Short answer: the SVS Ultra Bookshelf, narrowly, for linearity. Its response stays within about -3dB/+1.5dB on average, where the Infinity Reference R162 shows elevated output above 3kHz, a resonance around 700Hz and distortion near the crossover. The Infinity counters with a CEA2034 spinorama showing good directivity and early reflections that need little room treatment, while the Ultra still carries a boosted upper mid-range.
Buy the SVS Ultra Bookshelf only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the AsciLab C6B instead.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SVS Ultra Bookshelf | Infinity Reference R162 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,200 per pair Discontinued | $500 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #64 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #67 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 6.5” composite glass fiber cone woofer, 1” aluminum dome tweeter | 1” CMMD tweeter with waveguide, 6.5” CMMD woofer |
| Dimensions | 14.9”H x 8.5”W x 10”D | 15.5”H x 7.9”W x 11.2”D (394 x 200 x 285 mm) |
| Weight | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) each | 17.6 lbs (8 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87.8dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 69Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 41.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 32kHz (manufacturer specified) | 49Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.63 | 5.07 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.10 | 7.26 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to SVS Ultra Bookshelf:
- ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf
- Power Sound Audio MT-110-M vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf
- ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf
- ELAC DBR62 vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf
- Yamaha NS-800A vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
SVS Ultra Bookshelf: $1,200 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we can’t confirm that yet.
Pros: Noticeably more tonally neutral than the cheaper SVS Prime Bookshelf, with response staying within about -3dB/+1.5dB on average: a genuine step up in linearity for roughly double the price. Slightly higher sensitivity than the Prime (about 87.8dB) with similarly wide, consistent horizontal radiation. Toeing the speakers out about 30 degrees smooths the in-room response nicely if the on-axis tonal balance runs a bit forward for your taste. Distortion and dynamics hold up well; this is a mature, well-regarded design (roughly a decade old at review time) that’s aged better than many contemporaries. Measured bass extension of 69Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87.8dB.
Cons: Still has a boosted upper mid-range/mid-range area, though less severe than the Prime: the reviewer suspects a baffle-step or tweeter-level issue rather than a resonance, giving mixes a slightly forward, occasionally tinny character. Bass extension is modest for the price (F3 69Hz, F10 48Hz measured): SVS is clearly counting on you pairing this with one of their subwoofers rather than expecting full-range performance from the bookshelf alone. Measured minimum impedance dips to about 3.8 ohms, so a 4-ohm-stable amplifier is recommended rather than a basic 8-ohm-only AVR. Radiation pattern is wide (around 80°), wider than the reviewer’s typical ~60° sweet spot preference, so acoustic treatment on nearby walls helps tame reflections and keep the off-axis response from diverging too much from on-axis. Discontinued; SVS replaced the Ultra line with the Ultra Evolution series.
Full SVS Ultra Bookshelf review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 69Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.9”H x 8.5”W x 10”D |
| Drivers | 6.5” composite glass fiber cone woofer, 1” aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 32kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W |
| Sensitivity | 87.8dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.10 |
| Weight | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- SVS Ultra Bookshelf vs Dynaudio Contour 20i
- SVS Ultra Bookshelf vs Definitive Technology Demand D11
- SVS Ultra Bookshelf vs Yamaha NS-800A
- SVS Ultra Bookshelf vs ELAC DBR62
- SVS Ultra Bookshelf vs ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62
- SVS Ultra Bookshelf vs Klipsch RP-600M II
- SVS Ultra Bookshelf vs Power Sound Audio MT-110-M
- SVS Ultra Bookshelf vs Dynaudio Emit 20
- See all 11 comparisons
Infinity Reference R162: $500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows good directivity with wide, consistent horizontal and vertical response, and blended early reflections that need little room treatment. 1” CMMD waveguide tweeter and 6.5” CMMD woofer, 85.5dB sensitivity. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.
Cons: Elevated output above 3kHz adds brightness, with a resonance around 700Hz and some distortion near the crossover point. EQ or a simple inline tweeter resistor can tame the treble; the reviewer still called it a very enjoyable system for the price. Discontinued.
Full Infinity Reference R162 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.5”H x 7.9”W x 11.2”D (394 x 200 x 285 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” CMMD tweeter with waveguide, 6.5” CMMD woofer |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.07 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.26 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs (8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Dynaudio Contour 20i
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Klipsch RP-600M II
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Definitive Technology Demand D11
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Yamaha NS-800A
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Dynaudio Emit 20
- Infinity Reference R162 vs ELAC DBR62
- Infinity Reference R162 vs JBL Studio 630
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Behringer B2030P
- See all 10 comparisons