds
Take your home theater to the next level with thrilling surround sound at an inclusive price. The Prime Tower Speaker System includes a pair of Prime Tower floorstanding speakers, a Prime center channel speaker, and two Prime Satellite surround speakers that place you right in middle of the cinematic action.
Head-spinning surround sound experiences with seamless sonic transitions and stunning dynamic impact. The Prime Tower Speaker System includes a pair of Prime Tower floorstanding speakers, a Prime center channel speaker, and two Prime Satellite surround speakers that place you right in middle of the cinematic action.
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:

  • SVS subwoofers often integrate sophisticated DSP (Digital Signal Processing) engines, accessible via a user-friendly smartphone app, allowing for precise adjustments to parameters like crossover frequencies, parametric EQ, and room gain compensation.
  • They prioritize the design of the woofer itself, often using lightweight yet rigid materials like aluminum or composite cones paired with powerful motor assemblies for exceptional excursion and controlled bass reproduction.
  • The brand offers different enclosure designs, such as sealed, ported, and cylindrical, to accommodate various room sizes, aesthetic preferences, and sonic goals.
  • SVS consistently earns high praise for the quality and responsiveness of its customer service, which includes generous trial periods, warranties, and upgrade policies, fostering a customer-centric experience.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
77
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
22
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
40
Founding Year
1998

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.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
GoldenEar
T66
3450
3450
/
23
Reviews

Introducing the T Series The T66 is the first model in GoldenEar’s new T Series. While it boasts several significant refinements of our time-tested design concepts, the T66 is undeniably a GoldenEar loudspeaker, placing beautiful sound and music before all else. Honoring the Triton Series The T66 honors the critically acclaimed Triton Series, sharing a similarly tall, slender profile; built-in DSP-controlled subwoofer amplification; and a driver complement comprising GoldenEar’s High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter, cast-basket mid/bass units, quadratic planar radiators, and long-throw powered sub-bass section. Onward and Upward Several important cosmetic and sonic refinements distinguish the new T66 from previous GoldenEar speakers. These include a dramatically augmented crossover design, high-quality internal wiring, a new cast-aluminum base and metal grille, and, in addition to GoldenEar’s Gloss Black cabinet finish, a vibrant Santa Barbara Red.

GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent bass performance is a defining feature, providing tight, smooth, even, solid, and tangible bass extension into the 20 Hz range, eliminating placement issues associated with separate subwoofers
  • Balanced overall sound, coherence, and ability to present music in a natural and effortless way is consistently praised
  • High levels of detail come through with the High-Velocity Folded Ribbon AMT tweeter and cast-basket mid/bass units
  • A holographic image over the seating area of a typical sofa is capable with excellent imaging and a wide and open soundstage, even when not seated in the exact sweet spot
  • The Santa Barbara Red finish option receives high marks for its visual appeal

Product Considerations

  • Still a significant investment, especially the Santa Barbara Red finish
  • The metal grille covering the drivers is not designed to be easily removed
  • Care should be taken with system matching, due to a slightly hot high-end

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The T66 offers more refinement and a more 'of-a-piece' sound than the Triton One.R
  • Has internal structural improvements that make it even more stable and rigid than previous generations

Takeaway: The GoldenEar T66 delivers audiophile-grade sound and aesthetics, with powerful bass and exceptional detail. These speakers are easy to incorporate into nearly any environment, and have the power to let the listener appreciate all the nuances in favorite songs or movies.

Video review

Our take on the brand

GoldenEar Technology stands out for its High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, which moves air like an accordion to avoid the distortion common in metal dome tweeters, and its built-in powered bass sections with DSP eliminate the need for separate subwoofers. The brand delivers high-end sound quality at more accessible price points through its Triton series, which uses passive radiators to achieve powerful bass from compact cabinets.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Sonus Faber
Lumina V
2999
2999
/
10
Reviews

Slender Speakers with Surprising Performance.Lumina V takes inspiration from Sonus faber’s core designs and technologies, packaged in a sleek and minimalistic floorstanding speaker.LUXURY, SIMPLIFIED.Lumina V is the flagship three-way floor standing model in the collection. A slender speaker with high-power handling and fast transient response, Lumina V produces a natural, generous, and emotional sound for an immersive listening experience.LIGHTING THE WAYThe Lumina collection ushers in exciting changes while preserving the history and values core to Sonus faber. Centered on simplicity, Lumina provides an immersive and musical experience to a broader audience.SIGNATURE SONUS FABER MATERIALSLumina V incorporates multilayer wood on the front baffle and wood veneer, available in multiple finishes. The sides and top of the speaker cabinet are hand-covered in black leather.SIMPLICITY AND STYLELumina takes note of Sonus faber’s iconic natural materials.

Sonus Faber is an Italian hifi brand that designs speakers with unique lute-shaped cabinets inspired by traditional violin-making, featuring wood and leather materials to achieve a natural sound. Their speakers incorporate distinctive elements like cork chambers for midrange drivers and asymmetrical driver baskets that mimic natural forms, with each unit being individually tuned by ear to ensure tonal perfection.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Elegant design with a combination of wood and leather that gives a classy appearance
  • Impressive bass output, with some reviewers noting deep and tuneful bass
  • The midrange is articulate and expressive, delivering vocals with palpability and detail
  • Smooth and detailed high-end reproduction, thanks to the Damped Apex Dome (DAD) tweeter
  • Relatively easy to drive with a sensitivity of 89-90dB

Product Considerations

  • Requires careful placement to achieve the best balance, especially regarding toe-in
  • The bass can sometimes be perceived as boomy depending on the room acoustics
  • Some reviewers mention the included binding posts are cheap

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Q Acoustics Concept 50, the Lumina V has a more live sound, but the Concept 50 is more neutral, and more inert
  • Compared to the Polk R700, the Lumina V is sonically similar to the R700, but with slightly less bass and a smaller cabinet—with better aesthetics; the R700 is more full range and warmer
  • Compared to the Spendor A4 or ProAc Response DT8, the Lumina V is not as precise, but offers a natural sonic grace

Takeaway: The Sonus Faber Lumina V is an elegant speaker that delivers detailed sound and impressive bass. It is a great option if you want speakers that look as good as they sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Sonus Faber is an Italian hifi brand that designs speakers with unique lute-shaped cabinets inspired by traditional violin-making, featuring wood and leather materials to achieve a natural sound. Their speakers incorporate distinctive elements like cork chambers for midrange drivers and asymmetrical driver baskets that mimic natural forms, with each unit being individually tuned by ear to ensure tonal perfection.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Perlisten
R7t
4995
4995
/
9
Reviews

You wanted a flagship R-Series to fill larger rooms based on the trickle-down technology from the S-Series. The second-best two-channel system in our line-up still rivals most competitor's flagship. Employing the same DPC array and long-excursion woofers for extremely low distortion and our beam forming controlled directivity down to 500Hz make this a full-range masterpiece only rivaled by our own award-winning S7t.

Designed as a stand alone 2ch high fidelity speaker with the versatility to be used as part of multi-channel systems. Sharing "trickle-down" technology from our flagship S-Series, the DPC-Array here based on three 26mm domes, guarantees excellent directivity control and timbre matching with all R-Series speakers.

The Silk diaphragms developed ground up, chosen specifically their smooth, effortless representation of midrange and treble. The 165mm woofers are made from our proprietary HPF pulp, two years in development, bringing new technology to one of the oldest materials used in loudspeaker design.

The R7t can be aligned as bass reflex or acoustic suspension depending on specific tastes. Rich, dynamic bass matched with advanced mid/treble directivity pattern control and silky highs offer best in class performance.

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Remarkably coherent and balanced sound profile, resulting from well-engineered and matched drivers and cabinet
  • An uncanny ability to 'disappear' in the listening room
  • The DPC array design contributes to a wide horizontal dispersion, allowing a broader sweet spot for multiple listeners
  • Accurate sound reproduction and neutral enough for studio use
  • A high level of dynamic ability, good low-end control, and a cavernous soundstage

Product Considerations

  • Only available in gloss black and gloss white finishes, which might not suit all tastes or home décor
  • The price point is a significant investment, placing it beyond the reach of many
  • Some reviewers noted a mild treble roll-off, or smooth character that was overly kind on poor recordings and might lack the sparkle and excitement some listeners prefer
  • Setting up requires assistance, due to the weight
  • The lower bass extension may not satisfy deep bass enthusiasts, with extension starting to drop below 40Hz

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Perlisten S7t, the S7t offers more overall weight, bottom-end reach, resolution, and dynamic speed, but the R7t shines brightly on its own
  • Compared to the EgglestonWorks Oso, the Oso presented a more muscular version of the music with more bottom end oomph, while the R7t conveyed music's finer points with more apparent resolution
  • Compared to the KEF Reference 3, the KEF may yield deeper bass extension due to greater cabinet volume, and the scale of the soundstage may also be improved, but the Perlisten offers a superior disappearing act

Takeaway: The Perlisten R7t are well-built speakers that provide a detailed and immersive listening experience, with their advanced design and unique driver array creating a spacious soundstage. Their cutting-edge design creates a great listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Triangle
Esprit 40th - Antal 40th
4000
4000
/
8
Reviews

Antal and Comète are two emblematic models of the brand. They reflect the philosophy of the company: making sound accessible to the widest variety of customers possible through simple processes designed to foster emotion.

The Antal 40th floorstander features a new rose gold anodized magnesium dome tweeter, offering high efficiency and controlled distortion. Magnesium combines two desired qualities: lightness and rigidity. It also benefits from two new bass drivers. The use of our composite membrane made of wood pulp, flax and carbon fiber, associated with a generously sized engine, ensures a remarkable delivery of the lower frequencies.

The rich and clear sound of the midrange driver made out of natural cellulose paper TRIANGLE is known for, perfectly complements this acoustic design with surprising performances.

Each speaker integrates an accessory kit with various adaptable spikes to be used depending on the flooring. They enable decoupling by eliminating unwanted vibrations; so only the sound quality remains.

The 40th Anniversary Edition has been designed and developed with thoroughness to offer you an exceptional music experience. This speaker will fit beautifully in rooms ranging from 30 to 50m2.

Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent midrange imaging and naturalness, described as smooth and stunning
  • Smooth treble with a timbre and natural decay that allows for hours of listening without fatigue
  • Expansive soundstaging with good imaging, height, and depth
  • Stellar overall balance makes it an outstanding performer
  • Beautiful wood veneer with high polish lacquer and attention to detail in construction

Product Considerations

  • Bass will not reach subterranean levels, a subwoofer may be required for strong bass enthusiasts
  • Speakers may benefit from more power
  • "Messy music" (genres with rawness or grime) may not be conveyed as well, as the speaker can be a little polite
  • Excellent clarity was brilliantly showcased by Ray Gelato's Basin Street Blues, beautifully recorded on the Linn label, which may not appeal to all audiences

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the standard Antal Ez, the 40th Anniversary edition uses a lighter—more rigid anodized-magnesium tweeter for higher efficiency, lower distortion, and better directivity

Takeaway: The Triangle Antal 40th Anniversary is a well-balanced and beautiful loudspeaker with a stunning midrange that provides a musical and engaging listening experience. Its clarity, expansive soundstage, and beautiful design make it a great addition to any audiophile's setup

Video review

Our take on the brand

Triangle is a French speaker manufacturer known for its bright, lively sound and distinctive tweeter designs that use horn-loaded tweeters to enhance high-frequency detail.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

SVS
Ultra Evolution Pinnacle
2499
/
Released
2024
Ultra Evolution Pinnacle represents the culmination of SVS breakthroughs in driver design, component materials, and cabinet architecture, married with a relentless passion for audio excellence. The science of sonic perfection in harmony with a love of convincing and immersive sound. Never has this fusion of design elements existed in a single speaker.
Check Amazon
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

  • Delivers a lot of sound output and low bass, good for listeners who like full-range speakers
  • The diamond-coated tweeter offers a big sonic improvement, sounding more open and less tinny or strained on the high end
  • Exceptional value for money
  • Exceptional bass weight and presence for the price range
  • The Ultra Evolution Pinnacle offer scale, drama, and full-range sonics

Product Considerations

  • Voiced for warmth rather than accuracy
  • Can be room-sensitive in ways that other designs are not
  • Should be driven with a robust amplifier
  • The speaker's tonality is not linear, with a dip in the upper mid-range followed by a peak, making the sound somewhat shouty
  • Speakers require placement away from walls due to a wide Q bump in the lower bass region

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • vs Bowers & Wilkins 802 D4: The new tweeter in the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle loudspeakers had a lot of that open sound when playing "Blackbird" from QoBuz, but the highs weren't as open and airy as the nearly six times more expensive Bowers & Wilkins 802 D4 speakers—the improvement over the past tweeter is notable
  • vs Bowers & Wilkins 702 S3: B&W is slightly more money and slightly more refined
  • vs MartinLogan XT F200: The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle loudspeakers may have a different sonic signature

Takeaway: The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle speakers are a great option for those seeking a powerful, full-range sound with exceptional bass at a competitive price. They are the best SVS speaker yet and will make the listening experience vibrant and fun.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
SVS
Ultra Evolution Titan
1999
/
Released
2024
Ultra Evolution Titan represents the culmination of SVS breakthroughs in driver design, component materials, and cabinet architecture, married with a relentless passion for audio excellence. The science of sonic perfection in harmony with a love of convincing and immersive sound. The Titan's cabinet and driver dimensions are slightly smaller than the flagship Ultra Evolution Pinnacle, but its performance is no less impressive.
Check Amazon
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

  • Delivers excellent bass, from the upper registers down, with detail, speed, and articulation
  • Good balance between bass, midrange and treble, also described as 'coherent'
  • Diamond tweeter provides clean, clear, smooth, detailed, forgiving treble with no lack of refinement
  • Impressive soundstage capability, creating a great sense of scale, particularly with movie soundtracks
  • Well-rounded speaker that can be versatile, scales well with better equipment, and is forgiving of lower quality amplifiers

Product Considerations

  • Terminals recessed into the back of the speaker feel old-fashioned
  • Included spikes are the same as those seen on more affordable hifi products
  • Some reviewers find the speakers to be plain looking with minimal character, although some reviews did not mind the looks
  • Some find the bass a little thick, heavy, or frobby and better suited to modern music
  • The tweeter can sound a little treble forward or spicy

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs KEF R11 Meta: The SVS Titan delivers substantially more bass with more room filling, vocals are more forward in the KEF, while bass is more emphasized in the Titan, SVS has a more open, coherent, and agile sound, but KEF has better build quality
  • Vs Polk R700: The Titan has a faster, more detailed, and more dynamic sound, the R700 sounds warmer and requires more power
  • Vs Martin Logan XT-F100: The Titan takes the best aspects of the Logan and Polk speakers, but remains firm even with more budget-oriented gear
  • Vs Q Acoustics Concept 50: The Titan delivers a more agile and open sound with more bass, though the Concept 50 is less obtrusive and expensive
  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3: The B&W has a higher build standard, but the SVS is less bright, more neutral in the midrange, and easier to control in the bass

Takeaway: The SVS Ultra Evolution Titan is a technically ambitious speaker that provides a refined sound with a strong, detailed bass presence—making it great for both music and home theater. It's a fun and engaging speaker that's good for audiophiles and anyone who wants an excellent all-around listening experience.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
SVS
Ultra Evolution Tower
1499
/
Released
2024
Ultra Evolution Tower represents the culmination of SVS breakthroughs in driver design, component materials, and cabinet architecture, married with a relentless passion for audio excellence. The science of sonic perfection in harmony with a love of convincing and immersive sound. The smallest of the floorstanding speakers in the flagship Series, Ultra Evolution Tower outperforms everything in its class with rich, detailed sound, commanding bass, and a broad yet precise soundstage.
Check Amazon
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

  • Impressive bass output, with great extension and dynamics, without being boomy or bloated
  • Wide soundstage that expands far past the speakers
  • Strong dynamics and scale, offering a sense of being at a live performance
  • Impressive midrange clarity, with a seamless crossover into the bass region
  • The tweeter provides good levels of clarity

Product Considerations

  • Very placement dependent, requiring quite a bit of space from the back wall
  • Toe affects high frequencies quite a bit, with on-axis performance being more treble-forward
  • The narrow cabinet design makes the speakers somewhat vulnerable to being knocked over
  • Experimenting with positioning is key to getting the best from these speakers, as they need a decent amount of rear breathing space to avoid the low end becoming a little too overwhelming
  • The diamond carbon-coated tweeter can produce unforgiving highs that eke out hard edges and aggression in recordings

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • SVS Ultra Evolution Towers have more lively energy up top, but KEFs have better build quality and a more premium aesthetic
  • SVS Ultra Evolution Towers provide more bass and dynamics than the Martin Logans, while the Martin Logans offer better clarity in their treble performance and are less room-dependent
  • SVS Ultra Evolution Towers offer punchier bass delivery, but Dynaudio Evoke 50 can fill the room with generous amounts of low frequencies

Takeaway: The SVS Ultra Evolution Tower is a compact speaker that gives you a big, exciting sound for the price, especially when it comes to bass and dynamics. If you want a speaker that can bring your music to life and make you feel like you're at a concert, these could be a great choice.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Q Acoustics
Concept 50
2199
/
Released
2022
A sonic step-up from the Concept 30, this elegant floorstander takes everything great about its standmount brother but delivers more powerful audio, a deeper soundstage and increased bass extension through its leading-edge, low resonance cabinet.
Check Amazon
Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Fit and finish plus performance that is a bargain for around $3k/pair
  • Gelcore cabinet construction minimizes unwanted sound energy from resonance and vibrations
  • A tweeter that is hermetically sealed and mechanically isolated (floating) from the baffle provides lower distortion
  • Size, weight, and richness of tone belies their size, with a wider baffle to each loudspeaker pointing at you
  • A mild sound throws emphasis back to the midrange that in itself seems almost holographic, as well as deeply insightful in a gentle but revealing manner

Product Considerations

  • A medium to large size room is required to shine, otherwise the bass will dominate
  • Flaws in poor recordings can be revealed due to their detail and accuracy—warts and all performance
  • The top-end is a little soft and gentle—classic BBC like—which may require amps with some zing to compensate
  • Listeners seeking absolute detail or transparency might not be satisfied because of Q Acoustics' house sound that massages treble and plumps up bass and lower mid
  • They don't go sub-40Hz deep, frequency response is rated at 42 Hz – 30 kHz (-6dB)

Takeaway: The Q Acoustics Concept 50 offers excellent value with its blend of innovative design and high-quality sound, making it a great choice for enjoying music with a sense of depth and engagement. The Concept 50s are easy to listen to and fun.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Q Acoustics, a popular entry-level hifi brand among professional reviewers, offers excellent performance at affordable prices.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
KLH
Model Five
1249
/
Released
2021
Model Five acoustic suspension speakers are known as one of the finest and most sought-after speakers for audiophiles, both new and seasoned. Our updated version of this classic speaker has real wood veneers, cast aluminum baskets, and uses acoustic suspension design principles made famous by founder Henry Kloss. The KLH Model Five vintage speaker is offered in three gorgeous finishes (English Walnut, West African Mahogany, and Nordic Noir), allowing the loudspeaker to blend with all home decor.
Check Amazon
KLH Audio pioneered the first-ever high-selectivity FM table radio and the first full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, with their Model Nine being recognized as one of the twelve best loudspeakers ever built. The brand is known for its acoustic suspension design that uses the air volume inside the housing as an air spring, which significantly reduces distortion compared to conventional bass reflex structures, and includes an Acoustic Balance Control that lets users adjust the speaker's output to their room acoustics.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Retro aesthetics reminiscent of vintage speakers, with a well-applied veneer and woven front panel
  • Balanced sound with clarity in the midrange and treble, creating an immersive listening experience
  • Good sensitivity makes them relatively easy to drive with a range of amplifiers
  • Acoustic suspension design provides tight bass and allows for flexible placement near walls
  • Three-position attenuation switch allows for adjustment to different room acoustics

Product Considerations

  • Can sound a bit bright out of the box, requiring a break-in period
  • Sound can harden a little when provoked by poor or bright recordings, and they are finicky about upstream electronics
  • Bass might not be punchy enough for some listeners, potentially requiring a subwoofer or EQ adjustments
  • Lack of provision for spikes to fasten the speakers to the carpet
  • Grilles need to be off for best sound, according to one reviewer

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the JBL L100, the Model Five is better balanced and more enjoyable to listen to
  • Compared to the NHT C3, the Model Five is an upgraded variant, offering deeper, wider sound and more resolution
  • Compared to the Buchardt S400, the Model Five sounds more open, brighter, and more detailed—with better instrument placement
  • Compared to the Aurender S5W, the Model Five reaches lower frequencies and has better overall resolution and detail
  • Compared to the Graham LS6, they perform on par, albeit via a different approach, trading in some refinement for a more direct—in-your-face sound

Takeaway: The KLH Model Five is a speaker with retro style and balanced sound. They are versatile and can be used in different listening spaces.

Video review

Our take on the brand

KLH Audio pioneered the first-ever high-selectivity FM table radio and the first full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, with their Model Nine being recognized as one of the twelve best loudspeakers ever built. The brand is known for its acoustic suspension design that uses the air volume inside the housing as an air spring, which significantly reduces distortion compared to conventional bass reflex structures, and includes an Acoustic Balance Control that lets users adjust the speaker's output to their room acoustics.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

Questions? Ask the brand's dealers.

All Dealers

How to buy

Speakers

Search all hifi products

Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.