Just purchased the SB16-Ultra Subwoofer and am very impressed not only with the quality and performance, but with the SVS customer service department. I had an issue that was solved within minutes of speaking to a representative from SVS. Will definitely be checking out the new Ultra Evolution tower speakers. Thanks SVS.
I finally broke down and got an SB16-Ultra and the only regret I have is waiting so long. Had the wrong finish shipped on a bookshelf speaker and felt like SVS service was tripping over themselves to make it right. Now I'm struggling with whether or not to replace my B&W 702s2 with the Evolution Pinnacles. Advice would be welcome!
Gene, I have been listening to you for a short time now. I am very impressed by I think you have sold me on a seven channel monolith monoprice Amplifier as well to go with my n a d receiver presentations. In fact, have been going back and looking at all your old stuff. Great job.
You told me to make sure I check these out when I ran into you by the registration table and you were right on. I can’t believe what these can do for $5k. Really looking forward to measurements to see if they back up what my ears heard. If so they are phenomenal value!
unless a speaker measure badly they are a bit overrated for most imo, good measurements does not equate good/pleasing sound. they are useful for eq though
Can’t wait to hear them. Just when I’m thinking about towers. So happy with my Outlaw powered, all SVS 5.2.2: Ultra bookies, Prime center, prime bookies surrounds, prime elevation, & 2x SB2000.
I was at Tampa and got a good listen to these speakers. The bass out of these Towers is ridiculous! Pretty good for music at the price they are at. Handled voices well and instruments in the midrange were reproduced nicely. Subs were not used for this purpose. Now for Home theater the way it was setup was very impressive. They had the new Bookshelf as rear surrounds and in the middle of the room up in the ceiling were the new elevations as side surrounds which as they said were 40% bigger and I own the prime elevation and these new ones are definitely larger. They also for Home theater demo had 2 subs and were turned down a lot as per their explanation.The room was too small to really appreciate their capacity but they did sound very detailed and not fatiguing. The Center was very good also but look tiny next to these big boys. They should come up with a center a bit bigger for larger rooms.
I need to see independent data. I hope Erin's Audio Corner and James Larson get a crack at this line. Advertising hype at a trade show is one thing, but objective data analysis backing up subjective listening sessions is another entirely. If SVS has built a great speaker, they won't mind having the tires kicked.
Regardless of how they measure, it won't dissuade my enjoyment of the speaker. We don't listen to the measurements, we listen to music and everyone in the demo room at the show enjoyed music on these speakers.
@@Audioholics Yes, of course, but the measurements can also show if there are issues with the design or where they may need a bit of EQ'ing here or there (or if the rough spots in the frequency range will take to EQing at all)... or if they will work in your particular living space or home theater. For instance, if the speaker has limited (narrow) vertical dispersion, it may not be suitable for multi-tiered seating. Things like that.
@@dan_hitchman007 SVS knows what they are doing, they wouldn't release them let alone replace the existing ultra line if they performed equal let alone worse for more money. Yeah measurements will be cool, but they will measure fantastic, based on how the ultra's before them did and these are an upgrade. And like Gene said, they just objectively sounds great regardless, that's the important part. Considering dual topology of mid and bass drivers, and their angle, vertical dispersion should be extremely wide, not narrow, these should be an excellent choice for tier seating. And their prior speakers had great horizontal dispersion too, I don't see why these would be worse, the time aligned thing shouldn't hurt it.
@@dan_hitchman007if you need measurements from a computer to tell u if something sounds good. you’re wasting your life. use your damn ears. i have been enjoying music on garbage 1980s truck speakers and beyond. iam sure they “measured” like trash. but wait. i still enjoyed the music? hellooooo, wake up dude.
@@Audioholics There's no way this design would hold up in a blind test (scientific standards) against an otherwise identically designed straight baffled speaker.
The tweeter in the tower is below ear level anyways unless you have a really low chair or couch. I would assume only time aligned if you are at tweeter level
Ah come on Gene, you gotta do a review of their flagship Pinnacle! That's what everyone's interested in. It's been a long time waiting too and SVS definitely takes their time.
That’s cool speakers, really like the shape of them. My only gripe would be that all the visible bolts in the elements makes it look a bit less exclusive
I just bought the titans, gloss black to replace my jbl 590's that cost 400.00 ea on sale..Upgrading to $4200.00 is scary..I am a us disabled veteran and this buy took a lot out of my account..I pray it was worth it...Thanks..Gene...
Anyone hear anything from svs regarding their subs, i kinda feel like the 16ultras are do a refresh here and just curious if they coming sooner than later. Ready to pull trigger on current ones but if new ones around the corner i might hold off
Gene, the time alignment design reminds me of the Dahlquist DQ-10 speakers from the 70s-80s. Interesting to see the drivers on different planes design that was pioneered so long ago come back.
It would appear SVS combined a Focal JM Labs curved cabinet with a B&W diamond tweeter. The towers were driven by an Emotiva XPA amplifier. I spent a lot of time in this room. I would not have used the terms effortless balanced and natural. The treble was detailed but hard and aggressive. The bass was very similar in presentation to PB2000 subwoofers. I will listen to them again hopefully with different electronics next time around. The guy running the demos was touting the system as active. Seeing an external amp in the rack, I asked for clarification. He stated the woofers were active. These towers are not active. They are passive units powered by a separate amp. The demonstrator was making comments that were confusing if not misleading. I believe he intended to convey that all of the woofers were active and no passive radiators were being used. If SVS intended to copy the top end sound of a B&W diamond dust tweeter, they succeeded. And they did it for a lot less money. Other SVS towers are a bit more laid back on the top end. Many may prefer their other offerings. All depends upon the taste of the listener.
I'm currently shopping for a new center channel to improve dialog. I'm looking at two options, the Monolith THX-365C or the new SVS Ultra Evolution center. What do you recommend? Joe from Tennessee
Thanks Gene - you just set me back 5 grand :). I love my Ultra towers but I'll have to check these out. I wonder if I can keep my Ultra surrounds and center channel (voice matched) and just upgrade the mains. You know if you don't need subs with these, a lot of set up complexity goes away.
Gene, I would love to see the data on this speaker when you get it in for review. Is there lobing impact in vert. response and does time alignment design make a practical impact on the performance or aesthetics and buzz word marketing. Lots of naysayers on that one. Either way it does look cool!
Wonder how they stack up against the focal aria evos, just listened to the N 2s on the michi X3 S2 with the eversolo a6 masters and it was a really good combo
As soon as you move off axis a touch the time alignment is gone and creates more issues than it solves. Toole even mentions it. Maybe it’s a good speaker. But the time alignment is a gimmick. Good vid
As long as you don't trade sensitivity or power handling, there's no downside to making a speaker time aligned. My active speakers are time aligned and phase coherent and image unlike anything I've ever heard when sitting at MLP. It's worth it and although I respect Dr. Floyd Toole, his research isn't the end of understanding human preference in Sound reproduction of loudspeakers.
@@Audioholics nah it’s all good. Even Sean Olive states that a lot of their research wasn’t perfectly controlled. Or needed better controls, larger sample sizes etc. I mean, Gene, you taught us this critical thinking as well. They do look like good speakers. From an engineering standpoint. And I agree about phase coherent speakers. I just made a new crossover for my speakers and it’s phase coherent. Now, there is a huge debate on how audible phase is, since phase changes throughout frequencies. But the imaging on the speakers locked in , so to speak now. Anyway. Can’t wait to see some objective data on those speakers. SVS does a pretty good job with their stuff. Cheers
if u can enjoy music and cry from it from your damn tv speakers or 10 dollar headphones from 1990 , u will still enjoy the same music on your 5 grand speakers. 🤣🤣🤣 don’t fall into this elitest rich man crap that listens to his amps and forgets the music. 🤣🤣
They better be REALLY good to compete in this price segment. I don't doubt they got the bass right, but smooth mids and sparking highs are another thing entirely.
I heard them at the FL Audio Expo and Bass was good but I did not feel the mids and highs were very impressive. Hopefully a setup issue or something but who knows.
@@triplelexxx9407 I did not think so. ELAC had a room with a new Vela 404.2 series bookshelf and the concerto series bookshelf and they really surprised me how good they sounded. $3,500 and $7,000 respectively I believe. I would go revel f208 any day over the SVS as well. The new Focal evo x towers were at the show too and they sounded great.
I hope so, I'll be there for the first of hopefully many Audio Fest! I'm in speaker buying mode right now, and hopefully the show will have something that I need!
Anybody know how these compare to the B&W 800D2? Different price class I know…. But I’m interested in SVS and looking to potentially switch brands and give these a try.
While I prefer the old ultra look with its style these look really good. The towers at least. I’m partial with the ultra center/bookshelf design they did before I just think it looks better.
I would like 2 pairs of the smallest towers and the center and 2 pairs of the nano or 2 pairs of the evalations. Cross over 60hz. Gene, you happen to know the Monitor Audio Gold from 12 years ago? I have the 200 150 and 50 as a set.
The prices on these are ridiculous. I really wanted a set, but I'm not so sure now. Can't pre-order these without listening to them first now. Also have to watch multiple reviews, especially reviews that aren't paid or used for marketing.
The price is reasonable compared to other manufacturers that use diamond dust tweeters. But, you better listen before you buy. These are very similar to other diamond tweeters I have heard. Hard. If you want detail, aggressive top end at high volume, these are probably perfect for you.
How about the Arendal 1723's? At $1800 each vs SVS Top speaker at $2500. Is it worth the extra money. I just puchased my 1723's last summer. I hear you with the specs, but how is the build quality compared to the Arendal 1723's and what is the power handling? The specs on SVS website says",Sensitivity: 88dB (2.83V @ 1 meter full-space, 300Hz - 3kHz) Recommended amplifier power: 20 - 300 watts".
I just completed purchasing a 9.2.6 all SVS system and honestly I don't want to listen to these new beautiful speakers in case they trigger a new itch to buy them as I'm sure the wife will not approve 😅
Not only that your new old speaker system took an extra hit in price drop value.I said fk it I’m buying used speakers only specific brands and models and of course cosmetic condition
@Audioholics Gene, what are the Color or Finish OPTIONS??? Nevermind. As per your linked article, "These speakers will be available in gloss black, gloss white, and black oak finishes." Since these will be their new flagship line, I was hoping that there would be more finish options, i.e. a dark walnut veneer or other natural wood grain, and a matte (non-gloss) finish option for the existing colors/finishes. While otherwise the aesthetics and technology of the speakers seem excellent, I'm just not on board with any of the current finishes they offer. :/ In addition. there is and was no mention of what the cabinets are made out of, and/or internal bracing/damping/resonance control, or other unique features.
So I have spent close to 15k usd on SVS products but I do not like the speaker design, it might sound excellent but every time I took at these new towers I feel like they are about to fall. Gene another thing I would like SVS to do is to make the speakers powered, and use better quality crossover parts. I recently changed my SVS ultra towers to revel f208 and the revel is just on another level, so to get competitive on the 2 channel side SVS needs to up their game. On a side note SVS has the BEST customer service! They are extremely helpful and respond very very quickly!
I'm not a fan of most of the new Revel speakers. I find them very sterile and analytical sounding and they lack bass. While the last generation Ultra towers weren't class leaders, these new ones appear to be from what I heard. This is a huge upgrade from their prior Ultra Series, IMO.
@@Audioholics I see, I will see if I can demo these at our stereoland or maybe I will order them and evaluate. Since SVS has a 45 day return policy. I hope they are good for movies and 2 channel listening. I guess the best way to find out would be to listen myself.
Time alignment? Having the acoustic emanation points of the drivers all in a straight vertical line means that each point is a different distance from the listener's ear --that's simple geometry. Not that it actually makes any difference to the sound, but still...
"passable"? that comes off critical for no reason. Why wouldn't we expect them to sound great? They also demo'd them at CES on the show floor, in an anything but treated space, and the reception was also great on their sound, but yes that room is sufficiently treated to simulate a home environment, so an accurate environment.
The drivers look great and the surrounds on them look beefy compared to the last svs ultra towers but for 5k a pair I think they could have done the cabinet gloss better in the bends the paint doesn’t exactly look the greatest
haven't seen them, but consider 3 things. 1) these might be pre-production, so not final quality, 2) these are the travel pair, so might be getting dinged up with transport and or didn't make the cut for sale to consumers, but still fine for demoing, 3) it's a youtube video with bad room lighting, who knows what kind of camera and youtube compression plus whatever codec settings, some of that might be video artificing and not viewable in person. No one's mentioned it being poor, and they have done gloss on angle before without issue, the original ultra's weren't exactly hard edged. it's probably fine in person.
if you are bass managing, and why wouldn't you be, it wouldn't really matter, just be bigger for no reason, and at that point, go 3 identical towers if you can.
@@Antimonkat It always matter. Don't fool yourself. Why do you think SVS has three different versions of the same towers! Arendal 1723 THX series has a center channel with two Eight inch drivers. I'm a SVS Ultra series owner. Six Ultra Towers, One Ultra center, and four SB16 Ultra subwoofers. I didn't want the Ultra atmos speakers. SVS should be making in ceiling speakers for atmos. I'm wondering if SVS is going to offer any upgrade packages that's reasonable for SVS owners that have purchased a whole lot of their products.
@@taseti4803 well they do if you are within the trade up period. Anything beyond that is just good will. I don't know what they did when they came out with the pro subs for original owners but they said they would "make it right". I'm sure if you reach out they will try and make you happy. In ceilings would be a good option for those that want them but I'm happy they give options for those who don't, like me.
@@shaolin95 I know that. It's mostly about efficiency. And that center with those drivers is plenty capable of more output than most people will need or want in a space that a center is better than another full size tower would be. I just don't think that 1.5 inch is going to make a significant difference to 99% of their customers where a bigger cabinet would be more of an issue for more people. I bet if you measure the center vs the tower it's pretty close. And yes it matters in the towers as an option for those who don't want a sub, or want the very best, and where the extra size is less problematic. I suppose having 2 sizes of centers to choose from would be smart for those who want it since they did 2 bookshelves and 3 towers, but if they are only doing 1, they made the right call in my opinion, and obviously in theirs.
Translate to English: "It's a shame you haven't made a flat backside. Firstly, it would have been much nicer to look at, but secondly, it would have eliminated standing waves inside the cabinet. I actually think the design suffers a bit from the curved backside. It makes them a bit 'Hunchback of Notre Dame". Otherwise, super cool speakers."
Well, it could be worse...you could spend 10x or more on some Wilson Audio or Focal Utopia towers that have the same "feature" and have the same complaint, LOL.
Time alignment requires 1st order crossovers. I doubt that SVS is using 1st order slopes. That would be quite challenging for the tweeter knowing that these will be used in home theater setups with reference levels.
You can do time alignment with higher order linkwitz Riley crossovers, so you can still have much higher power handling than 1st order crossovers. The best way to do time alignment is a fully active design and then you don't need to worry as much about physically aligning the drivers and you can use much steeper rolloffs to protect the drivers and use them within their linear region.
That's complete nonsense. As long as a reviewer doesn't get the product just to bash or make senseless claims, They've been very open to criticism as you will see with our review of their in-wall sub review.
@brooklynknightss I don't know what Andrew says as I haven't seen his claims but I've been dealing with SVS for 20+ years as have other professional reviewers and we haven't seen this.
I can't speak for Andrew, but that has NOT been my experience with them. I've worked with SVS reviewing products on my channel for the past 4 years. In that time I've never ONCE had an issue with them when I've been overly critical of something with one of their products. I have also never been given a product for free in exchange for a review (positive or negative), however I can buy the product at the reviewer discount if I so choose (common in the industry).
Why not just engineer the tweeter design to be recessed back inline with the cone drivers? Seems a bit gimmicky. Need some blind testing done to very discerning reviewer ears.
@Audioholics I have my definitive technology bp20s from 1993, still sounds great. Sandy Gross at the time actually spoke to me and asked how i liked the speakers.. pretty cool
but still made in China? I only buy speakers not made in China no matter the quality. It's the principle. Will pay more to support US/Canadian or European jobs. Heck, even mexico, or other south east asian countries. Just not China.
@Audioholics that's close to saying i also shouldn't buy chinese paintings from china. Certaily can choose not to buy certain products and buy others. There is no "you must do all or nothing" nonsense. But, my computers i build myself and most of the parts are not from china. Some are. Has zero to do with my desire to only buy non-china made speakers. And my phones are made in vietnam.
I tried to reach out to y’all. I am visually impaired. I tried to call the phone number that was listed on the website and the number says it is not a working number. How do I get in touch with y’all?
The aligned speaker situation is a true gimmick I have bought hundreds of speakers in my lifetime the speed of sound cannot be any faster or slower within a number of drivers in a box speaker is pointed at you or in any other direction the sound gets to you at the same moment no matter that so-called gimmick the speed of sound 1/4 of a second if that were true is of no consequence of whatsoever..
Yeah, they should mix it up a bit. I have to agree with you on that. On the flip side, they try to stick with colors customers buy most. I forget what the compaies name was, but they use Eminence drivers. You could have the towers they sell painted in any color you wanted.
Just purchased the SB16-Ultra Subwoofer and am very impressed not only with the quality and performance, but with the SVS customer service department. I had an issue that was solved within minutes of speaking to a representative from SVS. Will definitely be checking out the new Ultra Evolution tower speakers. Thanks SVS.
What was the issue? I just got one a couple days ago?
new subwoofer is coming. probably dual opposed 😎
I finally broke down and got an SB16-Ultra and the only regret I have is waiting so long. Had the wrong finish shipped on a bookshelf speaker and felt like SVS service was tripping over themselves to make it right. Now I'm struggling with whether or not to replace my B&W 702s2 with the Evolution Pinnacles. Advice would be welcome!
I am so excited about these speakers! Thank you Gene and Gary!
Heard the SVS ultra towers years ago and they wowed my socks off. Cant wait to hear these.
Gene, I have been listening to you for a short time now. I am very impressed by I think you have sold me on a seven channel monolith monoprice Amplifier as well to go with my n a d receiver presentations. In fact, have been going back and looking at all your old stuff. Great job.
Wow SVS now thats an attractive tower. Hopefully they are at Axpona this year. I need to listen to these.
Gene awesome video. Interesting new speakers, amazing how SVS has evolved from the beginning.
Looking good ! 😂 Cannot wait to hear them in person
Gene, you ae the man. Keep the great reviews coming!
SVS and Emotiva both upping their game. Nice!
You told me to make sure I check these out when I ran into you by the registration table and you were right on. I can’t believe what these can do for $5k. Really looking forward to measurements to see if they back up what my ears heard. If so they are phenomenal value!
unless a speaker measure badly they are a bit overrated for most imo, good measurements does not equate good/pleasing sound. they are useful for eq though
The MTM array looks awfully low. How low were the seats?
Am a fan of your design. Will be purchasing the ultra soon in Australia
Beautiful speakers, excited for the elevations.
Can’t wait to hear them. Just when I’m thinking about towers. So happy with my Outlaw powered, all SVS 5.2.2: Ultra bookies, Prime center, prime bookies surrounds, prime elevation, & 2x SB2000.
I was at Tampa and got a good listen to these speakers. The bass out of these Towers is ridiculous!
Pretty good for music at the price they are at. Handled voices well and instruments in the midrange were reproduced nicely. Subs were not used for this purpose.
Now for Home theater the way it was setup was very impressive.
They had the new Bookshelf as rear surrounds and in the middle of the room up in the ceiling were the new elevations as side surrounds which as they said were 40% bigger and I own the prime elevation and these new ones are definitely larger. They also for Home theater demo had 2 subs and were turned down a lot as per their explanation.The room was too small to really appreciate their capacity but they did sound very detailed and not fatiguing.
The Center was very good also but look tiny next to these big boys. They should come up with a center a bit bigger for larger rooms.
I agree. The center is way to small and doesn't hold a candle to any other center I've owned. Definitely lacking in the male voice area.
Very exciting speakers in this price range, respect to what SVS did until now, waiting for a complete review!
I need to see independent data. I hope Erin's Audio Corner and James Larson get a crack at this line. Advertising hype at a trade show is one thing, but objective data analysis backing up subjective listening sessions is another entirely. If SVS has built a great speaker, they won't mind having the tires kicked.
Regardless of how they measure, it won't dissuade my enjoyment of the speaker. We don't listen to the measurements, we listen to music and everyone in the demo room at the show enjoyed music on these speakers.
@@Audioholics Yes, of course, but the measurements can also show if there are issues with the design or where they may need a bit of EQ'ing here or there (or if the rough spots in the frequency range will take to EQing at all)... or if they will work in your particular living space or home theater. For instance, if the speaker has limited (narrow) vertical dispersion, it may not be suitable for multi-tiered seating. Things like that.
@@dan_hitchman007 SVS knows what they are doing, they wouldn't release them let alone replace the existing ultra line if they performed equal let alone worse for more money. Yeah measurements will be cool, but they will measure fantastic, based on how the ultra's before them did and these are an upgrade. And like Gene said, they just objectively sounds great regardless, that's the important part. Considering dual topology of mid and bass drivers, and their angle, vertical dispersion should be extremely wide, not narrow, these should be an excellent choice for tier seating. And their prior speakers had great horizontal dispersion too, I don't see why these would be worse, the time aligned thing shouldn't hurt it.
@@Antimonkat We shall see... or hear. I don't like to get on the hype train that happens with every new item launch.
@@dan_hitchman007if you need measurements from a computer to tell u if something sounds good. you’re wasting your life. use your damn ears. i have been enjoying music on garbage 1980s truck speakers and beyond. iam sure they “measured” like trash. but wait. i still enjoyed the music? hellooooo, wake up dude.
The time alignment gimmick would never hold up in blind testing, but I'm still looking forward to listening to these.
Time alignment can make a difference at the MLP. it's not a lofty goal to incorporate that into a design if it doesn't compromise other factors.
@@Audioholics There's no way this design would hold up in a blind test (scientific standards) against an otherwise identically designed straight baffled speaker.
The tweeter in the tower is below ear level anyways unless you have a really low chair or couch. I would assume only time aligned if you are at tweeter level
According to floyd toole's book, time alignment is indeed a gimmick... ( think Wilson for example) 🙋
I am no sound or electrical engineer but the design has similarities to some very high end speakers, it has to be somewhat functional.
I always loved the last gen , these look to be even better!🍻
Ah come on Gene, you gotta do a review of their flagship Pinnacle! That's what everyone's interested in. It's been a long time waiting too and SVS definitely takes their time.
Agreed!
I was expecting for a demo sound? Thanks!
you realise demo sounds have little point via youtube and your own equipment right?
That’s cool speakers, really like the shape of them. My only gripe would be that all the visible bolts in the elements makes it look a bit less exclusive
I think it's sexy, but personal taste. They do come with magnetic grills as well though.
So no mention of when they go on sale?
Do they still timbre match with the old Ultra and Primes?
I love my Ultra Evolution bookshelves! IMO SVS hit a homerun with the new Ultra series.
I just bought the titans, gloss black to replace my jbl 590's that cost 400.00 ea on sale..Upgrading to $4200.00 is scary..I am a us disabled veteran and this buy took a lot out of my account..I pray it was worth it...Thanks..Gene...
Anyone hear anything from svs regarding their subs, i kinda feel like the 16ultras are do a refresh here and just curious if they coming sooner than later. Ready to pull trigger on current ones but if new ones around the corner i might hold off
They will be releasing new subs but who knows when. most likely sometime this year
soon and probably dual opposed
Gene, the time alignment design reminds me of the Dahlquist DQ-10 speakers from the 70s-80s. Interesting to see the drivers on different planes design that was pioneered so long ago come back.
Please make comparison with the Arendal towers!!! Both are hype, both need a comparison for sure!
I would actually like to compare the Arendal 1723 S towers with the SVS Ultra Evo Titans.
It would appear SVS combined a Focal JM Labs curved cabinet with a B&W diamond tweeter. The towers were driven by an Emotiva XPA amplifier. I spent a lot of time in this room. I would not have used the terms effortless balanced and natural. The treble was detailed but hard and aggressive. The bass was very similar in presentation to PB2000 subwoofers. I will listen to them again hopefully with different electronics next time around. The guy running the demos was touting the system as active. Seeing an external amp in the rack, I asked for clarification. He stated the woofers were active. These towers are not active. They are passive units powered by a separate amp. The demonstrator was making comments that were confusing if not misleading. I believe he intended to convey that all of the woofers were active and no passive radiators were being used. If SVS intended to copy the top end sound of a B&W diamond dust tweeter, they succeeded. And they did it for a lot less money. Other SVS towers are a bit more laid back on the top end. Many may prefer their other offerings. All depends upon the taste of the listener.
When are you guys gonna do a full review?
Looking forward to hearing your opinions on the Ultra Evolution Nano's and Ultra Elevations
LOL.. every month the same exact YT headline..The best I ever heard. 😄
Never once said Best I ever heard. Best speaker SVS ever made. That's different.
@@Audioholics
Sorry I got you confused with that other famous guy that lives in NY. 😄
Shouldn’t the tweeter be positioned higher on the tower?
Deep house with vocals 🔊🔊🕺🏻💃🏻
What do the crossovers look like?
Please ask James Larson measure the 6.5" bookshelf speaker and the center speaker. Thanks.
I'm currently shopping for a new center channel to improve dialog. I'm looking at two options, the Monolith THX-365C or the new SVS Ultra Evolution center. What do you recommend?
Joe from Tennessee
Thanks Gene - you just set me back 5 grand :). I love my Ultra towers but I'll have to check these out. I wonder if I can keep my Ultra surrounds and center channel (voice matched) and just upgrade the mains. You know if you don't need subs with these, a lot of set up complexity goes away.
Lol sorry. You still need subs if you're doing home theater too.
you only need subs if u need crazy bass. these alone with movies vs speakers from a tv would still be night and day difference.
Gene, I would love to see the data on this speaker when you get it in for review. Is there lobing impact in vert. response and does time alignment design make a practical impact on the performance or aesthetics and buzz word marketing. Lots of naysayers on that one. Either way it does look cool!
I can’t wait to see the review! Looking at the larger pinnacle 8” driver version.
Wonder how they stack up against the focal aria evos, just listened to the N 2s on the michi X3 S2 with the eversolo a6 masters and it was a really good combo
I love the Focal Evo X. Incredible sound and aethetics.
Yeah the Aria's also seem great, and this is a comaprision I'd like, fairly comparable speakers price wise.
The no3 are more closer they are only 198 bucks more than the 5k svs the no2s are cheaper
evo has no bass though 🤣🤣
@@rushgush you have heard the new line ?
Do they beat my Wison XVX
As soon as you move off axis a touch the time alignment is gone and creates more issues than it solves.
Toole even mentions it.
Maybe it’s a good speaker. But the time alignment is a gimmick.
Good vid
As long as you don't trade sensitivity or power handling, there's no downside to making a speaker time aligned. My active speakers are time aligned and phase coherent and image unlike anything I've ever heard when sitting at MLP. It's worth it and although I respect Dr. Floyd Toole, his research isn't the end of understanding human preference in Sound reproduction of loudspeakers.
@@Audioholics nah it’s all good. Even Sean Olive states that a lot of their research wasn’t perfectly controlled. Or needed better controls, larger sample sizes etc.
I mean, Gene, you taught us this critical thinking as well. They do look like good speakers. From an engineering standpoint.
And I agree about phase coherent speakers. I just made a new crossover for my speakers and it’s phase coherent. Now, there is a huge debate on how audible phase is, since phase changes throughout frequencies. But the imaging on the speakers locked in , so to speak now.
Anyway. Can’t wait to see some objective data on those speakers. SVS does a pretty good job with their stuff.
Cheers
if u can enjoy music and cry from it from your damn tv speakers or 10 dollar headphones from 1990 , u will still enjoy the same music on your 5 grand speakers. 🤣🤣🤣 don’t fall into this elitest rich man crap that listens to his amps and forgets the music. 🤣🤣
They better be REALLY good to compete in this price segment. I don't doubt they got the bass right, but smooth mids and sparking highs are another thing entirely.
I heard them at the FL Audio Expo and Bass was good but I did not feel the mids and highs were very impressive. Hopefully a setup issue or something but who knows.
@@mattccc22 interesting so it doesn't compete with the 15-30k speakers like their touting
@@triplelexxx9407 I did not think so. ELAC had a room with a new Vela 404.2 series bookshelf and the concerto series bookshelf and they really surprised me how good they sounded. $3,500 and $7,000 respectively I believe. I would go revel f208 any day over the SVS as well. The new Focal evo x towers were at the show too and they sounded great.
unless you’re 5 years old, u ain’t hearing those “highs” regardless. 🤣🤦🏻🤦🏻
Will these be demoed at the inaugural SW Audio Fest in Dallas next month?
I hope so, I'll be there for the first of hopefully many Audio Fest!
I'm in speaker buying mode right now, and hopefully the show will have something that I need!
@@pnichols6500 Sometimes, they offer pretty good discounts at audio shows. But impulse buying can be dangerous!
When will they be available?
Mid march is what they originally said but who knows could be longer
How do they compare to the RBH
Anybody know how these compare to the B&W 800D2? Different price class I know…. But I’m interested in SVS and looking to potentially switch brands and give these a try.
Please show impulse and step response measurements too.
How do they compare to jbl synthesis series?
While I prefer the old ultra look with its style these look really good. The towers at least.
I’m partial with the ultra center/bookshelf design they did before I just think it looks better.
I would like 2 pairs of the smallest towers and the center and 2 pairs of the nano or 2 pairs of the evalations. Cross over 60hz. Gene, you happen to know the Monitor Audio Gold from 12 years ago? I have the 200 150 and 50 as a set.
The prices on these are ridiculous. I really wanted a set, but I'm not so sure now. Can't pre-order these without listening to them first now. Also have to watch multiple reviews, especially reviews that aren't paid or used for marketing.
dude, prices for all things are trash. food, cars, etc.. etc… etc…
The price is reasonable compared to other manufacturers that use diamond dust tweeters.
But, you better listen before you buy. These are very similar to other diamond tweeters I have heard. Hard. If you want detail, aggressive top end at high volume, these are probably perfect for you.
What kind of amplification do you need to adequately power these towers? 4-8" woofers each must be demanding...
Definitely want an amp stable into 4 ohms
How about the Arendal 1723's? At $1800 each vs SVS Top speaker at $2500. Is it worth the extra money. I just puchased my 1723's last summer. I hear you with the specs, but how is the build quality compared to the Arendal 1723's and what is the power handling? The specs on SVS website says",Sensitivity: 88dB (2.83V @ 1 meter full-space, 300Hz - 3kHz)
Recommended amplifier power: 20 - 300 watts".
Audioholics Team - please test these!
How do these sound compared to the Arendal 1723 Tower?
Hard to say without having both in same room. One of the attendees there owns 1723 and said he thinks they are on par with them.
that's another good matchup to know about, they also looked great
They are way better price for sure
Right after I just bought the Klipsch RF7 III's...
I just completed purchasing a 9.2.6 all SVS system and honestly I don't want to listen to these new beautiful speakers in case they trigger a new itch to buy them as I'm sure the wife will not approve 😅
Not only that your new old speaker system took an extra hit in price drop value.I said fk it I’m buying used speakers only specific brands and models and of course cosmetic condition
@@justincrossley1913 Agree, thanks to eBay and marketplace I got some good deals.
How do these compare to Perlisten???
@@shaolin95 🤣🤣
@Audioholics
Gene, what are the Color or Finish OPTIONS???
Nevermind. As per your linked article, "These speakers will be available in gloss black, gloss white, and black oak finishes."
Since these will be their new flagship line, I was hoping that there would be more finish options, i.e. a dark walnut veneer or other natural wood grain, and a matte (non-gloss) finish option for the existing colors/finishes.
While otherwise the aesthetics and technology of the speakers seem excellent, I'm just not on board with any of the current finishes they offer. :/
In addition. there is and was no mention of what the cabinets are made out of, and/or internal bracing/damping/resonance control, or other unique features.
More Details to come when we hot a VPE event for them on this channel.
Should have make the speakers taller. The tweeters are sitting pretty low. But congrats to SVS stepping up to a more premium market🎉
Do you stand when listening? The tweeter seems around head level when seating which is what you want
So I have spent close to 15k usd on SVS products but I do not like the speaker design, it might sound excellent but every time I took at these new towers I feel like they are about to fall. Gene another thing I would like SVS to do is to make the speakers powered, and use better quality crossover parts. I recently changed my SVS ultra towers to revel f208 and the revel is just on another level, so to get competitive on the 2 channel side SVS needs to up their game. On a side note SVS has the BEST customer service! They are extremely helpful and respond very very quickly!
I'm not a fan of most of the new Revel speakers. I find them very sterile and analytical sounding and they lack bass. While the last generation Ultra towers weren't class leaders, these new ones appear to be from what I heard. This is a huge upgrade from their prior Ultra Series, IMO.
@@Audioholics I see, I will see if I can demo these at our stereoland or maybe I will order them and evaluate. Since SVS has a 45 day return policy. I hope they are good for movies and 2 channel listening. I guess the best way to find out would be to listen myself.
looks good. Definitely moved up market
It seems the Ultra Evolution Tower replaces the SVS Ultra Towers? Seems they should be good Value.
If they are anything like your subs I have to hear them.
Time alignment? Having the acoustic emanation points of the drivers all in a straight vertical line means that each point is a different distance from the listener's ear --that's simple geometry. Not that it actually makes any difference to the sound, but still...
It looks like they remembered Dunlavy and others and said "Hold my beer."
The room has wall-to-wall carpeting and curtains that is room treatment and why they probably sound passable
"passable"? that comes off critical for no reason. Why wouldn't we expect them to sound great? They also demo'd them at CES on the show floor, in an anything but treated space, and the reception was also great on their sound, but yes that room is sufficiently treated to simulate a home environment, so an accurate environment.
Design looks like a nod to focal sopras.
The drivers look great and the surrounds on them look beefy compared to the last svs ultra towers but for 5k a pair I think they could have done the cabinet gloss better in the bends the paint doesn’t exactly look the greatest
haven't seen them, but consider 3 things. 1) these might be pre-production, so not final quality, 2) these are the travel pair, so might be getting dinged up with transport and or didn't make the cut for sale to consumers, but still fine for demoing, 3) it's a youtube video with bad room lighting, who knows what kind of camera and youtube compression plus whatever codec settings, some of that might be video artificing and not viewable in person. No one's mentioned it being poor, and they have done gloss on angle before without issue, the original ultra's weren't exactly hard edged. it's probably fine in person.
Hard to see how they are offering this for "only" $5,000. A good value.
lol really ? You must be rich then in any aspect we need to wait till reviews come in to know for sure . But 5k isn’t cheap
The center channel should have 8 inch drivers.
Yup missed opportunity imo
if you are bass managing, and why wouldn't you be, it wouldn't really matter, just be bigger for no reason, and at that point, go 3 identical towers if you can.
@@Antimonkat It always matter. Don't fool yourself. Why do you think SVS has three different versions of the same towers! Arendal 1723 THX series has a center channel with two Eight inch drivers. I'm a SVS Ultra series owner. Six Ultra Towers, One Ultra center, and four SB16 Ultra subwoofers. I didn't want the Ultra atmos speakers. SVS should be making in ceiling speakers for atmos.
I'm wondering if SVS is going to offer any upgrade packages that's reasonable for SVS owners that have purchased a whole lot of their products.
@@taseti4803 well they do if you are within the trade up period. Anything beyond that is just good will. I don't know what they did when they came out with the pro subs for original owners but they said they would "make it right". I'm sure if you reach out they will try and make you happy. In ceilings would be a good option for those that want them but I'm happy they give options for those who don't, like me.
@@shaolin95 I know that. It's mostly about efficiency. And that center with those drivers is plenty capable of more output than most people will need or want in a space that a center is better than another full size tower would be. I just don't think that 1.5 inch is going to make a significant difference to 99% of their customers where a bigger cabinet would be more of an issue for more people. I bet if you measure the center vs the tower it's pretty close. And yes it matters in the towers as an option for those who don't want a sub, or want the very best, and where the extra size is less problematic. I suppose having 2 sizes of centers to choose from would be smart for those who want it since they did 2 bookshelves and 3 towers, but if they are only doing 1, they made the right call in my opinion, and obviously in theirs.
Translate to English:
"It's a shame you haven't made a flat backside. Firstly, it would have been much nicer to look at, but secondly, it would have eliminated standing waves inside the cabinet. I actually think the design suffers a bit from the curved backside. It makes them a bit 'Hunchback of Notre Dame". Otherwise, super cool speakers."
I would pay that kind of cash if they showed what parts are inside them.
I want to listen to the Titan.
Whoa curved like a 2015 Samsung tv and bent like an iPhone 6 Plus! Jk they look really good and bet they sound even better
Yes, the mechanical time alignment is cringe worthy, but a big fan of SVS. Crossover phase issues are often significant
Well, it could be worse...you could spend 10x or more on some Wilson Audio or Focal Utopia towers that have the same "feature" and have the same complaint, LOL.
These or the Adrenal 1723 THX towers???
Yes
Soundeo Mixtape on RUclips 🔊🕺🏻💃🏻🔊
wow better than perlisten? :D
Not better, different and we will know more during critical review.
perlisten is like what 15k? plus svs will sell 100 subs by the time perlisten sells one. so which is the better company? there ya go.
Time alignment requires 1st order crossovers. I doubt that SVS is using 1st order slopes. That would be quite challenging for the tweeter knowing that these will be used in home theater setups with reference levels.
You can do time alignment with higher order linkwitz Riley crossovers, so you can still have much higher power handling than 1st order crossovers. The best way to do time alignment is a fully active design and then you don't need to worry as much about physically aligning the drivers and you can use much steeper rolloffs to protect the drivers and use them within their linear region.
They Fucked up... buy changing the Rings to a new design ... so i bought some more of the old ones instead ...
SVS wont give you their speakers unless you give a favorable review!! So to be unbiased you have to buy them!!!!!
That's complete nonsense. As long as a reviewer doesn't get the product just to bash or make senseless claims, They've been very open to criticism as you will see with our review of their in-wall sub review.
@@Audioholics thats not what Andrew said from his reviews
@brooklynknightss I don't know what Andrew says as I haven't seen his claims but I've been dealing with SVS for 20+ years as have other professional reviewers and we haven't seen this.
@Audioholics just saying what i heard.. thats all..
I can't speak for Andrew, but that has NOT been my experience with them. I've worked with SVS reviewing products on my channel for the past 4 years. In that time I've never ONCE had an issue with them when I've been overly critical of something with one of their products. I have also never been given a product for free in exchange for a review (positive or negative), however I can buy the product at the reviewer discount if I so choose (common in the industry).
I'm not sure if "streaming" and "high res files" is the best combo
That time alignment bit was BS. I don't think the acoustic center of the woofer corresponds roughly to the dust cap. More like mid - cone, +/- .
Why not just engineer the tweeter design to be recessed back inline with the cone drivers? Seems a bit gimmicky. Need some blind testing done to very discerning reviewer ears.
Algoritmi (Algorithm in Albanian)
why bother if you dont play them
We did play and listen to them at the event. I'm sure your not asking for a demo on RUclips through your computer speakers or earbuds? LOL 😅
Definitive technology has been doing bipolar for 35 years now!!!!
This is not bipolar. Only the bass drivers radiate front to back, not mids or highs.
@Audioholics I have my definitive technology bp20s from 1993, still sounds great. Sandy Gross at the time actually spoke to me and asked how i liked the speakers.. pretty cool
@@Audioholics how do you feel about bipolar???
@@brooklynknightss
It's a terrible mental health disorder that I wouldn't wish on anyone. :-P
I heard from others they weren't that good. Who to believe? I hope it's not true.
Klipsch
How much cough medicine did SVS promise you?
What a stupid question.
but still made in China? I only buy speakers not made in China no matter the quality. It's the principle. Will pay more to support US/Canadian or European jobs. Heck, even mexico, or other south east asian countries. Just not China.
the answer is: yes. they are still made in China.
Does that mean you don't buy Chinese made computers and smartphones too? Gotta go all if you really mean it.
@Audioholics that's close to saying i also shouldn't buy chinese paintings from china. Certaily can choose not to buy certain products and buy others.
There is no "you must do all or nothing" nonsense.
But, my computers i build myself and most of the parts are not from china. Some are. Has zero to do with my desire to only buy non-china made speakers.
And my phones are made in vietnam.
Imagine having the ability to demo amazing speakers every day and only listening to Pop music & Jazz etc. , Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake...... 😭
Meh
I tried to reach out to y’all. I am visually impaired. I tried to call the phone number that was listed on the website and the number says it is not a working number. How do I get in touch with y’all?
You can ask qurati9ns here or book a 1hr consultation:
www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/S6ZJFG35ML5CA
The aligned speaker situation is a true gimmick I have bought hundreds of speakers in my lifetime the speed of sound cannot be any faster or slower within a number of drivers in a box speaker is pointed at you or in any other direction the sound gets to you at the same moment no matter that so-called gimmick the speed of sound 1/4 of a second if that were true is of no consequence of whatsoever..
Why is it always these speakers are always black ...they look like tombstones
A couple cans of Krylon will take care of that.😏🙄
Yeah, they should mix it up a bit. I have to agree with you on that. On the flip side, they try to stick with colors customers buy most. I forget what the compaies name was, but they use Eminence drivers. You could have the towers they sell painted in any color you wanted.
I think I heard they're also offering them in white. At least on some of the models.
@@fascinatedbyeverything well at least that's something
These Speakers were first introduced in High Gloss White at CES and they look spectacular. Check out that video.