This bloke loves Audio Quest cables. What audio cables you guys prefer?

SVS SB-3000 Subwoofer Review
David Vaughn | Apr 24, 2019



PRICE Price: $1,099 (piano gloss black), $999 (black ash)

AT A GLANCE

Plus

Outstanding performance for price
Excellent iOS/Android control app
Compact form factor

Minus
Lacks auto-calibration/room EQ


THE VERDICT

SVS continues its tradition of providing more than ample bass for your buck, this time in a relatively compact subwoofer accompanied by a useful setup and control app.

Over the past 15 years I've reviewed more A/V products than I can count, but the ones I most look forward to watching the FedEx guy hoist off the delivery truck are subwoofers. That's mainly because I love hearing bass—the more the better. Also, the reviewing process gives me an opportunity to revisit some of my favorite movie bass torture-test scenes to see if the latest, greatest subwoofer is up to snuff.

Based in Youngstown, Ohio, SVS has been manufacturing subwoofers since the late 1990s. They started out as a little internet-direct company that sold their wares via online enthusiast forums but have since grown into a global powerhouse with dealer partners all over the world. I've owned many SVS subs over the years and have recommended them countless times to friends and family. In fact, I still use a 15-year-old SVS PC-Ultra in my reference system. (Sure, the upgrade bug has tried to bite me many times over the years, but my wife continues to exercise her veto power as the household CFO.)

Like other companies, speaker makers must regularly innovate and release new products or the competition will pass them by. SVS certainly isn't one to rest on its laurels. I've had at least one new SVS sub find its way to my home theater each year for the past few years, and 2019 is no different.



The company's latest 3000 Series offering consists a pair of subs—one ported (PB-3000) and the other sealed (SB-3000)—in relatively modest-size enclosures. Unfortunately, I had to choose just one, so I went with the SB-3000 for a few reasons. First, I'm aware from previous experience that SVS already knows how to make a reference ported sub and didn't want to give them a layup. Second, the company's marketing states that the SB-3000's reference-level performance "has never been available at this price from a cabinet of this size." A bold claim, but can they back it up? Read on and see….

In the Beginning

The genesis of the 3000 Series extends back a few years to the introduction of the company's 16-Ultra Series, where SVS brought ultra-premium performance to the under-$2,500 subwoofer category and earned a Sound & Vision Top Pick in the process. Next came the 4000 series, which featured slightly smaller woofers (13.5-inch versus 16-inch) and smaller enclosures at a correspondingly lower price. While this move provided customers with more choices, $1,500 remains a lot of coin for most. Could the engineers at SVS push the subwoofer price/performance envelope even further?

As it turns out, yes, they could, and with the SB-3000 they have. The new SVS sub is on the dainty side as far as high-performance models go, measuring 15.2 x 15 x 17.8 inches (WxHxD) and weighing a comparatively back-friendly 54.5 pounds. The SB-3000 is available in two finishes: Black Ash or Piano Gloss Black (reviewed here) with a rigid metal grille to protect the front-firing woofer. Generally speaking, as a subwoofer's cabinet and woofer get smaller, output below 25Hz is reduced, but the engineers at SVS have somehow found a way to coax sub-20Hz extension from this little beast along with surprisingly strong output.

The custom-designed 13-inch high-excursion driver that the SB-3000 uses is possibly the company's best one yet. A new split-coil design seems to be the secret ingredient that delivers the big breakthrough in performance. When playing at moderate levels, only the middle part of the coil is used. Then, as the volume gets louder and the increased demand for low-frequency extension kicks in, the coil expands, allowing you to hear—and feel—the power of the music or soundtrack. The SB-3000 features a Sledge 800-watt continuous class-D amplifier with over 2,500 watts of peak power. Hookup options include line-level inputs/outputs, a 12-volt trigger input, and a port for an SVS Wireless Adapter (sold separately for $120). There's also a detachable grounded power cord.



Setup And Use

The SB-3000's rear panel contains digital controls to adjust the low-pass filter setting, phase, and volume, but I wouldn't even bother bending down to make those adjustments manually. Instead, I'd recommend downloading SVS's excellent 3000 Series subwoofer app, which uses your phone's Bluetooth connection to control the subwoofer.

Two heads are better than one.....

The Best Bookshelf Speakers

Though they’re shaped like a cube or rectangle, these speakers think outside of the box when it comes to sound quality and power



If you’re setting up your home audio system and floor space is at a premium, consider picking up a pair of bookshelf speakers. Larger than a portable speaker but more compact than floor speakers, bookshelf speakers deliver loud amplification and solid, stereo sound for small to medium-sized rooms.

Though they’re often shaped like a cube or rectangle, these speakers think outside of the box when it comes to audio quality, dynamics and efficiency, creating fuller sound and rounder textures than what a wireless unit can deliver. They don’t just have to sit on a bookshelf either – place them on a table, stand or windowsill, adjusting the height to be as close to your ear level as possible for best performance.

Bookshelf speakers won’t get you the same room-shaking power or rumbling bass that a full-sized set will provide, but for your office, den, or bedroom, they’ll be more than enough. If you’re setting up a home theater system, pair the speakers with a subwoofer to really amp up your listening experience.



1. Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Speakers

Pioneer delivers a value-packed set of speakers with this SP-BS22-LR pairing, which gets you crisp, well-rounded sound in a set of handsome decks. The speakers feature a six-element crossover that provides an even transfer of lows, highs, and mids between the woofer and tweeter. As a result, you’re getting more accurate sound because the different frequencies are blended together in a more purposeful manner.

The 4-inch woofers feature a structured surface, which, when coupled with a vented pole piece, provide better bass response than similar units. The one-inch soft dome tweeter, meantime, takes out the “tinniness” you often hear at high volumes.



These speakers feature a curved, cabinet design to reduce any internal noise, 80 watt power handling and a nominal impedance of six ohms (the lower the impedance, the more efficiently the music signal is able to power through the speaker). Reviewers say that while the bass is decent, you’ll want to pair these speakers with a subwoofer if you really want to boost those beats. Purchase: $98.87 on Amazon.com.



2. Q Acoustics 3020i Bookshelf Speaker



Here’s what you’re getting for under $300: a well-designed set of speakers that deliver generous, room-filling sound, reliable quality and low distortion.

The Q 3020i speakers update previous models in the series by boosting the cabinet size by 25% (they come in at just over 11 inches tall). The result: a taller and deeper cabinet, which means fuller sound and deeper bass. “P2P” (point to point) bracing, meantime, keeps the speakers tight and the enclosure quiet for less noise disruptions.

Reviewers say the sound from these speakers is smooth, not sharp, and they like the fullness of the notes that come through the grills. Fans of classical music or songs with lush production will appreciate the speakers’ ability to reproduce dense textures, so that you hear every part of the track.

The speakers feature a 5-inch bass driver and a power input of up to 125 watts. Available in three colors. Purchase: $299.99 on Amazon.com.



3. Bose 301-V Stereo Loudspeakers



One of the best-reviewed units online with a 4.6-star rating from users (out of five) the Bose 301 Series V bookshelf speakers deliver clear, room-filling sound in a shoebox-sized package.

Bose is known for their audio innovation, and it’s on full display here, with the speakers blending both direct sound and reflected sound, to create a more natural listening experience. While most speakers radiate sound in one direction, these speakers have a spatial dispersion lens that circulates a wider distribution of sound. The result, Bose says, is audio that’s similar to “what you’d experience in a concert hall or theater.”

Unlike the other speakers on this list, the Bose 301 Series speakers come in a horizontal design, letting them slide easily onto even narrow bookshelves. Reviewers say the MDF and plastic cabinet leaves something to be desired in terms of premium finishing, though the dark grey color blends easily with your home decor.

What we like: Bose’s “automatic protection circuitry” prevents your drivers from being overdriven and your speakers from being blown out even if you’ve turned the music up a little too high. Purchase: $328.00 on Amazon.com.



4. Klipsch RP-160M Bookshelf Speaker



Loud, theater-like sound in a bookshelf speaker. That’s what reviewers say you’ll find in this best-selling kit from Klipsch. Whether as part of a home entertainment system (say, paired with your TV), or for your bedroom or den, the 17-inch speakers deliver bold, bracing sound thanks to a one-inch titanium tweeter, 6.5-inch copper woofer and a hybrid horn design that pairs a circular horn “throat” with a square horn “mouth” to better direct sound transfer while enhancing dynamics. The compressed rubber material, meantime, helps to dampen errant frequencies, for clearer resolution and detail.

What we like: Klipsch’s signature cerametallic woofers are lightweight yet sturdy, and help to reduce cone breakup and distortion. The MDF cabinet on these speakers, meantime, is finished with a brushed veneer coating, giving it a more premium look than some of the other units on this list. Purchase: $339.00 on Amazon.com.



5. ELAC Uni-fi UB5 Bookshelf Speaker



Serious audiophiles will want to upgrade to these ELAC bookshelf speakers, which are consistently rated at the top of its class. The reason: ELAC’s unique three-way speaker assigns dedicated drivers to the low, mid and high frequencies individually, meaning each driver is optimized for only one frequency range, instead of trying to blend everything together. Sound is more natural, cleaner and more accurate.

For its small size (just under 13-inches tall), the speakers deliver some serious bass, thanks to its 5 ¼ inch aluminum woofer. An extended magnet generates better power, while the vented pole piece further propels the bass.

Reviewers say the ELAC outperforms units more than five times its pricepoint, which makes sense, since the Uni-fi UB5 uses the same custom driver and crossover components as some of the brand’s larger, pricier models.

This set was designed by Andrew Jones, the pre-eminent speaker designer in the industry, who worked with a number of leading audio brands before joining ELAC as its “Chief Engineer.” The speakers have a nominal impedance of four ohms, and can handle up to 140 watts per channel. Note: this comes as a set of two, even though only one speaker is pictured above. Purchase: $398.88 on Amazon.com.

Buying a Subwoofer? Here’s What You Need to Know

When the bass is lacking, whether we’re watching a movie or listening to music, we notice. Our first instinct is to turn up the volume, but this doesn’t really help. If anything, it makes everything sound worse. A sign of any good speaker system is that it should have great bass and great midrange and highs — bass and sound quality aren’t mutually exclusive.

Subwoofers play an integral role in any two-channel or surround system, but deciding which one to buy is not as simple as picking the one with the largest woofer and lowest quoted frequency response. You need to make sure it’s right for your room and for your system.

What to Know

Sealed or ported subwoofer, what’s the difference?

Sealed subwoofers will generally be found in vehicles. They’re smaller in cabinet size than ported subwoofers and therefore easier to place and integrate in tighter places. Sealed subwoofers have a single woofer or bass driver that is completely encased in a closed cabinet. This allows them to move air more quickly and thus align better with your main loudspeakers output; generally resulting in tighter bass which is more coherent and better integrated.

Ported subwoofers have a woofer and one-or-more ports that allow air to escape from the cabinet. These two mechanisms allow for more air to be released and therefore a ported design can reach down lower than their sealed counterparts and reproduce the lowest octaves with greater authority and higher volume levels; this is why they are more popular in home theater systems. Ported subwoofers can be extremely large and are not as flexible when it comes to set-up.

Is there a benefit to stereo subwoofers?

If you have ever sat in a home theater, you have probably noticed that you can detect the directionality of the bass in the room. A single subwoofer is easy to locate even with the lights dimmed. If you stand up and walk around, you can feel that the bass is not even. Stereo subwoofers cancel out the nulls; the location where sound waves from a single subwoofer cancel one another out. With stereo subwoofers, bass will sound and feel more even and only increase the size of the soundstage with music

Should your subwoofer be made by the same company as your speakers?

Yes and no. Products made by the same company generally utilize the same driver technology and thus have a similar voicing; aka they pair nicely together. But you don’t have to. In fact, we recommend starting your subwoofer hunt with the companies who have focused on subwoofer technology exclusively over the years. These companies, like SVS and REL Acoustics, have tested their subwoofers with hundreds of different loudspeakers and fine-tuned them so they work best.

The Subwoofers
SVS SB-2000



Best for Small Rooms:

The SB-2000 is a sealed subwoofer that utilizes a 12-inch driver and is powered by a 500-watt Sledge STA-500D DSP amplifier — it’s one of the best options for small- and medium-sized rooms. It is easy to integrate in a two-channel stereo system, but really shows off in a 5.1 or 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos surround system; delivering tight and articulate bass response that will have immediate impact with music and films.

Dimensions: 14.6″ (H) x 14.2″ (W) x 15.4″ (D)

Amplification: Sledge STA-500D DSP amplifier

Power: 500 watts RMS (1,100 watts peak)

Frequency response: 19Hz – 220Hz +/-3dB

Driver size: 12-inch 2000 Series High-Output Driver

Size: 34.8 pounds


REL Acoustics T/7i



Best for Music:

REL has been an audiophile favorite for many years and, in the home theater realm, its T/7i is particularly well-suited for music as well. The sealed subwoofer features an 8” front-firing active driver and a 10” bottom-firing passive radiator, and it utilizes a 200-watt internal amplifier with ample power reserves to reproduce bass down to 30Hz. Most importantly, it does a great job taking the load off your loudspeakers; allowing them to focus on everything above 80-100Hz which generally results in a larger soundstage, better dynamic response, and more even sounding presentation.

Dimensions: 12” (W) x 14.3” (H) x 15” (D)

Power: 200 watts (RMS)

Amplification: Class A/B

Frequency response: 28 Hz at -6 dB in room

Driver size: 1 x 8-inch long-throw woofer, 1 x 10-inch long-throw woofer

Weight: 36 pounds


SVS SB-16 Ultra



Best for Home Theaters

Both SVS and REL offer even more expensive subwoofer systems than the SB-16 Ultra, but this behemoth has zero issues energizing even the largest dedicated home theater rooms. This sealed 20” cube weighs close to 122 pounds and requires two people for proper installation. A stereo set-up with two SB-16 Ultra subwoofers offer some of the deepest and most articulate bass possible. SVS also includes an iOS and Android set-up app to make fine tuning even easier. If you’re looking for a reference quality subwoofer, the SB-16 Ultra is a sure bet.

Dimensions: 20” (H) x 19.5” (W) x 22.9” (D)

Power: 1500 watts RMS (5000+ watts peak)

Amplification: Sledge STA-1500D DSP amplifier

Frequency response: 16Hz-460Hz +/-3dB

Driver size: 16-inch Ultra-series driver

Weight: 122 pounds

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Sound United to acquire Onkyo and Pioneer consumer audio divisions
By Joe Cox 15 May 2019


The parent company of Denon and Marantz looks set to add Onkyo and Pioneer to its portfolio


Another AV industry shake-up is on the way with the news that Sound United has set the wheels in motion to acquire the consumer audio divisions of venerable Japanese brands, Onkyo and Pioneer.

A statement released today calls it a "preliminary agreement", ahead of negotiating definitive terms, with the deal set to include the Onkyo, Pioneer, Pioneer Elite and Integra brands.

The acquisition would cause plenty of crossover in certain AV categories, notably in the home cinema receiver market. Sound United already owns the Denon and Marantz brands, as well as Polk Audio, Classe, Definitive Technology and Boston Acoustics.

However, the release suggests that the company will be aiming at the wireless smart speaker and soundbar categories, with Sound United "eager to invest in the development of new products with the added benefit of Onkyo and Pioneer’s extensive legacy of innovation".

Kevin Duffy, CEO, Sound United, commented: "Sound United is one of the leading dedicated providers of premium audio/video products, and we believe the combined businesses will bring unrivaled innovation and sound performance to our consumers and channel partners."

Onkyo Corporation will retain the rights to the Pioneer and Onkyo brands for the purposes of their Digital Life and Embedded Audio businesses. Digital Life focuses on portable media players and micro systems. European distribution will be retained by Austrian company, Aqipa GmbH.

It's the latest phase in a tumultuous period for the AV brands, which hark back to Pioneer selling its AV business to Onkyo back in 2014.

Sound United is a subsidiary of DEI Holdings, a portfolio company of US private equity firm, Charlesbank Capital Partners. The company acquired D+M Group, which includes Denon, Marantz and Boston Acoustics, back in 2017.

The next stage of the acquisition looks set to be the Onkyo Corporation's AGM on 26th June. So watch this space.

Why Integrated Amplifiers Are the Future of Hi-Fi
May 22, 2019 | By Ian White |


When you’re building your first home stereo system, an integrated amplifier is your best friend. By combining a power amplifier with a preamplifier, buying an integrated amp is not only simpler than hunting for separate components, but it also gives you a good mix of performance and features for less money than you’d spend otherwise. Integrated amps come in all shapes and sizes, run the gamut from $500-5,000, and work best with bookshelf loudspeakers.

Integrated amplifiers have made huge strides in performance as manufacturers have gotten better at integrating the various sections; power, source selection, volume control and connectivity, while minimizing the amount of electrical noise that negatively impacts sound quality. The cherry on top? The signal path between the various sections is shorter in an integrated app, which not only improves sound quality but also means you don’t need as many cables for your system.

Why are integrated amplifiers the future of hi-fi?

Wireless active loudspeakers and one-box integrated amplifiers, which include both wired and wireless digital streaming connectivity, have made a system of various expensive boxes mostly obsolete for the average listener. The resurgence of vinyl has forced manufacturers to include a phono pre-amplifier in most integrated amplifiers and the myriad of streaming services such as Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify are supported along with playback platforms such as Roon.

What should you look for in an integrated amplifier?

Wireless support is increasingly a standard feature on many integrated amplifiers; including Bluetooth aptX and aptX HD. Both formats are lossy but the sound quality you can achieve while streaming from your phone to an integrated amp has improved so much in recent years that you shouldn’t spend too much time worrying about it.

If you can’t help yourself though, many integrated amplifiers now include USB and Ethernet connectivity for external streamers or if you use your desktop computer or laptop as your digital source. Internal DACs (Digital-Analog-Converter) offer support for most digital formats (MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, DSD), and bit/sample rates (up to 32-bit/384kHz) guaranteeing that you can listen to your digital music collection (CDs, downloads, or streaming) in the best quality possible.

Depending on your choice of loudspeakers and the size of your listening room, 20-30 watts per channel could be more than sufficient. Make sure you check the sensitivity (dB) and impedance (8 or 4 ohms) of your speakers before taking the plunge. An integrated amplifier that doubles its output (30 watts into 8 ohms/60 watts into 4 ohms) is a safer bet for most bookshelf speakers.

NAD is no stranger to the integrated category having sold more than one million units of the original model 3020. The D 3045 digital hybrid amplifier can output more than 60 watts per channel, which is more than enough grunt to power a lot of bookshelf loudspeakers with great poise; it can sound a tad reticent with a laid-back sounding pair of speakers. The D 3045 is very easy to install and doesn’t look out of place inside a media console, but it does require some ventilation for optimum performance. It supports Bluetooth aptX HD, DSD, 24-bit/384kHz digital playback, and includes a rather impressive sounding moving magnet phono stage. The rear panel offers a wide variety of digital inputs including optical, USB, and coaxial. NAD has wisely included an HDMI input for connection to your HDTV.

If your listening habits do not include records, and you require something with support for almost every streaming service, the PowerNode 2i is a solid option. It can output more than 60 watts per channel and offers outstanding resolution and low-end control. The tonal balance is on the warm side and its internal 32-bit/192kHz DAC improves the sound of any streaming service that you may use. The PowerNode 2i also offers support for AirPlay 2 and is one of the first integrated amplifiers to work with Amazon’s Alexa voice control.

Minus the absence of a phono pre-amplifier, there is almost nothing about the Uniti Atom to dislike. From an industrial design perspective, the cake-box sized integrated/DAC/streamer is very easy to place and use; there is something quite pleasing about using its top-mounted volume dial and front-panel LCD screen. The Uniti Atom isn’t the most powerful amplifier offering only 40 watts per channel, but it demonstrates more than enough grunt, resolution, and openness with bookshelf loudspeakers to make it one of the best in the category. The Naim box breathes life into recordings and offers one of the best integrations of streaming platforms at any price level. The Uniti Atom can also serve as the heart for a Naim multi-room system and is Roon-ready.

If you need both power and resolution, there are few one-box solutions as capable as the Edge A integrated amplifier. It outputs more than 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms (200 watts per channel into 4 ohms) which is more than enough to power most loudspeakers. The absence of a phono pre-amplifier is a negative, but the recent release of their Alva turntable which features both a phono stage and the ability to stream Bluetooth aptX HD provides a potential solution. It supports playback of 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 and 24-bit/48kHz wireless digital streaming. The Edge A offers a level of refinement, pace, and detail that you would expect from far more expensive systems and does so with a relatively small footprint.

Denon Releases Two New X-Series AV Receivers

Two new receiver models with eARC and Apple AirPlay 2 support have been detailed.

Denon has revealed the latest additions to its X-Series of AV receivers. The new models include the 7.2-channel Denon AVR-X2600H and AVR-X1600H.

"Denon is committed to bringing the latest technologies to home theater enthusiasts while offering flexibility so they can grow with their home entertainment systems. To that effect, we’ve added the latest Dolby and DTS 3D audio technologies and eARC so customers can up-mix traditional stereo and surround soundtracks to a 3D listening experience or virtualize Dolby Atmos or DTS:X mixes for amazing immersive audio without dedicated height channels," said Michael Greco, senior director of global brand management at Sound United. "Listeners can also expect a full suite of technical capabilities, including the latest 4K video technologies, ALLM [auto low latency mode], voice control, Apple AirPlay 2, and HEOS wireless multi-room music streaming."


The 7.2-channel AVR-X2600H is rated for 95W per channel while the 7.2-channel AVR-X1600H is rated for 80W per channel. Both units feature support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, and Dolby Height Virtualization (via upcoming firmware). Likewise, both models utilize a 32bit AKM DAC with hi-res audio playback for up to 24-bit/192-kHz ALAC, FLAC, WAV lossless files, and DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz tracks.

In addition, the new receivers also offer eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) capabilities, enabling the transmission of uncompressed and object-based audio from a supported TV to the receiver via HDMI. 4K Ultra HD/60 Hz pass-through is also integrated with HDCP 2.3 compliancy and HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log-Gamma support. Finally, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, HEOS multi-room audio, and voice control via a separate Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri device are featured as well.

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REVIEW: KLIPSCH RP-500SA
Into the Atmos-phere...

Once you've experienced Dolby Atmos, it's really hard to go back to anything else. Like flying first class on a business trip, then coach on vacation. Fortunately, getting the right speakers for Atmos isn't difficult, and is actually quite affordable. Klipsch recently joined the game with their twin RP-500SA Reference Premiere Atmos speakers. In this review, we break down the RP-500SA's sound, design, packaging and accessories, specs and more. For alternatives, check out our list of the best home theater systems.

Sound

Upward-Firing Dolby Atmos
The Klipsch RP-500SA Reference Premiere Atmos speakers are beasts. Big, bruising, imposing monsters. They can either be mounted on top of a pair of floorstanding speakers, or wall mounted; both of these options have subtle differences in the character of the sound, and it's worth sharing our experiences with them.

The Klipsch RP-500SAs provide stellar Atmos sound

The first thing we did was what we consider the most traditional Atmos speaker technique, which is to position them on top of a pair of floorstanders with the drivers pointing upwards. The idea with this technique is to bounce sound waves off the ceiling and create height effects. You can read more about how this works, and about what Dolby Atmos is, here.

After watching several Atmos Blu-rays in a variety of genres, we came away mostly impressed with the overall sound of the RP-500SAs in this particular configuration. Traditionally, bouncing sound off the ceiling does have its limitations. That's something that other companies, like SVS, have sought to change with their excellent Prime Elevation height speakers (full review here), which cost $399, same as the Klipsch. With the similarities in design, it's an idea that Klipsch are clearly following their lead. But overall, we didn't feel like we were being short-changed by the upward-firing position. It honestly felt like there was some serious activity going on over our heads. The height information was solid: bullets flying, helicopters, a giant Pez dispenser (Ant Man and The Wasp, if you must know). It genuinely felt as if we were getting the best out of our audio mix. We did have to crank the overall volume of the RP-500SAs in relation to the rest of our system, but we still felt like power wasn't a huge issue here. For the most part, these speakers did a great job.

Upward-or-downward-firing, the woofers work magic
Wall-Mounted Dolby Atmos
Like the Prime Elevation speakers, the RP-500SA are angled, meaning you can mount them high up on your wall facing downwards. This is where you will hear an extra bit of clarity. When the speakers are pointing downwards, without having to bounce sound waves off the ceiling, the height information in the movie mix becomes even more pronounced. We loved how dynamic and natural it felt, and how smooth the overall audio quality was. Positioning, for the most part, was very good – although we did occasionally find ourselves wishing for the precision that a pair of pricier speakers, like the KEF Q50As, offer. Those speakers are a bit old now, but still among the best available. They cost around $500 per pair, same as the Klipsch. Adding the RP-500SAs to an existing 7.1 home theater system and turning on the Atmos will instantly upgrade your sound, and make your movies that much more immersive.

Rubber feet make horizontal mounting easy

Neutrality and Clarity
As in many of their other speakers, Klipsch have installed their trademark Tractrix Horn technology to help improve the sweet spot and overall audio presence. That, plus a small vented tweeter, gives the RP-500SAs a surprisingly light and agile sound signature. There's a genuine sense of balance to the mix; cheaper speakers, like the $150 Onkyo SKH-410, tend to overload the space, mistaking low-end thud for clear information. That's definitely not the case here. These speakers may not be at the top end of the market, but we were surprised and delighted at just how balanced they felt.

A majority of balance was thanks to high end, which felt detailed and precise. Klipsch definitely have a formula that works: the combination of low-end warmth with clear highs. The height information didn't sound quite as impactful as the aforementioned Q50As, so there is clearly a little bit of work to be done. But overall, we had a lot of fun with them, and it was a pleasure to try out Atmos mixes we'd tested in the past on other systems. It's also worth noting that, while me mostly stuck to Atmos, we also tested out DTS:X surround sound, which worked just as well. Our loyalties still lie with the former, but it was good to see the RP-500SAs performing well in different tests. We only wish we could have compared them to the Klipsch RP-140SA, an older pair of Dolby Atmos speakers with a similar design. From our memory, there wasn't a dramatic difference, but if you've heard both side-by-side, please let us know your thoughts in the comments!

A switchable crossover lets you use the RP-500SAs as surround speakers

Using the RP-500SAs as Surround Speakers
One thing you can do with the RP-500SAs is use them as regular surround speakers, be they front, rear, or side. There's even a switchable crossover to help with this. However, this is an area where we found them lacking. We tested them as a pair of rear speakers, and it was clear from the start that it was forcing them into a role they were slightly uncomfortable with – like making your kid dress up for his class photo. They were fine – they smiled, as it were – but we never felt like we were getting the full picture. If you do want a good pair of surround satellite speakers, why not try something like the $100 Fluance SXBP2? Not only are they cheaper, but they do a slightly better job in our opinion.

Black and gold, baby | The Master Switch

Design

Looks and Build Quality
Like the SVS Prime Elevation, the Klipsch RP-500SA drivers are set at an angle – but that's where the similarities end. In almost all cases, the RP-500SAs are bigger and heftier. Here's an excellent example. You can, in a pinch, simply position the Prime Elevations on a high shelf, standing on their narrow end with the drivers angled down towards the listening position. You simply cannot do that with the RP-500SAs. They are just too top-heavy. This isn't a negative, as they are very clearly designed to be either wall-mounted or upward-firing, but it gives you an idea of the type of speaker you are dealing with here.

They have the trademark Klipsch color scheme of black and gold, and there's no question that they look incredible. We've always loved the company's instantly-recognizable aesthetic, and it's in full effect here. The speakers weigh a good 8lbs each – much heavier than comparable Atmos models like the ELAC Debut 2.0 A4.2, which are half the price at $250, and lighter at 5.5lbs a pop. The frame is MDF - Medium Density Fibreboard. It's a common enough speaker material, appearing in both high-end and entry-level speakers, and the form it takes here is robust and solid. There are four sizeable rubber feet on the long side of the speaker, to keep the top of your floorstanders pristine, and overall the sense of solidity and quality shine through. Small things, like the raised Klipsch logo under the woofer, really make a difference.


The tweeter with the signature Tractrix Horn

Size Issues
Unfortunately, There are some downsides to that size. When using in upward-firing mode, the standard practice is to position a Dolby Atmos height speaker on top of an existing floorstanding speaker. On many of the floorstanding speakers we tested, however, the effect was not good. That's because the RP-500SAs are huge – far bigger than many floorstanders. As a result, they often hung off the front and back. They worked just fine, but looked a bit silly in our office. At the time of testing, our A/V receiver cabinet had some extra space on it, so we were able to position the speakers at either end, but this wasn't ideal.

What's clear is that Klipsch have designed these to sit neatly on top of their own speaker lines - it's easy, for example, to see one sitting on top of an RP-6000F speaker - another model in the Reference Premiere line. Unfortunately, not everyone owns Klipsch floorstanders, as good as they are. Perhaps the company should think about releasing a slightly smaller version to be compatible with other brands.

Nothing out of the ordinary here...

Connections
The connections at the rear are a pair of simple binding posts. Even when wall-mounted, we found that there was enough room to attach a pair of banana plugs, screwed into our speaker wire. While we did notice that the plugs jutted out slightly – meaning it may be a little difficult to mount these absolutely flush in a corner – it wasn't a major issue. For the most part, connecting these speakers is as straightforward as it gets.

Magnetic grilles are the only accessory here

Accessories & Packaging
There's very little to get excited about here. These are a pair of home theater speakers, and as such, you shouldn't expect dramatic or exciting packaging. Putting the cardboard box aside, the main accessory is a set of magnetic grills. They are basic black, and we suggest leaving them off. Because if you don't want a little bit of black and gold in your life, you clearly have a heart of stone.

Packaging is as basic as it gets | The Master Switch

What We Like

The Klipsch RP-500SAs deliver clear, engaging Dolby Atmos height sound, with solid detail.
The high-end is surprisingly agile and elegant, and the RP-500SAs impressed us with their verve.
The design of the RP-500SAs is excellent - robust, sleek, with some great highlights.

What We Don't

The Klipsch RP-500SAs don't function well as a surround speaker, regardless of the fact that they are designed to handle this.
Their large size may cause an issue if positioned on top of smaller floorstanding speakers.
They are a little more expensive than other comparable Atmos speakers.

The RP-500SAs should be a first choice for home theater fans

The Competition

The most obvious competition for the Klipsch RP-500SAs are the SVS Prime Elevation speakers. They may not have quite the precision and dynamism of the Klipsch speakers, but they are still an incredibly appealing proposition. They are more versatile, and not quite as top-heavy or large, meaning they will fit more naturally into your listening space. Despite their small size, they managed to kick out some powerful, realistic sound, and are quite capable of filling the space above your head with all sorts of wonderful nonsense. They are the same price as the Klipsch, at $399. Definitely investigate these if you want to save some money.

The ELAC Debut 2.0 A4.2 are another good alternative. There's no wall mounting necessary – these are specifically designed to be placed on top of an existing pair of speakers, and bounce soundwaves off the ceiling. In our opinion, this does diminish their standing just a little – it's an outdated approach that the Klipsch and SVS models are clearly designed to rectify. It also makes them less versatile. However, that doesn't mean they aren't worth your time. For one thing, they're affordable, at $250. For another, the audio quality from the speakers is at least as good as the SVS. If you have your heart set on up-firing speakers for your Atmos rig, then these are definitely worth a look.

Then there are the KEF Q50As. They are more expensive than the Klipsch speakers, at $500. The downside is that they cannot be wall mounted; the upside is that, even though they will be bouncing audio off the ceiling, you'll be in for some truly magnificent sound quality. When it comes to a race between KEF and Klipsch, we'll take KEF every time. The sound quality when we last heard them was magnificent, with incredible depth and realism. They aren't as versatile as the RP-500SAs, but they remain excellent. And you can always mount them in the ceiling if you feel like doing a little DIY.

And last, but not least, another Klipsch model: the RP-140SA. As we admitted above, we didn't have a pair of these to directly contrast with the newer model, but we don't think there are too many dramatic differences. The design and audio quality of both are extremely similar, but the one thing that the RP-500SA has that its older brother doesn't is the switchable crossover for use as a rear or side speaker. In our opinion, it's not really worth using the RP-500SA in this manner, so it's a perfectly viable option to go for an old pair of RP-140SAs.

Budget subwoofer.

Music and movie. Polk Audio or Klipsch better?

11/11 sales around the corner. Anyone taking advantage of getting new speakers, subwoofers or av receivers? 🤔

This post has been edited by jovigrunge: Nov 5 2019, 05:48 PM