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Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers vs SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf

The SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf is the more refined speaker: a 6.5-inch glass-fiber woofer, a diamond-coated tweeter and time-aligned cabinet give deeper bass, wider response and sharper imaging. The Klipsch R-51M is far easier to drive at 93 dB sensitivity and 8 ohms, so modest amps and receivers get loud without strain, and its horn tweeter gives a livelier, more forward sound. Owners of both praise build and clarity; SVS buyers note the speaker is revealing of amp quality, and Klipsch's horn can sound bright to some ears.

  • Choose the Klipsch R-51M if you have a low-power amp or AV receiver, want high output from a small cabinet, or prefer a punchy, forward horn sound for movies.
  • Choose the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf if you want deeper bass, a more neutral and detailed sound, and have an amp with real current behind it.

Prices

  • Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers: $219.77 at Walmart (checked today)
  • SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf: $599.99 at Best Buy (checked today)
  • Difference: the Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers is $380.22 cheaper than the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf today
Klipsch
Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers

Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers

4.8(265 ratings)
$219.77at WalmartChecked 13 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • High 93 dB sensitivity plays loud on modest amps
  • Horn tweeter gives a lively, dynamic movie sound
  • Compact 7-inch-wide cabinet fits tight shelves
  • 5-year warranty and sold as a matched pair
Cons
  • Bass rolls off at 62 Hz, so a subwoofer is wanted for movies
  • Horn treble can sound bright or forward to some listeners
  • Rear port needs breathing room from the wall
SVS
SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf

SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf

4.9(70 ratings)
$599.99at Best BuyChecked 4 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy
Pros
  • Deep 40 Hz bass from a bookshelf cabinet
  • Neutral, detailed sound with precise imaging
  • Time-aligned cabinet and chamfered baffle reduce diffraction
  • Magnetic grilles and solid cabinet build
Cons
  • 87 dB sensitivity demands a capable amplifier
  • Larger and heavier than the Klipsch, so placement is fussier
  • Revealing of amp and source quality, per owners

What separates them

Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf SpeakersSVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
WooferDual 5.25-inch spun-copper IMG woofersSingle 6.5-inch glass-fiber composite woofer
Frequency response62 Hz to 21 kHz (±3 dB)40 Hz to 40 kHz (±3 dB)
Sensitivity93 dB, easy to drive loud87 dB, needs more amplifier power
Impedance8 ohms compatible6 ohms nominal
Tweeter1-inch aluminum tweeter in a 90x90 Tractrix horn1-inch diamond-coated aluminum dome with diffuser
Cabinet13.3 x 7 x 8.5 in, 11 lbs each, rear port15.04 x 8.66 x 11.64 in, time-aligned geometry, chamfered baffle
Power handlingUp to 85 W RMS, 340 W peak20 to 150 W recommended
Warranty5 yearsNot stated in the listing

Price history

$1,199.00$219.77
Nov 4Nov 10
  • Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers: lowest $219.77 on Nov 10 at Walmart.
  • SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf: lowest $599.99 on Nov 10 at Best Buy.

Prices at every store

Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $399.99Free shippingChecked 13 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknownSold by Electronics Expo (Authorized Dealer)

    $219.77Checked 13 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $289.99Free shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by weirdthingsworld

    $350.00Checked 13 h ago
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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All 8 stores and price history →

SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf

  • SVSNew

    In stock

    $599.99Free shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit SVS
  • Best BuyNew

    Availability unknown

    $599.99Free shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknownSold by Audio Advice

    $1,199.00Checked 4 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • TargetNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,199.00Checked 4 h ago
    Visit Target

Also available at

  • SVSCheck price at SVS
All 14 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecKlipsch R-51M Bookshelf SpeakersSVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
colorBlackWhite
Frequency response62-21,000 Hz (±3dB)40Hz - 40kHz ±3 dB
Sensitivity93 dB87dB (2.83V @ 1 meter full-space, 300Hz – 3kHz)
No. of Speakers (pcs)22
App ControlNoNo
AirPlayNoNo
Spotify ConnectNoNo
MultiroomNoNo
sizeOne Size—
Tweeter1" Aluminum LTS tweeters—
Horn90x90 Square Tractrix Horns—
WooferDual 5.25" Spun-Copper IMG Woofers—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecKlipsch R-51M Bookshelf SpeakersSVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf
Bass reflexRear-Firing Port—
Dimensions13.3" x 7" x 8.5"—
Sold asSold in pairs—
Impedance8 ohms compatible—
Power handlingup to 85 watts RMS (340 watts peak)—
Weight11 lbs. each—
Warranty5 years—
WirelessYes—
Configuration2 Channel—
StyleBookshelf

What reviewers say

Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers

  • 4.8 / 5265 ratings

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 265 ratings, the R-51M is widely liked for its lively, detailed sound and value. Owners often pair it with budget amps and small subwoofers. The main complaint is treble that can feel bright or fatiguing.

What people mention
  • SoundPraisedOwners describe a dynamic, detailed sound that fills a room.
  • TrebleCriticisedSome find the horn tweeter bright or fatiguing on long listens.
  • BassMixedBass is strong for the size, but some want a subwoofer for movies.
  • SensitivityPraisedHigh sensitivity lets low-power amps play them loud.

SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf

  • 4.9 / 570 ratings

Owners rate it very highly, praising clarity, tonal balance and imaging, and several say it beats the speakers they upgraded from. The main caveat is that it is amp-sensitive and sounds different depending on what drives it.

What people mention
  • Sound clarityPraisedOwners describe crisp highs and a rich, detailed midrange that reveals recording detail.
  • Tonal balancePraisedListeners say the tone stays full and balanced at low and high volumes without fatigue.
  • BassPraisedBass is called clean and accurate, and it blends well with a subwoofer.
  • ImagingPraised

Questions and answers

Which is better for home theater?
The Klipsch R-51M is easier to drive and its horn gives dialogue and effects more bite. The SVS digs deeper and images better, so it suits a serious theater room with a good receiver.
Do I need a subwoofer with either?
The Klipsch rolls off at 62 Hz, so a subwoofer is close to mandatory for movies. The SVS reaches 40 Hz and can stand alone for music, though a sub still helps for film.
Which is easier to drive?
The Klipsch, clearly. At 93 dB and 8 ohms it gets loud on small amps. The SVS at 87 dB and 6 ohms wants an amp rated near the top of its 20 to 150 W range.
Which sounds more neutral?
The SVS. Reviewers describe a balanced, detailed sound with clean bass. The Klipsch has a livelier, more forward horn character that some love and others find bright.
Is the SVS worth stepping up to?
Yes if you have a strong amp and want deeper bass, wider response and better imaging. Stay with the Klipsch if your amp is modest or space is tight.
Which lasts longer?
Both are passive speakers with no electronics to fail. The Klipsch carries a 5-year warranty, which is the clearer long-term assurance of the two.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best Klipsch speakers for home audio
  • Best bookshelf speakers for stereo music systems
—
SetYes—
ConnectivityBluetooth, AUX, Optical Audio, RCA—
Max Wattage60 W—
Height10.5 in high—
ConnectionsSpeaker Connection—
BluetoothNo—
NFCNo—
Frequency Response (min) (Hz)62.0—
Depth (")8.5—
Sensitivity (dB) (dB)93—
Speaker Output (RMS) (W)85.0—
Wi-FiNo—
Frequency Response (max) (Hz)21000.0—
Suited for Height ChannelsNo—
Chromecast for AudioNo—
Speaker Output (max peak) (W)340.0—
Width (")7.0—
Impedance (max) (ohm)8.0—
Reviewers highlight precise soundstaging and stable placement of instruments.