Short answer: neither tower is neutral. The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle is the larger time-aligned curved-baffle design, but a dip followed by a peak around 2-3kHz gives vocals a shouty quality toe-out alone does not resolve. The Infinity Reference 253 keeps a smooth horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees, yet its spinorama and predicted in-room response show treble above 4kHz that is too hot, a dip around 2kHz and bass shelved down.
The case for the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle: A large curved-baffle tower built for time alignment: a 1” dome tweeter flanked by two 5.25” midranges above two 8” mid-bass drivers, plus a matching pair of 8” drivers and dual ports on the back. The tradeoff: Not a fully linear speaker: a dip in the upper midrange followed closely by a peak (roughly 2-3kHz) gives vocals and other midrange content a shouty, forward quality that toe-out alone doesn’t resolve.
Buy the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Infinity Reference 253 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle | Infinity Reference 253 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,499.00 per pair | $400 per pair used, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #53 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #60 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Enclosure | 3-way passive, dual rear ports | - |
| Drivers | 1” diamond-coated tweeter, dual 5.25” midranges, quad 8” woofers | Dual 5.25” (130mm) CMMD™ woofers, 5.25” (130mm) flat-piston CMMD™ midrange, 1” (25mm) CMMD™ tweeter |
| Dimensions | 50.2H x 11.8W x 18.1D in | 40.3”H x 6.8”W x 12.4”D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm) |
| Weight | 96.8 lbs (43.9 kg) each | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 88dB | 86.9dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 88dB manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal | 6 ohms |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.91 | 5.43 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.13 | 7.31 (spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 41.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle: $2,499.00 per pair Amazon SVS eBay
Pros: Flagship three-way tower with a diamond-coated tweeter, dual midranges and four force-balanced 8-inch woofers. Erin measured exceptional 27Hz extension, broad roughly +/-75-degree horizontal coverage, an 88.1dB sensitivity and a 4.91 preference score even without a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 41.0Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 5.25-to-8-inch transitions and complex array do not produce class-leading smoothness: 0.184 on-axis, 0.226 predicted in-room and 3.64 directivity-index consistency. At 96.7 pounds each, these are difficult to position, and their Q of 1.25 indicates some bass emphasis. A dip in the upper midrange followed closely by a peak around 2 to 3kHz gives vocals a shouty, forward quality that toe-out alone does not resolve.
Full SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 41.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
|---|---|
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 50.2H x 11.8W x 18.1D in |
| Drivers | 1” diamond-coated tweeter, dual 5.25” midranges, quad 8” woofers |
| Enclosure | 3-way passive, dual rear ports |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 88dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.91 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.13 |
| Weight | 96.8 lbs (43.9 kg) each |
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Infinity Reference 253: $400 per pair used Discontinued eBay
Pros: Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is fairly smooth and well controlled. Really amazing value for the performance. Measured bass extension of 78Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.9dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show elevated treble above 4kHz (“too hot”), a dip around 2kHz, and bass shelved down relative to the midrange. Vertical directivity requires staying at or below the tweeter axis for accurate tonal balance. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m is broadly elevated above the reviewer’s audibility threshold across much of the midrange. Minimum impedance dips to 4.2 ohms. Discontinued.
Full Infinity Reference 253 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 40.3”H x 6.8”W x 12.4”D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 5.25” (130mm) CMMD™ woofers, 5.25” (130mm) flat-piston CMMD™ midrange, 1” (25mm) CMMD™ tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86.9dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 88dB manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.43 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.31 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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