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SVS Ultra Evolution Nano vs Bose 301 Series III Bookshelf Speakers

The SVS Ultra Evolution Nano is the modern speaker: a 2-way design with a diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeter, a 5.25-inch glass-fiber woofer, a time-aligned cabinet, and rated response to 40 kHz. The Bose 301 Series III is a 1991 Direct/Reflecting design with an 8-inch woofer and two 2-inch tweeters, one firing forward and one off-axis to bounce sound off walls. Buy the SVS for accurate stereo and home theater detail; buy the Bose for a wide, room-filling, forgiving sound in a vintage package. The SVS is the better-built and more transparent speaker; the Bose is the more spacious and placement-friendly one.

  • Choose the SVS Ultra Evolution Nano if you want accurate, detailed stereo or home theater sound and can place the speakers with some care.
  • Choose the Bose 301 Series III if you want a wide, wall-bounced soundstage and a forgiving, vintage-flavored speaker for casual listening.

Prices

  • SVS Ultra Evolution Nano: $399.99 at Best Buy (last seen Nov 10)
  • Bose 301 Series III Bookshelf Speakers: $250.00 at The Turntable Store (last seen Nov 12)
  • Difference: the Bose 301 Series III Bookshelf Speakers is $149.99 cheaper than the SVS Ultra Evolution Nano at the latest prices (Nov 10 and Nov 12)
SVS
SVS Ultra Evolution Nano

SVS Ultra Evolution Nano

5(5 ratings)
$399.99at Best BuyChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Detailed, transparent sound with strong dynamics for its size
  • Diamond-coated tweeter and waveguide give clean high-frequency dispersion
  • Time-aligned cabinet and quality crossover for coherent imaging
  • Dual 5-way binding posts allow bi-wiring
  • Current model with warranty and parts support
Cons
  • Bass output is limited; a subwoofer helps in larger rooms
  • Needs careful placement and toe-in to sound its best
  • Less forgiving of poor recordings than the Bose
  • Single speaker per box, so a stereo pair means buying two
Bose
Bose 301 Series III Bookshelf Speakers

Bose 301 Series III Bookshelf Speakers

$250.00at The Turntable StoreChecked Nov 12
See all prices and details
Visit The Turntable Store
Pros
  • Wide, spacious soundstage from side-firing tweeters
  • 8-inch woofer gives fuller low-end than its size suggests
  • Forgiving of placement and lesser recordings
  • Horizontal layout fits shelves and built-ins
  • Runs on modest amplifier power
Cons
  • Long discontinued; no warranty and scarce parts
  • Diffuse imaging trades precision for spaciousness
  • Dated voicing with less high-frequency detail
  • Wall-dependent sound varies a lot by room
  • Used units may need refoaming or service

What separates them

SVS Ultra Evolution NanoBose 301 Series III Bookshelf Speakers
Design era and approachModern 2-way with time-aligned cabinet geometry and measured voicing1991 Direct/Reflecting design with side-firing tweeter and dispersion lens
TweeterDiamond-coated aluminum dome with cellular lattice diffuserTwo 2-inch tweeters per speaker, one front and one off-axis
Woofer5.25-inch glass-fiber cone8-inch long-throw woofer
Frequency responseRated 40 Hz to 40 kHz, ±3 dBNo published response spec; bass rolls off higher in practice
SoundstageFocused and precise; rewards correct toe-in and placementWide and diffuse; side-firing tweeter uses wall reflections
Impedance and power6 ohm, 20 to 150 watts recommended4 to 8 ohm compatible, 10 to 150 watts per channel
PlacementBookshelf or stand; needs some distance from walls for clean bassHorizontal shelf layout; wants wall proximity to work as intended
Build and parts supportCurrent model with ongoing warranty and replacement partsLong-discontinued; service depends on used-market parts

Price history

  • SVS Ultra Evolution Nano: lowest $399.99 on Nov 8 at Best Buy; $399.99 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

SVS Ultra Evolution Nano

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $399.99Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Best Buy
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Audio AdviceReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $799.00Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Walmart
  • B&H Photo-Video AudioNew

    In stock

    $1,199.98Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit B&H Photo-Video Audio
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $799.00Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 8 stores and price history →

Bose 301 Series III Bookshelf Speakers

  • eBayPre-owned

    In stockSold by logasmise-0

    $249.99Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit eBay
  • The Turntable StoreNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $250.00Checked Nov 12
    Visit The Turntable Store

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 2 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecSVS Ultra Evolution NanoBose 301 Series III Bookshelf Speakers
ColorBlackWhite
StyleConcave profileBookshelf
Max Wattage300W150 W
Audio featureSurround Sound—
Home speaker & subwoofer typeBookshelf Speakers—
BrandSVS—
Assembled product weight13.5 lb—
Recommended locationIndoor—
Impedance6 ohm—
Woofer size5.25 in—
Minimum frequency response44 Hz—
Maximum frequency response40000 Hz—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecSVS Ultra Evolution NanoBose 301 Series III Bookshelf Speakers
Speakers1—
Pieces1—
Cone compositionGlass Fiber—
Smart techN—
Has nrtl listing certificationN—
Input/output quantity1—
Release Date2026/06/21—
OutdoorNo—
Frequency Response40Hz - 40kHz ±3 dB—
Crossover Frequency

What reviewers say

SVS Ultra Evolution Nano

Owner feedback on the Ultra Evolution line is limited, but early impressions describe a clean, detailed top end and surprising bass for the cabinet size. Some listeners note the speakers reward a subwoofer and careful placement.

What people mention
  • TreblePraisedOwners describe the diamond-coated tweeter as detailed and airy without harshness.
  • BassPraisedListeners report more low-end output than the 5.25-inch woofer size suggests.
  • BuildPraisedThe cabinet and finish are described as solid and well made for the price.
  • Low endMixedSome owners say a subwoofer is still needed for full-range movie sound.

Bose 301 Series III Bookshelf Speakers

Owners of the 301 Series III tend to praise its big, spacious sound and easy placement, and many keep pairs running for decades. Criticism centers on loose bass and imaging that favors width over accuracy, plus the upkeep old speakers need.

What people mention
  • SoundstagePraisedOwners say the side-firing tweeter spreads sound wide and fills a room.
  • BassMixedListeners find the 8-inch woofer full and punchy but sometimes boomy or loose.
  • ImagingCriticisedCritical listeners say the reflected sound blurs precise placement of instruments.
  • PlacementMixedThe sound depends heavily on how close the cabinets sit to walls and corners.

Questions and answers

Which is better for home theater?
The SVS Ultra Evolution Nano. Its time-aligned cabinet, controlled dispersion and wide response make it easier to match across front and surround channels. The Bose 301 works as a surround but its diffuse sound is harder to blend with modern center and subwoofer setups.
Which has more bass?
The Bose 301 Series III, on paper, because of its 8-inch woofer. The SVS reaches a rated 40 Hz but in a small cabinet, so a subwoofer is the better answer for either if you want real low end.
Which lasts longer?
The SVS, because it is a current model with warranty coverage and available parts. The Bose 301 Series III dates to 1991; foam surrounds and drivers degrade, and repairs depend on the used market.
Is the SVS worth stepping up to over the Bose?
For critical stereo listening and home theater, yes. The SVS is more accurate and better built. If you mainly want background music with a wide, easy sound, the Bose still does that job.
Can I use the Bose 301 Series III with a modern receiver?
Yes. It is rated 4 to 8 ohms and 10 to 150 watts per channel, which most AV receivers handle. Keep in mind its horizontal, wall-dependent layout when planning placement.
Do the SVS speakers need stands?
They work on a shelf but sound better on stands that put the tweeter near ear height. The Bose is designed to sit horizontally on a shelf near a wall, so it needs less stand planning.

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More comparisons

  • SVS Ultra Evolution Nano vs Bose 161 Speaker System
  • Bose 301 Series III Bookshelf Speakers vs Bose 161 Speaker System

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best Bose bookshelf speakers
1.8 kHz (tweeter-to-woofer)
—
Amplifier Power20 – 150 watts—
Connectivity TechnologyWired—
Ports And InterfacesDual gold-plated 5-way binding posts—
Smart FunctionsStreaming services integration (Qobuz)—
Speaker PlacementBookshelf—
Audio Configuration2-way—
Audio HighlightsHigh-resolution audio support—
Audio ChannelsStereo—
Design HighlightsTime aligned cabinet geometry—
MaterialCloth (grille)—
Driver Size1 in (Tweeter)—
Driver ConfigurationRear-firing port—
Driver TypeWoofer, Tweeter—
Number Of Drivers2 (per speaker)—
Max Output Power300 Watts—
Nominal Output Power150 W (RMS)—
Nominal Impedance6 ohms—
Output Level (SPL)94 decibels (robust)—