Полочная акустика — SVS Sound Prime Wireless Pro

SVS, the Ohio company best known for its subwoofers, makes the Prime Wireless Pro as an active stereo speaker set. It is the second generation of SVS's Prime Wireless system and combines a bi-amplified two-way speaker pair, a DAC and a network streamer in one package, designed as a complete stereo system, a soundbar replacement for a TV or a compact home cinema front end.

Key specs that matter

Each cabinet holds a 25mm (1-inch) aluminium dome tweeter and a 133mm (5.25-inch) polypropylene mid/bass driver in a vented enclosure. A Class D amplifier in the powered speaker delivers 200W in total, 50W to each of the four drivers. Conversion runs at up to 24-bit/192kHz, or 24-bit/96kHz via the optical input. Frequency response is 42Hz to 25kHz. Inputs are HDMI with ARC/eARC, optical, analogue RCA, 3.5mm AUX, Ethernet (with a pass-through output), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with aptX and AAC, plus a single RCA subwoofer output. Each cabinet measures 29.5 x 18 x 22.8cm, and the powered and passive speakers weigh 5.58kg and 5.3kg.

Engineering and use context

The system uses a primary/secondary layout. The powered speaker contains the amplifier, DAC and streaming electronics, and drives the second speaker through a four-conductor inter-speaker cable, so each driver in both cabinets receives its own amplifier channel. Because the crossover is digital, performed in DSP before the amplifiers rather than by passive components after them, SVS can set each driver's filter slopes, level and frequency response precisely, and the DSP also handles dynamics management and the subwoofer crossover. The aluminium dome tweeter uses an FEA-optimised diffuser to widen dispersion, while the polypropylene mid/bass cone offers a good stiffness-to-mass ratio, and its motor includes an aluminium shorting ring to reduce distortion. Streaming covers Wi-Fi hi-res playback, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast and DTS Play-Fi for whole-home audio. The system can be controlled by smartphone and desktop app, IR remote, voice commands or the front panel, and HDMI eARC lets the TV remote control volume.

Pairing

Connected by HDMI, the Prime Wireless Pro replaces a soundbar for TV sound, while the RCA input accepts a turntable through a phono stage. Its subwoofer output with DSP crossover suits SVS subwoofers such as the SB-1000 Pro for deeper bass in larger rooms. As a self-contained system, it needs no separate amplifier or streamer.

Alternatives

SVS's own Prime Bookshelf is a passive speaker with a larger 6.5-inch mid/bass driver for use with a separate amplifier.