STEREO GUIDE verdict
In the review, the SVS Prime Wireless Pro impressed with its practical connectivity with HDMI and rich, clean sound from very compact active speakers. Their homogeneity is superior to the previous generation.
Pros
- Rich bass with punch and depth for its size
- Homogeneous voice reproduction
- HDMI-aARC, subwoofer output and headphone connection
Cons
- Wire connection required between both boxes
-
Sound: tonal balance / transparency8.5
-
Sound: Bass / Dynamics8.8
-
Sound: spatial imaging8.5
-
Ease-of-use / Connectivity9.6
-
Price/Performance9
You quickly do something else – and before you know it, the Prime Wireless from SVSound becomes the SVS Prime Wireless Pro. The promising addition adorns the successor to the 2-way active loudspeakers that I reviewed for stereoplay magazine in 2019. Even if the differences between the two generations are not obvious: The current Pro version has a larger housing and the diameter of the bass-midrange driver has grown from 11.5 to 13.3 centimeters (5.5 inches). This is intended to lower the lower level.
Improvements in detail
The cone, which was developed in-house as is customary for the subwoofer and loudspeaker specialist, continues to rely on a polypropylene membrane. The material promises high rigidity and low weight for optimum vibration behavior. These properties are essential for reproducing low frequencies without distortion and with high dynamics.
An aluminum shorting ring is another essential component used in this speaker system. This ring on the drive magnet significantly reduces distortion and minimizes gap induction, resulting in exceptionally clear and unadulterated reproduction.
Another highlight of this speaker system is the fiberglass composite basket. This should not only ensure precise alignment of the components, but also effective heat transfer, which increases the performance and longevity of the loudspeaker. The minimization of air compression through a rear-ventilated voice coil former also contributes to the sound quality by avoiding unwanted resonances.
Tweeter with FEA optimization
In the tweeter range, SVS relies on a 1-inch (2.45 cm) aluminium dome tweeter, which impresses with its diffuser technology optimized with the help of FEA (Finite Element Analysis). This technology significantly improves the dispersion behavior, resulting in a clearer and more precise sound image.
The aluminum dome of the tweeter also contributes to optimum impulse response, which makes it possible to reproduce even the finest sound details faithfully. The removable fabric covers and the internally stiffened housings were also optimized using FEA. This design is intended to eliminate cabinet resonances and enable unadulterated reproduction.
Equal power amplifier output for all drivers
SVS is also sticking to the master-slave concept with the Prime Wireless Pro. The electronic module of the master loudspeaker intended for the right channel, which is designed for a resolution of 24 bit/192 kHz, contains a quartet of Class D power amplifiers that deliver a total RMS output of 200 watts, divided into four channels of 50 watts each. SVS includes a three-meter connection cable to transmit the drive power to the left slave box. The power of the 4-channel amplifier is sufficient to reproduce even demanding audio content with ease and precision. A digital crossover separates the drivers of both speakers at a crossover frequency of 2 kHz with a slope of 12 dB per octave.
Another feature is the 2.36-inch bass reflex port at the rear of the enclosure, which enables efficient air movement and therefore tight bass reproduction. The small feet raise the housing by 3 mm, which does not contribute to a secure stand and protects the surface from scratches.
In terms of design, the system offers two finish options: highly complementary piano lacquer in black or white. These high-quality surfaces give the delicate speakers a luxurious appearance. The acoustically transparent, removable front cover enables undisturbed sound propagation, while the beveled front panel and flush-mounted drivers minimize edge diffraction and improve the high-frequency response.
Practical connections including HDMI eARC
The SVS Prime Wireless Pro offers a variety of input and output options, making it ideal for versatile home theater and audio applications. Audio inputs include an HDMI audio input that supports both ARC (Audio Return Channel) and eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel), allowing for a simplified connection and improved audio transmission with compatible devices.
In addition, the SVS Prime Wireless Pro has RCA inputs with an input impedance of 20K ohms, a 3.5 mm aux input also with an input impedance of 20K ohms, and a Toslink optical input. The optical Toslink input uses an S/PDIF receiver that operates with a wide sampling frequency range of up to 96 kHz, ensuring high quality digital audio transmission.
For ease of use, six backlit preset pushbuttons for your favorite audio streams are integrated on the front of the housing. In addition to the monochrome display, there are also two multifunctional rotary push-buttons. They enable simple control of basic functions such as volume control, source selection and playback control.
and there is also an Ethernet connection and a USB service port. This USB port can be used not only for service purposes, but also to power wireless accessories such as the SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter.
Subwoofer support if required
In terms of audio outputs, the SVS Prime Wireless Pro offers a subwoofer output with a maximum output of 2 volts and an automatically activated low-pass filter at 80 Hz as soon as a subwoofer is connected. This optimizes audio performance by seamlessly integrating bass reproduction via an external active subwoofer. There are also stereo cinch outputs with a maximum output of 2 volts and a front 3.5 mm headphone output that delivers up to 1 volt at 32 ohms to enable a proper sound output for headphones.
This comprehensive equipment makes the system extremely flexible and compatible with a wide range of audio sources and output devices. This makes the SVS Prime Wireless Pro perfect for use in modern home theater or audio systems.
Like its predecessor, the streaming module of the SVS Prime Wireless Pro is controlled and updated via the free DTS Play-Fi app for iOS, Android or Windows. Streaming also works via Roon, AirPlay 2 or Chromecast. WLAN, Ethernet or Bluetooth are available for the transmission of audio streams. The wireless active speakers support online music services such as Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Tidal, Pandora, iHeart and many other providers.
With the DTS Play-Fi app, you can select up to 32 compatible products in up to 16 different listening zones. The handling of the DTS Play-Fi app gave as little cause for criticism as the functionality of this streaming solution used by numerous hi-fi manufacturers. If you link the app to your Alexa account, you can use Amazon’s voice control for more convenient operation of multi-room playback. Google Assistant can also be used in conjunction with the Google Home app available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. However, the voice controls use the smart device’s microphone. The SVS Prime Wireless Pro does not have a microphone, which distinguishes it from a smart speaker.
The small active speaker in the sound test
The big moment for the small active speakers came in the listening test. As with the Canton Smart Vento S2, we were once again able to use the listening room of our esteemed colleagues at LowBeats. In this room, which has been acoustically optimized with diffusers and absorbers, it takes a bit of emphasis, especially in the bass range, to assert itself. And the SVS Prime Wireless Pro achieved this with astonishing ease. The rather inconspicuous but stylish speakers produced an amazingly rich, astonishingly deep bass that didn’t lack any punch. This provided a good drive for rock and pop music. In view of the small drivers and cabinets, it is easy to overlook the fact that the bass response of the compact SVS is more on the soft side than the dry side.
In my 2019 review, the homogeneity in the mid-range still gave some cause for criticism, especially with voices in the predecessor. The problem is now a thing of the past, I found nothing to criticize here. On the contrary: I liked the homogeneity of the Prime Wireless Pro and, above all, I was impressed by the very good plasticity of the sound bodies and the high stability of the imaging.
During the review, the small SVS also succeeded convincingly in transmitting a credible representation of the recording location into the listening room. The positive impression was rounded off by a fine, well-resolved treble reproduction. Those who like a particularly airy and spacious sound may find the sound somewhat compact. SVS paid homage to the classic American school in the tuning, with warm, full sound colors, instead of the typical German with a tendency to jagged highs with an extra dose of freshness. This makes it all the more pleasing that the reproduction was by no means lifeless or undynamic.
SVS Prime Wireless Pro: Conclusion and alternatives
No question, for an even thousand, the active loudspeaker specialist from the USA has succeeded in creating a great, living room-friendly compact loudspeaker with a wide range of functions and solid workmanship. But it’s not just the housing of the SVS Prime Wireless Pro that shines, the sound is also a brilliant achievement. The homogeneous tuning, the decent impulsiveness and the rich and deep bass, especially in relation to the small dimensions, are suitable for a wide variety of music styles. And as a member of the DTS Play-Fi family, the product portfolios of various other brands are also available for multi-room installations.
Buy SVS Prime Wireless Pro:
SVS Prime Wireless Pro: Technical specifications
- Manufacturer’s recommended retail price: from 1,000 euros
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 29.5 x 18 x 22.8 cm
- Weight: 12.7 kg
- Special features: WLAN, LAN, HDMI-eARC, RCA analog inputs, headphone output with mini jack 3.5 mm, optical S/PDIF input, Bluetooth, remote control
- More at: www.svsound.com
