SVS Prime Bookshelf vs Klipsch Reference R-50M

The SVS Prime Bookshelf is the stronger speaker: a 6.5-inch woofer, deeper 48 Hz bass, an aluminum dome tweeter and a sealed woofer compartment give it cleaner mids and more low-end reach than the Klipsch R-50M. The Klipsch is easier to drive, has a horn-loaded tweeter that plays loud with little power, and its rear ports and vinyl finish suit casual setups. Owners of the SVS praise detail, bass and build, though some find the treble bright at first; the Klipsch is the pick only if you want high output from a modest amp or prefer its horn sound.

• Choose the SVS Prime Bookshelf if you want deeper bass, a more neutral midrange and a speaker that holds up as a reference monitor in a two-channel or home theater system.
• Choose the Klipsch R-50M if you have a low-power amp, want room-filling output from a compact cabinet, or prefer the forward, horn-loaded Klipsch sound.