Introducing the SVS Prime satellite 5.1 Speaker System

Written by Published | Rapallo AV Team

Introducing the SVS Prime satellite 5.1 Speaker System

Last week, we were happily reading up on reviews of speaker systems, when we realized that while SVS is considered an absolute winner in the American Audiophile world; here in New Zealand it is not as well known. And that is a massive shame. We thought it was time we let you in on some insights that may deserve your attention.

At Rapallo, we know that SVS do some really decent quality speakers at affordable prices for high-end audio consumers. They sit in that sweet spot of getting a really good quality product that comes with a price tag that still allows for that family holiday you were also hoping for. That’s how SVS built their brand; that’s what they are known for.

Take the SVS Prime Satellite 5.1 speaker system. Compact speaker systems have a reputation of being easy on the eye and budget, but compromising on sound quality. Wrong! We think you need to continue reading, as we will challenge that idea.

The SVS Prime satellite 5.1 Speaker system comprises of (the also separately available) Prime satellite Speakers with the SB-1000 subwoofer, all for just $1,729 in Black Ash and $2,075 in Piano Black (gloss finish). In a few weeks time we will also have a white finish available. Easy on the budget it is indeed.

The SVS Prime Satellite is a compact 2-way design that uses the same aluminum-dome tweeter as the rest of the SVS Prime line.

Each Prime Satellite weighs 2.95kg and measures 22.5cm x 12.5cm x 16cm (including the cloth grill). It features a 1inch tweeter and a 4.5inch midrange/woofer.

The back of each speaker has a 5-way binding post and a 1-inch flared bass port, a simple and versatile design.

SVS rates the Prime Satellite’s frequency response from a respectable 69 Hz to 25 kHz (+/-3 dB) and power handling at 150 Watts with an 8-ohm load. The speaker’s sensitivity rating is 85 dB/W/m.

The SVS SB–1000 subwoofer sports a 12-inch driver and 300 watts of power. It’s a sealed subwoofer, making it rather compact. Overall dimensions are 34.3cm x 33cm x 37.1cm. This is just big enough for a good quality bass, but small enough to fit nicely into any room’s décor. Nothing beats a good quality speaker system and a happy wife.

SVS rates the sub’s bass response from 24 to 260 Hz +/- 3 dB. The sub has a variable phase control as well as a variable low-pass filter in case such options are not available from a receiver. In terms of inputs, it features 5-way binding posts as well as line-level RCA inputs. It even includes a 12V trigger, giving you plenty of options to connect a variety of devices.

The Home Theatre Review website suggested doing a performance test with Bohmian Rapsody from Queen. And so we did. Boy, did these little speakers rock the room!

They are some of the best-sounding affordable small speakers we have heard. In fact, we found ourselves preferring their precision to the sound coming from some of other brands’ tower speakers.

Being such small speakers, they are incapable of producing a deep bass, but add the subwoofer to the equation and you get a sound that will not disappoint the serious listener. Our Rapallo lab is fairly decent sized but the five Prime Satellites filled it with sound without breaking a sweat. 

It is very easy to underestimate the Prime Satellites because of their small size and low price.

In a nutshell, what makes the SVS Prime satellite 5.1 Speaker System stand out is that the Prime Satellite Speakers are tiny in size and price without compromising on performance. We would not hesitate recommending this Speaker System; and plenty of other reviews more than agree with us. Don’t take our word for it; just check it out for yourself!

As always, feel free to give the Rapallo team a ring or send us an email to find out more. We are more than happy to help you make decisions or to organize a demo.