SVS Prime Pinnacle Tower Speaker Review (Compared to the Ultra Towers)

[@Jedi_Order81]

Great review Subwoofer 101. I decided to go with the Pinnacles a few months ago. They are fantastic

[@sarlaccbreath7701]

Thanks for the review! And glad that the lack of videos was because of the tesla project and not health issues. Hope all is well man. Appreciate your channel

[@Subwoofer101]

I really appreciate that! Summer is always a little tougher, but I'm doing good so far, thanks for asking!

[@jacknelson3619]

After listening to what you said in the video and reading some of your responses to questions, I get the distinct impression that you prefer a warm/forward sounding bass. True? If so, I think that needs to be conveyed up front so viewers know what your preferences are because it changes the viewpoint. Thanks.

[@peterotremba8980]

I would hands down go for the ultra bookshelf even in large rooms because I would just set the crossover on the sub at 90 hz or 100. It’s just my preference.

[@Subwoofer101]

I have that exact scenario in the RV. Ultra Bookshelf then the Pinnacle Towers. I use 90 hertz crossover myself, but the Pinnacles made a really nice difference. Even at 90 hertz crossover and set to Small, your towers and books still get signal all the way down to 20 hertz. The Ultra Towers do quite a bit for the bass too. The orientation of the side firing 8" woofers makes an audible difference, even crossed at 90 hertz. I used to think Towers were pointless if you have subs, but practical experience has proven otherwise, to my surprise. All of that said, I would get the Prime Towers if it meant I could get dual PB-3000's. You also have a 1 year trade up, if you go factory direct. You can start with Prime Towers, trade up to the Pinnacles, then the Ultra Towers. The one year starts over after each trade up.

[@davidreece1642]

Placing the SVS PP closer to the front wall might increase the loudness at low frequencies ( as distinct from bass extension ). I guess it depends on how much bass presence (loudness) people prefer.

[@BenTan89]

Wish SVS would one day make a 3 way bookshelf by cutting the top half of the Ultra towers and essentially it'll be an MTM configuration. Really not sure why they haven't done that yet. Would be absolutely a sweet spot for identical LCRs behind an AT screen.

[@Subwoofer101]

I agree. I would love to see an MTM bookshelf.

[@sanonmars]

Exactly my thoughts. Why cant we use 3 centres for LCR? I know its adjustment. Can not we put LR verticle and C horizontal?

[@CanadaSocial]

Thank you. Please do a comparison review if possible with the REL 212SX and the SVS PB16’s.

[@Saturn2888]

Something I think you missed here is that, from what I've heard and read, SVS speakers require a lotta power to drive them for that really good quality audio you're talking about. I think that's important to note because I'm betting the Ultra Towers, without a separate PSU for the integrated sub, probably take a lot of power to drive them properly, something most people might not have. When you're saying what's in peoples' price range, I think it's more the kind of amplifiers they're sporting right? From what you said, price isn't everything.

[@bobster110]

Thanks for the compare. When you say the Prime Pinnacles are better than the Ultra Bookshelves, do you mean full range sound, or strictly in bass response. For example, I've got a set of Ultra Bookshelves and an SB2000 dedicated for music. Do you feel a pair of Prime Pinnacles would best that setup strictly for music? I've got a set of Ultra Towers, Ultra Center and Ultra Surrounds in my HTR along with 2 PB-1000s and a PB12=NSD. I personally feel that in that setup, I could replace the Towers with the Bookshelfs, using an 80hz crossover and not notice a significant difference. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@LEATHFACE100]

You ever thought about doing a video on the audyssey app? Explaining how slopes work and how they affect your sound ? I would but I’m still learning !!!

[@ebarbie5016]

SVS makes great value subwoofers, that's it! I was given an a/b test between the Ultra towers (2000$) and the Focal Aria 926 (3000$), and the Focals sounded way way better in every aspect. Especially when listening to music without a subwoofer. Imaging is better to the 10th fold, vocal clarity, bass is tighter, and the overall warmth and mids are crispier. No comparison. I know there is a 1000$ difference, but it makes a huge difference. If you're only into home theater, then go with SVS or Klipsch, but if you're a music lover, go with Focal and don't look back...

[@Pohgrey]

I've been wondering how the Pinnacles compare to the Ultra towers. I have the Ultras and love them. One thing tho, when you say the Pinnacles outperform the Ultra bookshelves that's strictly for the bass, right? I was pretty blown away by the Ultra bookshelf speakers. I think minus the bass they retain a lot of the goodness of the towers. I have 2 of them for surrounds and one for a center channel. Bought those 3 first then added the towers.

[@Subwoofer101]

I think the dedicated mid-range adds a bit to the sound quality over the Ultra Bookshelf speakers. Super dramatic? No, but much like you notice a bit better mid-range and clarity with the Ultra Towers, the Pinnacles are just what I prefer, both in mid-range and bass. In truth, none of them are really lacking in anything, aside from less bass from a Bookshelf, which is par for the course.

[@beerstein7137]

Have you perhaps identified the root cause of your hearing sensitivity to sealed subwoofers? Distortion? Low frequency in room extension?

[@hammbone852]

So are the Ultra Towers still worth it if you have very good subwoofers, or does the extra bass from the Ultra Towers make a difference?

[@Subwoofer101]

The Ultra Tower's bass driver orientation is part of what makes them so special. It adds to the bass in a way that traditional front firing woofers don't. The angle makes the bass more full, and I know that sounds like some BS, but it really is different. You can see my Ultra Tower review for more. If you can fit them, the Ultra Towers are awesome. I only listen with great subs myself, and it still adds to the overall experience. Towers, even when set to "Small" still have influence on the bass. I set the Prime Pinnacle Towers, Ultra Towers, Prime Towers, and Ultra Books at 90 hertz crossover. Even at that setting, they contribute to the overall bass. The Ultra books had the smallest effect, and the Towers' effect on bass was price proportionate, with the Ultra Towers having the most noticeable and positive effect on the overall bass. That said, the Pinnacle Towers won't leave you starved for bass, not by any measure.

[@byronquinley1400]

Are the differences between the three as noticeable for home theater or mainly for 2 channel listening?

[@drsankardas]

Sadly the utra towers are priced $4360.02(320000INR) here in india

[@peterotremba8980]

I got one question. So do you find that larger subs typically have a deeper sound to it. Like comparing the svs pb 1000 vs 2000, which one has the “deeper” sound to it.

[@Subwoofer101]

Something SVS does very well is they have a similar depth signature across the board for their ported subs. The PB-1000's will begin to taper around 20-21 hertz, but every other ported SVS is strong to at least 16-17 hertz, with many dipping to 13-14 hertz in room. I can't hear under 17 hertz. The PB-2000 goes 14 hertz in room, so it's audibly bottomless, while you can just barely hear the bottom of the PB-1000, depending on your hearing. The PB-3000 goes to 16-17 hertz if I recall correctly, but I can't tell a difference in depth, and I STRONGLY prefer the PB-3000 over the PB-2000. As you go up in the SVS line, the biggest change, aside from max output, is the "strength" of the bass. More of a hit to the chest at the same volume, and more accurate. Definitely more realism. The PB 16 Ultra is a mule kick to the chest, so long as it's supposed to be. If it's gentle, smooth jazz bass you are listening to, it's perfectly delicate. But in the Accountant, during the final fight scene, the suppressed fire can be felt in your spleen. All of that said, split your budget and go dual. Makes a big difference.

[@timothyclauw7035]

Will the ultra towers perform well using a Denon Avrx-4500h with no external amp in a 5.1.4 set up ? I’m currently using Polk Tsi -500 and thinking of upgrading my front mains to the pinnacles or ultras .... thanks

[@Subwoofer101]

Set them as Small, which I do even with external amplification, and you will have no trouble. Only at extreme levels would you require more power. The X4500 is plenty capable, especially when using subs.

[@KingLexo91]

Recently purchased these with ultra center and pb3000. I can’t wait to setup and hear them but what fz do you have your pinnacles set to?

[@Subwoofer101]

I set my front stage to 90 hertz, Small. Check out my Bass Hack video series for all kinds of set up tips.

[@thunderracing1527]

I have a very large open concept living area 13,000cubic feet 12ft ceilings. Prime tower or Ultra Tower? Along with SB16 sub. What are your thoughts?

[@bakoe7604]

I have a question did you just set them up and listened or did you tweak a little with REW? The reason i’m asking is because you could have a very different experience than another person if that room colors the sound of the speaker more or less than your room i have the prime bookshelfs and they measure very flat with the help off my pb 2000 in my room

[@Subwoofer101]

I listened with the SVS Prime Wireless Sound Base. No adjustments at all, which is why I used it. I didn't want any variables. For sure, my room is imperfect, but the difference would translate to better and worse rooms. I was also primarily judging them without subs, but I do enjoy both of them more with subs. True for every speaker I've heard.

[@bakoe7604]

Subwoofer 101 Yep the reason i’m asking is because i’m addicted to REW at this point. I have taken so much time measuring all off my speakers as flat as possible with EQ. Right now they are all pretty darn flat but i never quite seem satisfied. Should i raise the treble a bit, are they too warm now and does voices sound good etc. Just really nitpicking the hell out of everything. I have just stop when it’s good but i always think it can get better and then i end up making it worse and spend more time fixing it again. As i said i’m pretty happy right now tho. Gotta just stop

[@robertldcarlson]

If your only running built in avr power, will it have trouble powering the Ultra Towers? I have avr-x4500h

[@JD-wy4ti]

I have a denon avr-x1500h (80 watts per channel) and wondered if it would be powerful enough to run 2 svs prime pinnacles ok as left and right fronts. I know the speakers are rated up to 300 watts but not sure if the lower wattage would reduce the quality.

[@utiliboy]

Debating on center channel with prime pinnacles and a sub vs. center channel with ultra towers and no sub for HT. it’s a space issue.

[@crazydwarfer]

Can you compare those to Polk T50s? I mean in terms of how much the Prime pinnacle is better? Is there two times better difference? I mean there is a law of diminishing returns. I like my Polk Audio T15s very much, and I'd like to understand if those towers will be SO much better than Polk Audio T50s.

[@davehilling3944]

I am in a similar boat sort of. I have the older Polk Monitor II 70s (around 10 years now I think) and I have been quite happy with them, but I am looking at going up to the Pinnacles. I'm sure they will sound better but how much better is always the question. I just replaced a nearly 20-year-old Klipsch center KSC-1 (moved to bedroom) with a Prime center and while I do feel its mid-range is better and the timbre of the Prime matches the polks better I wouldn't say it is hugely better. Course this is an old comment so maybe you have already upgraded and if so I would be curious as to your impressions.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

don't look like you got enough room for them speakers to breath very close to the wall and frequency matters on your amp and preamp oitput signal also not just your speaker rating that's why I don't go by specs

[@utiliboy]

I have space restrictions and was wondering which you would recommend between prime pinnacles with a sub or ultra towers without a sub? For HT.

[@mikeberndt181]

Always a sub. No question. It’s part of the soundtrack & is separated from the mains for a reason. Always a sub or 2 or 3-4

[@taxi615]

are the Pinnacles good for movie watching? I'm not going to ask about the Ultras I know they are. I own Camber Apertura towers and Camber Centro center ch. so I'm concerned that the Pinnacles are about same in performance as what I already own.

[@BenTan89]

They are good, but I think they are better for music than movies. Reason being that SVS got the wrong idea that we wanted less treble from the Prime series and over blanket it with the Prime Pinnacle. They are quite mellow, has less bite than the Primes (which was admittedly quite hot and to some, borderline harsh even). This means that action movies can tend to sound a little "weak", a little less energetic. It does cure the one weakness the Primes had with music though, that in music - female vocals won't sound so throaty and peaky.

[@Stevo19801]

Sub101 I am looking at ether 3 svs ultra bookshelf’s or 3 prime bookshelf’s as front LCRs in my dedicated theatre behind an acoustic transparent screen. My question is for 99% movie watching with the speakers crossed over at 80hz are the ultras worth the extra money. I understand the ultra goes a little deeper in the bass but as I will be crossing at 80hz I would not be using this extra headroom

[@Subwoofer101]

I haven't heard the Prime Books, so I couldn't say for sure. Are the Prime Towers an option? The Ultra Books sound great, and the Prime Towers sound a little fuller. Bass response in the main speakers does add to the experience. I know the Ultra Books great, just can't comment on the Prime Books.

[@vipz2007]

Hi...i planning to upgrade my speakers for my 7.2.4 Atmos home theater. can you please suggest me svs speaker line up for my home theater? AVR is Marantz sr6013.. room size is 10 feet wide and 22 feet long..

[@Subwoofer101]

Sure, but it really is a matter of budget. If you can budget dual PB-3000's in the mix, you're doing great, they absolutely rock. Ultra center, and Prime Towers at a minimum. If you can swing the Pinnacles or Ultras, even better. If you have the budget people dream of, skip the PB-4000's and go straight to the PB-16 Ultras. The PB-3000's are so close that you would need to go to the PB-16 Ultras to notice a big difference. The Elevations are great for height and surrounds, or you can go to the Ultra Surrounds if you have the budget, but I would put the money in the bass first. If your budget is on the lighter side, Prime Towers, Prime Center, Elevations, and dual PB-2000's will still knock your socks off. Let me know if that helps, I can get more detailed with more information, like budget, etc... If you're down to support the channel, you can follow my links in the description before ordering. Every little bit helps, but I know not everyone can.

[@vipz2007]

@@Subwoofer101 it's really helpful. am looking for a budget 7.2.4. I planned prime series, but sub i really confused between pb 2000 and pb 3000. Please help me to choose the right sub for me. I am hard core lover of bass... :D

[@Subwoofer101]

The PB-3000's are pretty much my favorite sub at this point. The PB 16 Ultras are definitely better, but for the cost and size, the PB-3000's are just outstanding. That said, 1 PB-3000 vs dual PB-2000? Dual PB-2000's, all day long and twice on Sunday. If you can swing dual PB-3000's, I think you will be a VERY happy camper. They hit like PB-4000's, but at a lower price and smaller footprint. See my size comparison video, where I have the PB-2000's, PB-3000's, and PB-4000's in the same room.

[@vipz2007]

@@Subwoofer101 thank you for your suggestion. According to my room size, Pb dual 2000 is enough for me or i go with dual Pb 3000? I finalized with dual Pb 3000.

[@vipz2007]

@@Subwoofer101 Hey big brother...i took my 1st PB 3000....am very excited...will you please guide me to set up my pb3000?.. 2nd PB is on the way...

[@markweber5278]

Great video!

[@Subwoofer101]

Thank you!

[@jashplash8502]

dont get why people use stats to determine audio quality. it doesn't work that way and why the two SVS towers are so different.

[@BearsBlend]

To me it would not be worth it to go with the pinnacle when the ultra's are only a little itty bitty more money, unless the room asks for it. I love the svs products that I have, ultra center, pb 12 nsd. I won't get the ultra towers becuase I have my dream speakers but I have to much respect for them and if I would ever buy new towers instead of vintage I would for sure listen to these.

[@mnts73]

What are they? Your dream speakers.

[@BearsBlend]

@@mnts73 mb quart 2000

[@ramonvives1674]

Pinnacles + 1 SB2000 vs ultras (no sub)????? Please.

[@Subwoofer101]

That specific choice, I would go with the Ultra Towers and no subs. Add subs later.

[@ramonvives1674]

@@Subwoofer101Great, thanks.

[@Subwoofer101]

Check the Labor Day sale: sub101.link/LaborDay2019

[@Lazarus.09]

Would , YOU, recommend these over the Klipsch RP6000F?

[@wa2368]

Over the Klipsch?? Absolutely

[@gregrichard9192]

Prime pinnacle review? Or prime pinnacle compared to ultra towers.

[@Subwoofer101]

Fair.

[@jeffbryner5355]

You got enough speakers in there? Lol

[@Subwoofer101]

Nah, could use another truckload...

[@jeffbryner5355]

@@Subwoofer101 I heard that. Lol

[@JuanLega]

I wish SVS would change the shape of the Ultras, it's just Odd.

[@johan5660]

too bad..15min of talk but no sound test comparison

[@shamrock4840]

I bought the pinnacles and my god they are harsh - ugly highs treble .

[@Subwoofer101]

Speakers are a personal thing, different tastes for different people, where subwoofers tend to be a little more black and white. One thing with SVS speakers is that they tend to sweeten up after a few weeks of listening. They do come across a little harsh at first, but once they break in a little bit, the sound starts to be more natural. It could also be other factors, like your AVR settings (with Denon and Marantz, I prefer Flat over the reference setting), but it might not be your cup of tea.

[@shamrock4840]

@@Subwoofer101 I might try an emotiva amp. I’m 10 hours in - some stuff is amazing some is Grimey . But it’s getting better .

[@Subwoofer101]

Should get better after another 40 to 60 hours. I was initially not excited about the sound, but it definitely got better. To me, after break-in, they sound neutral and clean, a touch of warmth and good clarity. I'm not one for flowery descriptions, but to me it's like you're hearing the sound, more than hearing the speakers. There are LOTS of speakers where you're definitely hearing more of the speaker rather than the sound, which is due to many things, but most noticeably, if the cabinet isn't very inert, you definitely hear that. After more time, you'll hear what they're all about.