When it comes to high-end audio, bookshelf speakers represent a sweet spot between performance and practicality. Today, we're comparing two exciting options: the new $1,199 SVS Ultra Evolution and the established $419 Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II. While both aim to deliver exceptional sound, they take notably different approaches - and their price points tell just part of the story.
Bookshelf speakers continue to evolve with new materials and technologies. Despite their name, these speakers often perform best on dedicated stands, positioned away from walls. They serve as the foundation of many high-end audio systems, offering advantages in imaging (how precisely you can locate sounds in space) and flexibility that larger towers can't always match.
The category has seen significant advancement in recent years, with innovations in driver materials, cabinet design, and crossover components (the internal electronics that split audio between woofer and tweeter). These improvements have pushed performance boundaries while keeping sizes manageable for most rooms.
The SVS Ultra Evolution represents the cutting edge, launching in early 2024 with several technological advances over its predecessor. Most notably, it features a diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeter - a technology previously found only in much more expensive speakers. This coating helps prevent unwanted resonances at high frequencies, resulting in clearer, more detailed sound.
In contrast, the Klipsch RP-500M II, released in 2022, builds on Klipsch's proven horn-loaded design philosophy. The horn (that distinctive trumpet-like shape around the tweeter) increases efficiency and helps control how sound spreads into your room. The second-generation model brought improvements to the horn design and woofer construction, reducing harshness while maintaining Klipsch's signature dynamic sound.
In practical use, these differences manifest in interesting ways. The SVS Ultra Evolution excels with complex classical music, revealing layers in orchestral pieces that many speakers miss. Its time-aligned design (where all frequencies reach your ears simultaneously) creates an incredibly coherent sound field - imagine everyone in the orchestra playing from exactly the right position.
The Klipsch RP-500M II shines with rock, pop, and home theater use. Its higher sensitivity means it can play louder with less power, and the horn-loaded tweeter projects sound effectively into larger rooms. While it might not match the SVS's ultimate refinement, it delivers an engaging, exciting performance that many listeners prefer.
Both speakers work well in home theater applications, but their strengths differ:
The price difference between these speakers can't be ignored - you could buy almost three pairs of the Klipsch for the cost of one pair of SVS. However, value isn't just about price.
The SVS Ultra Evolution represents a significant step up in materials and construction. Its diamond-coated tweeter, time-aligned cabinet design, and premium crossover components justify much of the cost difference for serious listeners. It's also backed by SVS's excellent customer service and 45-day in-home trial.
The Klipsch offers tremendous performance for its price point. Its proven design, improved materials, and excellent dynamics make it a strong value proposition, especially for mixed-use systems where ultimate refinement isn't the top priority.
Speaker technology evolves slowly compared to other electronics, so both represent potential long-term investments. The SVS's more neutral presentation might prove more versatile as your music tastes evolve, while the Klipsch's higher sensitivity could be advantageous if you plan to experiment with different amplifiers, including tube amps.
Both the SVS Ultra Evolution and Klipsch RP-500M II represent excellent choices in their respective price brackets. The SVS pushes the boundaries of what's possible in a bookshelf speaker, offering near-reference level performance for those willing to invest. The Klipsch delivers engaging, dynamic sound and exceptional value, especially for mixed-use systems.
Remember that speaker choice is highly personal - if possible, listen to both in your space with your music. Consider your room size, existing equipment, and long-term goals. Either choice can serve as the foundation of an excellent audio system, just with different paths to musical satisfaction.
| $1,199 SVS Ultra Evolution | $419 Klipsch RP-500M II |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity - Determines how easily speakers can be driven by your amplifier | |
| 88dB (requires more powerful amp) | 92dB (works well with modest amplifiers) |
| Frequency Response - Indicates bass depth and overall range | |
| 24Hz-40kHz (exceptional bass for bookshelf) | 50Hz-25kHz (typical bookshelf range) |
| Power Handling - Shows maximum safe power input | |
| 20-300W (flexible with high-power amps) | 75-300W (similar peak, higher minimum) |
| Tweeter Design - Impacts high frequency detail and clarity | |
| Diamond-coated aluminum dome (exceptional detail) | Horn-loaded titanium (dynamic, efficient) |
| Woofer Size - Affects bass capability and midrange clarity | |
| 6.5" glass fiber cone (refined, controlled) | 5.25" Cerametallic (punchy, dynamic) |
| Cabinet Design - Influences sound accuracy and imaging | |
| Time-aligned curved cabinet (precise imaging) | Traditional box with rear port (classic design) |
| Impedance - Affects amplifier compatibility | |
| 6 ohms (moderately challenging load) | 8 ohms (easier to drive) |
| Weight - Indicates build quality and cabinet density | |
| 20 lbs each (substantial build) | 13.1 lbs each (standard construction) |
| Finish Options - Aesthetic considerations | |
| Piano black, white, or real oak veneer (premium) | Ebony or walnut vinyl (good but basic) |
Both are excellent, but the $419 Klipsch RP-500M II is often preferred for home theater due to its higher sensitivity and dynamic sound that works well with movie soundtracks. However, if budget allows, the $1,199 SVS Ultra Evolution offers superior detail and more precise sound placement for surround effects.
The biggest difference is their design approach. The SVS Ultra Evolution uses a diamond-coated tweeter for exceptional detail and accuracy, while the Klipsch RP-500M II employs a horn-loaded design for efficiency and dynamics. SVS aims for precision, Klipsch for excitement.
For critical listeners and audiophiles, yes. The SVS Ultra Evolution offers superior detail, better imaging, and more refined sound. However, the Klipsch RP-500M II provides excellent value and may be the better choice for mixed-use systems or larger rooms.
The Klipsch RP-500M II is easier to drive, with 92dB sensitivity compared to the SVS Ultra Evolution's 88dB. This means the Klipsch will play louder with less power, making it more suitable for basic AV receivers.
Both can work without a subwoofer, but the SVS Ultra Evolution has better bass extension (down to 24Hz vs 50Hz for the Klipsch). For home theater use, however, we recommend adding a subwoofer to either speaker system.
The SVS Ultra Evolution edges out for pure music listening with its more neutral presentation and superior detail. However, the Klipsch RP-500M II offers an engaging, dynamic sound that many music lovers prefer, especially for rock and pop.
The Klipsch RP-500M II performs better in larger rooms due to its horn design and higher sensitivity. The SVS Ultra Evolution is better suited to small to medium-sized rooms where its precision can shine.
Yes, but matching is easier with the SVS Ultra Evolution due to its more neutral sound signature. The Klipsch RP-500M II has a distinctive sound that works best with other Klipsch speakers.
The SVS Ultra Evolution features superior build quality with premium materials and finishes. While the Klipsch RP-500M II is well-built, it uses more standard materials to meet its lower price point.
Both excel at dialogue clarity, but the SVS Ultra Evolution offers more detail and precision. The Klipsch RP-500M II provides excellent clarity through its horn design, particularly in larger rooms.
The Klipsch RP-500M II works well with modestly powered amplifiers. The SVS Ultra Evolution benefits more from higher-quality amplification to reach its full potential.
Both speakers excel for gaming, but the Klipsch RP-500M II might have an edge for its dynamic sound and ability to handle sudden effects. The SVS Ultra Evolution provides more precise positioning of gaming audio cues.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: futureaudiophile.com - svsound.com - youtube.com - avgadgets.com - dreamediaav.com - dreamediaav.com - outlawaudio.com - svsound.com - audiolab.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - audioadvice.com - skybygramophone.com - erinsaudiocorner.com - safeandsoundhq.com - audioadvice.com - youtube.com - crutchfield.com - klipsch.com - youtube.com - d2um2qdswy1tb0.cloudfront.net - abt.com - crutchfield.com - klipsch.com - audioadvisor.com
