Introduction
The SVS Ultra Surround is a prominent addition to the SVS Ultra series, designed specifically for creating an immersive surround sound experience in home theater setups. With its versatile configuration options and impressive audio performance, this speaker is a valuable asset for any avid movie enthusiast or audio connoisseur. In this review, we will delve into the design, performance, technical specifications, installation, and customer support of the SVS Ultra Surround to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The SVS Ultra Surround stands out with its elegant design, available in Real Black Oak Veneer and Piano Gloss Black finish options. These choices allow you to seamlessly integrate the speaker into your existing home theater setup, matching your aesthetic preferences. The dimensions of the SVS Ultra Surround, measuring 14" (H) x 12.3" (W) x 5.4" (D), make it compact enough to fit into various spaces without compromising on sound quality.
Crafted with durability in mind, the SVS Ultra Surround boasts a robust construction that ensures longevity. The materials used in its construction are of high quality, contributing to its overall sturdiness and resistance to wear and tear. This attention to detail in the build quality ensures that the speaker can withstand the demands of regular use.
Performance and Sound Quality
When it comes to audio performance, the SVS Ultra Surround truly shines. It delivers immersive and thrilling surround sound effects that enhance your viewing experience, pulling you deeper into the on-screen action. The speaker offers three different surround sound modes: bipole, dipole, and Duet mode. This flexibility allows you to tailor the sound reproduction to your specific preferences and the layout of your room.
One standout feature of the SVS Ultra Surround is the Duet mode, which enables the speaker to create a true 7-channel surround sound experience using just two speakers. This mode intelligently distributes the audio signals to simulate the effects of a multi-speaker setup, providing an immersive soundstage without the need for additional speakers.
The sound quality delivered by the SVS Ultra Surround is impressive, offering a detailed and three-dimensional experience. The dual 1" aluminum dome tweeters and dual 5.25" woofers work in harmony to reproduce accurate and dynamic sound across a wide frequency range. Whether you're watching an action-packed movie or listening to your favorite music, the SVS Ultra Surround ensures that every sound is reproduced with clarity and precision.
Furthermore, the SVS Ultra Surround seamlessly complements other speakers in the SVS Ultra series, creating a cohesive and harmonious audio ecosystem. This compatibility allows you to build a complete surround sound system that delivers exceptional performance across all channels.
Technical Specifications and Features
The SVS Ultra Surround boasts an impressive set of technical specifications and features that contribute to its outstanding performance. With a rated bandwidth of 58 Hz-32 kHz (±3 dB), the speaker covers a wide range of frequencies, ensuring that you don't miss any subtle nuances in the audio. The sensitivity of 87 dB (2.83V @ 1 meter full-space, 300-3kHz) allows the SVS Ultra Surround to produce powerful sound even with lower power inputs.
The speaker has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, making it compatible with a wide range of receivers and amplifiers. This versatility ensures that you can seamlessly integrate the SVS Ultra Surround into your existing audio setup without any compatibility issues.
The SVS Ultra Surround features dual 1" aluminum dome tweeters and dual 5.25" woofers, which work together to reproduce accurate and detailed audio. The tweeters handle the high-frequency sounds, while the woofers excel at delivering the low-frequency bass. This combination ensures a well-balanced sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.
The dual SoundMatch 2-way crossover network, equipped with premium components, optimizes the performance of the SVS Ultra Surround. This advanced crossover technology ensures a seamless transition between the tweeters and woofers, resulting in a cohesive and natural soundstage.
To further enhance its versatility, the SVS Ultra Surround can be configured for dipole or bipole mode, allowing you to adapt the speaker's dispersion pattern to suit your room and personal preferences. Whether you prefer a more diffuse sound or a focused audio projection, the SVS Ultra Surround gives you the flexibility to tailor the sound reproduction to your liking.
Installation and Setup
While the installation process for the SVS Ultra Surround is generally straightforward, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The speaker comes with installation brackets, but some users have reported that modifications may be required to ensure proper and secure installation. This is an aspect to be aware of, especially if you're planning to mount the SVS Ultra Surround on the wall.
Another potential issue that has been mentioned by reviewers is the clearance of jumper wires when the speaker is wall-mounted. In some cases, the jumper wires may not clear the wall, requiring modifications or alternative wires. This is something to consider when planning the installation of the SVS Ultra Surround.
Despite these potential challenges, the overall installation and setup process for the SVS Ultra Surround is relatively straightforward. The speaker comes with clear instructions, and with a little patience and attention to detail, you can have it up and running in no time. Additionally, SVS offers expert assistance and has preferred installers available across the United States if you prefer professional installation.
Customer Service and Support
SVS has gained a strong reputation for providing exceptional customer service and support. They offer free nationwide shipping, ensuring that your SVS Ultra Surround arrives safely and promptly at your doorstep. In the unlikely event that you are not satisfied with your purchase, SVS provides a hassle-free 30-day return policy, allowing you to return the product for a refund within the specified time frame.
SVS also offers price assurance, ensuring that you get the best available price for the SVS Ultra Surround. This commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond the purchase, as SVS provides ongoing support and assistance to address any queries or concerns you may have.
Pros and Cons
To summarize, here are the key strengths and weaknesses of the SVS Ultra Surround:
Pros:
- Delivers immersive and thrilling surround sound effects
- Three different surround sound modes for flexibility
- Duet mode allows for true 7-channel surround sound with just two speakers
- Real Black Oak Veneer and Piano Gloss Black finish options
- Dual tweeters and woofers for enhanced audio performance
- Well-built and durable construction
- Highly regarded customer service
- Free nationwide shipping
- 30-day hassle-free return policy
- Price assurance for the best available price
- Expert assistance available
- Preferred installers available across the US
- Impressive sound quality with detail and three-dimensional experience
- Complements other SVS Ultra speakers
- Flexible in use as side or rear surrounds
- Front and rear drivers for enhanced sound reproduction
Cons:
- Installation brackets may require modification for proper use
- Jumper wires may not clear the wall if wall-mounted, requiring modifications or alternative wires
- One reviewer mentioned dull sound clarity and discrepancy in impedance
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SVS Ultra Surround is a standout speaker that delivers exceptional surround sound performance for home theater setups. With its immersive sound reproduction, flexible configuration options, and compatibility with other SVS Ultra speakers, it enhances your audio experience, bringing movies and music to life.
While the installation process may require some modifications, the overall build quality and design of the SVS Ultra Surround are impressive, ensuring durability and longevity. SVS's dedication to customer service, free nationwide shipping, and hassle-free return policy further enhance the appeal of this speaker.
With its impressive sound quality, flexible configuration options, and complementary design, the SVS Ultra Surround is highly recommended for anyone seeking to elevate their home theater experience. Whether you're a movie enthusiast or an audiophile, this speaker will undoubtedly enhance your enjoyment of audio content.
