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. The jazz inspired cover of Pink Floyd’s Money by Sam Yahel, Mike Moreno, Ari Hoenig, and Seamus Blake features a creative intro to the well-known tune. When the instruments start to break into their respective solos, I noticed that the organ sounds were hauntingly familiar to standing next to an actual speaker cab while performing, a feat not easily or often attained. The SVS UBS offered a rich detail and hearty grip on the tone that I associate with live performances. All data collected using Klippel’s Near-Field Scanner. The Near-Field-Scanner 3D (NFS) offers a fully automated acoustic measurement of direct sound radiated from the source under test. The radiated sound is determined in any desired distance and angle in the 3D space outside the scanning surface. Directivity, sound power, SPL response and many more key figures are obtained for any kind of loudspeaker and audio system in near field applications (e.g. studio monitors, mobile devices) as well as far field applications (e.g. professional audio systems). Utilizing a minimum of measurement points, a comprehensive data set is generated containing the loudspeaker’s high resolution, free field sound radiation in the near and far field. For a detailed explanation of how the NFS works and the science behind it, please watch the below discussion with designer Christian Bellmann: The following tests are conducted at (4) approximate equivalent output volumes: 70/79/87/96dB @ 1 meter. The (4) voltages listed in the legend result in these SPL values. 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.

The tweeter and the midrange drivers also have their own enclosures. This setup allows the speaker to have optimized performance while keeping the interaction between the two drivers minimal. SVS Soundmatch Crossover The Wireless II is slightly bigger than the Meta, measuring 12 by 7.9 by 12.2 inches (305 by 200 by 311 millimeters) and weighing 22.2 pounds (10 kilograms). The Original KEF LS50 Acoustic Cabinet Design: The rigid and braced cabinet minimizes resonances and non-linearities for a clean and engaging output. This speaker uses the SVS Soundmatch Crossover technology that allows you to have accurate sounds at a wide frequency range. The crossover circuit divides the full-range signal and then divides it into different drivers.Answer: Bookshelf speakers get that name because they are supposed to be placed on elevated spaces like shelves, tables, and bookshelves. These speakers generally fill up a medium-sized or small area with sound. With the same price as the original and improved sound quality, there’s no question that the LS50 Meta is meant to replace the anniversary product. Specifications: KEF LS50 Meta at a Glance Design

Sound Power represents all of the sounds arriving at the listening position after any number of reflections from any direction. It is the weighted rms average of all 70 measurements, with individual measurements weighted according to the portion of the spherical surface that they represent. The purpose of this test is to illustrate how much (if at all) the output changes as a speaker’s components temperature increases (i.e., voice coils, crossover components) instantaneously. In theory, with complete 360-degree anechoic data on a loudspeaker and sufficient acoustical and geometrical data on the listening room and its layout it would be possible to estimate with good precision what would be measured by an omnidirectional microphone located in the listening area of that room. By making some simplifying assumptions about the listening space, the data set described above permits a usefully accurate preview of how a given loudspeaker might perform in a typical domestic listening room. Obviously, there are no guarantees, because individual rooms can be acoustically aberrant. Sometimes rooms are excessively reflective (“live”) as happens in certain hot, humid climates, with certain styles of interior décor and in under-furnished rooms. Sometimes rooms are excessively “dead” as in other styles of décor and in some custom home theaters where acoustical treatment has been used excessively. This form of post processing is offered only as an estimate of what might happen in a domestic living space with carpet on the floor and a “normal” amount of seating, drapes and cabinetry.

Frequency Response / Acoustic Data:

Meanwhile, the midrange drivers measure 6.5 inches (165 millimeters) and are made with a glass and fiber cone. These drivers are stiff and sensitive and have aluminum shorting rings that don’t allow for distortion.

The below graphic indicates just how much SPL is lost (compression) or gained (enhancement; usually due to distortion) when the speaker is played at higher output volumes instantly via a 2.7 second logarithmic sine sweep referenced to 76dB at 1 meter. The signals are played consecutively without any additional stimulus applied. Then normalized against the 76dB result. The SVS Ultra’s detail retrieval allowed me to hear every single piano note played. There was nothing lost or blurred, even during complex passages where the soloist’s staccato key strikes ramp up in intensity to near-impossible speeds. I closed my eyes and could hear the desperation in Ms. Argerich’s piano, as it intertwined with the lush and romantic swells of the orchestra’s strings. The MastersounD and SVS pairing gave me an introspective and rewarding rendition of this stunning performance. Final Thoughts Elevating high frequency performance, the Ultra Bookshelf speaker’s aluminum dome tweeter is pristinely neutral and revealing. Light, efficient, rigid and impervious to distortion, even at high sound pressure levels, the tweeter’s airy’ presentation of vocals and unveiled highs compare with the best tower and bookshelf speakers in the world. The FEA-optimized diffuser ensures broad dispersion for an incredibly wide and convincing soundstage and perfect on- and off-axis frequency response so everyone in your room experiences the same stunning clarity. Intelligent SoundMatch Crossover Design Sound Power Directivity Index (SPDI): In this standard the SPDI is defined as the difference between the listening window curve and the sound power curve. Acoustically transparent and FEA optimized grilles, wedge-shaped front baffle and flush-mounted drivers all contribute to reduced edge diffraction and improved on-axis high frequency responseThe result is a speaker that measures well with near-perfect real world frequency response, but also optimized to sound amazing on a human level through listening tests with real music and cinematic content, in a real world listening environment like your home.. Speaker Specs SVS is an American audio company known mainly for its subwoofers, one of which I recently had the pleasure of reviewing. What is not mentioned in my review is the fact that I was so enamored with the sub's performance that I ended up buying it. As you'll soon find out, I had a similar experience with SVS's Ultra Bookshelf speaker. No expense was spared with the innovative SVS SoundMatch two-way crossover. The unique topology creates a broad, yet focused and precise soundstage, with accurate frequency response and imaging at all listening positions. The precise tuning of the SoundMatch Crossover also ensures balanced output from sparkling highs to the crystal clear and commanding midrange, down to visceral and authoritative bass. The On-axis Frequency Response (0°) is the universal starting point and in many situations it is a fair representation of the first sound to arrive at a listener’s ears. Don’t get us wrong. The company says that these speakers can handle down to 45 hertz, and it can handle bass better than most of its competitors. But if you want to get into Queen’s Another One Bites the Dust or have more satisfying car chases, shoot-outs, and disaster scenes, you will want to consider connecting to a subwoofer.

Having looked at the measurements first before listening, I thought they would either sound good "out of the box" or do so with just a bit of EQ. That did not happen. Try as I did, I could not like the sound with or without EQ. Yes, I could see the appeal of boosted upper bass in giving "warmth" to the speaker. But too much of that was well, too much of a good thing. I am puzzled where the sharpness was coming from seeing how I could not tame it. Perhaps directivity error was causing this. It’s obvious how the company has given a lot of thought to the design of these speakers and how the design would affect its sound. All that research, testing, and design hours pays off as these speakers give you some of the most impressive sounds out there.

Crossover & Cabinet Specs:

While many companies build their speakers using off-the-shelf components, SVS designs all their drivers in-house. This is a huge advantage because it gives them complete control over how the drivers, crossover, and cabinet interact. Pristine Sound Quality: Results in a smooth balance of low, mid, and high-frequency audio for a dynamic listening experience. The binding posts for the tweeter and woofer can be separated for bi-wiring and bi-amping. The port is also on the rear. Soundstage width is about ±70° until about 10kHz which is typical for a design like this (dome tweeter on a flat baffle). The Early Reflections curve is an estimate of all single-bounce, first-reflections, in a typical listening room.