The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle Tower speakers represent a significant advancement in home audio, offering a substantial upgrade over their predecessor, the Ultra Tower. This in-depth review delves into the Pinnacle's meticulously engineered design and performance, exploring its improvements across all frequency ranges. From the diamond-coated tweeter and innovative mid-range drivers to the cleverly implemented four 8-inch woofers, we analyze the technical innovations that contribute to the Pinnacle's exceptional sound quality.This detailed analysis examines the Pinnacle Towers' soundstaging capabilities, comparing its performance to other high-end speakers such as the Arenal 1723 THX and 1528. We assess the speaker's strengths and weaknesses, considering its warmer, richer sound signature in contrast to more neutral alternatives. Ultimately, we determine whether the Pinnacle Towers' high price point is justified by its exceptional clarity, detailed mid-range, controlled bass, and immersive listening experience.
Pros And Cons
- Totally revamped from the ground up
- Warm, richer, and easy-to-digest high frequency, even at high volumes
- Excellent mid-range clarity, detail, and transient response
- Cohesive and coherent sound
- Disappears in the room, leaving only the music
- Thunderous, full, and muscular bass response
- More linear and full bass response than Ultra Towers, with better quality, textures, and nuances
- Does not require a subwoofer
- Good depth of soundstage
- Pinpoint accuracy of individual elements in music
- Not the most airy or spacious speaker
- Needs to be cranked up to medium-high volume for optimal enjoyment
- Cannot be placed too close to the wall due to active woofers and dual ports
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A Significant Upgrade from the Ultra Tower
The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle Tower speakers represent a substantial leap forward from their predecessor, the Ultra Tower. While the Ultra Towers excelled in home theater setups, particularly with their impressive bass response, they lacked the musicality desired for two-channel listening. The high frequencies were often described as overly bright and unrefined, especially at higher volumes. The Pinnacle Towers aim to rectify these shortcomings.
The Evolution Pinnacle, however, is a completely redesigned speaker. SVS has gone back to the drawing board, resulting in a significant improvement in audio quality across all frequencies. This elevated performance comes at a price, with the Pinnacle Towers costing $5,000 per pair compared to the Ultra Towers' $2,000 price tag.
High-Frequency Performance: Refined and Detailed
The Pinnacle Towers feature a 1-inch diamond-coated tweeter, a significant upgrade from the previous model. The diamond coating enhances the tweeter's rigidity, allowing for a more effortless extension into the high frequencies with reduced distortion. An 'organic cell lattis diffuser' further enhances linearity and dispersion, widening the sweet spot for optimal listening experience.
While not the airiest or most spacious speaker, it offers a clear, detailed high-frequency response that avoids the harsh brightness of the Ultra Towers. The sound is described as warmer, richer, and far more inviting, even at high volumes, making it ideal for extended listening sessions without ear fatigue.
Mid-Range Excellence: The Highlight of the Design
The five-and-a-quarter-inch mid-range drivers are a crucial part of the Pinnacle's success. The mid-range is where much of the musical information resides – vocals, guitars, and many other instruments – making its quality paramount. The Pinnacle's mid-range is praised for its clarity and detail.
The speaker achieves a remarkable balance between warmth and clarity in the mid-range. It delivers a detailed and nuanced sound without sounding muffled or hazy, a significant improvement over speakers that often prioritize warmth at the expense of clarity. The reviewer draws comparisons to the Satalo 2 speaker by Russell Ferentino for its distinct and unambiguous soundstage.
Innovative Bass Design: Four Active Woofers and Time Alignment
SVS employs clever engineering with the bass woofers. While seemingly featuring two 8-inch woofers on the front, the rear also houses another two identical 8-inch active woofers. These are not passive radiators; they actively contribute to bass production. This design is inspired by SVS's subwoofer technology, aiming to control cabinet resonance.
This configuration creates a more dispersed and linear bass response, akin to a multi-subwoofer setup. The opposed drivers cancel internal resonances, reducing unwanted coloration. The result is a full, even bass response that requires no additional subwoofer, even in smaller rooms.
Soundstaging and Imaging: Depth Over Width
The Pinnacle Towers excel in soundstaging, creating a deep and immersive listening experience. While not overly wide, the soundstage provides excellent depth and pinpoint accuracy. The reviewer notes the ability to distinguish individual elements within the musical performance with exceptional clarity.
The time alignment of the drivers contributes to the precise imaging. The speaker's placement is crucial; slightly toeing the speakers outwards optimizes both width and depth, creating a balanced and realistic soundstage. The reviewer's preferred placement had the tweeters hitting each shoulder.
Comparison with Other High-End Speakers: Arenal 1723 THX and 1528
The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle Towers are compared to the Arenal 1723 THX and 1528 speakers. All three share a commonality: a linear yet inviting sound signature. The SVS stands out with its warmth, richness, and authoritative bass.
Key differences lie in sensitivity and tonal balance. The Arenal speakers offer a more neutral and balanced sound, while the SVS has a warmer and richer character. The 1723 THX is the most sensitive, requiring less power, while the 1528 is the least sensitive, demanding a more powerful amplifier.
Conclusion and Final Verdict
The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle Tower speakers are a significant upgrade from the Ultra Towers, offering a more refined and musically engaging listening experience. While demanding a higher price point, the improved clarity, detailed mid-range, powerful and controlled bass, and excellent imaging make them a compelling option for audiophiles.
The warmer, richer sound signature may not appeal to those seeking a completely neutral presentation. However, for those who appreciate a more musical and immersive experience, the Pinnacle Towers deliver outstanding performance, especially at higher volumes. SVS's 45-day risk-free trial and 5-year warranty further mitigate any potential buyer's hesitation.