SVS Ultra Evolution Loudspeakers are Game Changers: CES 2024

If you were planning on purchasing a new pair of high-end loudspeakers this year — you really need to put the new SVS Ultra Evolution Series on your short-list. We always make a point of spending time with the company at trade shows, but CES 2024 might be the start of something very significant from this American brand.

The new Ultra Evolution loudspeakers are very different from any of their previous models and to call the Pinnacle a “bargain” at $5,000 might seem like somewhat of a stretch — but in the context of the high-end home theater market filled with floor standing flagship models that are double or triple the price — these are a high-performance value option.

• Ultra Evolution Pinnacle (largest floorstander) – $5,000/pair
• Ultra Evolution Titan (middle sized floorstander) – $4,000/pair
• Ultra Evolution Tower (smallest floorstander) – $3,000/pair
• Ultra Evolution Bookshelf (largest stand-mount) – $1,299/pair
• Ultra Evolution Nano (smallest stand-mount) – $899/pair
• Ultra Evolution Elevation (height speaker) – $899/pair
• Ultra Evolution Center – $899 each

Here’s what we know so far.

The eye-catching new change is the curved cabinent structure on both the front and rear sides, which is typically not seen at such affordable price points. Furthermore, we were surprised to see rear speaker drivers on all of floorstanding models and an all-new 1″ diamond coated tweeter shared across the line.

Both high gloss black and white finishes were on display, and each looked luxurious.

Our brief demo had us intrigued how a 5.2.2 Ultra Evolution speaker system with a single Denon AVR-X4800H A/V receiver could deliver such dynamics — even admist the craziness of a convention hall in an area with no ceiling. Last year’s demo in the same environment impressed us, but this year was even better. Has SVS cracked the code on affordable home theater? By far the best home theater demonstration at CES 2024.

Let’s take a more detailed look at all of the new models.

Ultra Evolution Pinnacle

Flagship SVS tower speaker is a technology tour-de-force that claims to stand toe-to-toe with the finest loudspeakers in the world delivering reference sound for audiophiles and home theater fans.

• Acoustically Centered Time Alignment Architecture maximizes phase coherence, pinpoint accuracy, and convincing soundstage
• 1″ Diamond Coated Tweeter with Organic Cell Lattice Diffuser for airy, unveiled highs and pristine clarity
• Dual 5.25″ glass fiber composite midrange drivers render stunning dynamics with flawless tonal accuracy and broad soundstage
• Quad 8” woofers in Force Balanced Opposed Array energize a room with deep, potent, and accurate bass
• Chamfered front baffle and flush-mounted drivers reduce edge diffraction and improve off-axis high frequency response
• Stunning Piano Gloss Black, Piano Gloss White, and Black Oak Veneer Finish

Ultra Evolution Titan

Unprecedented design and technology from a 3-way tower speaker that outperforms everything in its class with stunning clarity, dynamics, and deep, forceful bass.  

• Acoustically Centered Time Alignment Architecture maximizes phase coherence, pinpoint accuracy, and convincing soundstage 
• 1″ Diamond Coated Tweeter with Organic Cell Lattice Diffuser for airy, unveiled highs and pristine clarity
• Dual 4.5″ glass fiber composite midrange drivers render stunning dynamics with flawless tonal accuracy and broad soundstage
• Quad 6.5” woofers in Force Balanced Opposed Array energize a room with deep, potent, and accurate bass
• Chamfered front baffle and flush-mounted drivers reduce edge diffraction and improve off-axis high frequency response
• Stunning Piano Gloss Black, Piano Gloss White, and Black Oak Veneer Finish

Ultra Evolution Tower

Three-way tower speaker with sophisticated driver array sets the standard for sonic excellence in its class and well beyond.

• Acoustically Centered Time Alignment Architecture maximizes phase coherence, pinpoint accuracy, and convincing soundstage 
• 1″ Diamond Coated Tweeter with Organic Cell Lattice Diffuser for airy, unveiled highs and pristine clarity
• Dual 4.5″ glass fiber composite midrange drivers render stunning dynamics with flawless tonal accuracy and broad soundstage
• Quad 5.25” woofers in Force Balanced Opposed Array energize a room with deep, potent, and accurate bass
• Chamfered front baffle and flush-mounted drivers reduce edge diffraction and improve off-axis high frequency response
• Stunning Piano Gloss Black, Piano Gloss White, and Black Oak Veneer Finish

Ultra Evolution Bookshelf

Reference flagship bookshelf speaker is a technology tour-de-force that stands toe-to-toe with the finest loudspeakers in the world delivering reference sound for audiophiles and home theater fans.

• Acoustically Centered Time Alignment Architecture maximizes phase coherence, pinpoint accuracy, and convincing soundstage
• 1″ Diamond Coated Tweeter with Organic Cell Lattice Diffuser for airy, unveiled highs and pristine clarity
• 6.5” glass fiber composite woofer generates massive, pinpoint accurate soundstage while energizing a room with deep and accurate bass
• Chamfered front baffle and flush-mounted drivers reduce edge diffraction and improve off-axis high frequency response
• Stunning Piano Gloss Black, Piano Gloss White, and Black Oak Veneer Finish

Ultra Evolution Center

Flagship reference SVS center speaker delivers pristine clarity and powerful dynamics with astonishingly large sweet spot.   

• Acoustically Centered Time Alignment Architecture maximizes phase coherence, pinpoint accuracy, and convincing soundstage 
• 1″ Diamond Coated Tweeter with Organic Cell Lattice Diffuser for airy, unveiled highs and pristine clarity
• 4.5″ glass fiber composite midrange driver renders stunning dynamics with flawless tonal accuracy and broad soundstage
• Dual 6.55” woofers in Force Balanced Opposed Array energize a room with deep, potent, and accurate bass
• Chamfered front baffle and flush-mounted drivers reduce edge diffraction and improve off-axis high frequency response
• Stunning Piano Gloss Black, Piano Gloss White, and Black Oak Veneer Finish

Ultra Evolution Nano

Stunningly detailed and refined sound with impressive bass from a compact bookshelf speaker that punches well above its class.  

• Acoustically Centered Time Alignment Architecture maximizes phase coherence, pinpoint accuracy, and convincing soundstage 
• 1″ Diamond Coated Tweeter with Organic Cell Lattice Diffuser for airy, unveiled highs and pristine clarity
• 5.25” glass fiber composite woofer generates broad, pinpoint accurate soundstage while energizing a room with deep and accurate bass
• Chamfered front baffle and flush-mounted drivers reduce edge diffraction and improve off-axis high frequency response
• Stunning Piano Gloss Black, Piano Gloss White, and Black Oak Veneer Finish

Ultra Elevation

Reference speaker for Dolby Atmos height effects and surround sound delivers breathtaking sonic experience with versatile mounting and placement options.

• 1″ Diamond Coated Tweeter with Organic Cell Lattice Diffuser for airy, unveiled highs and pristine clarity
• 5.25” glass fiber composite woofer generates broad, pinpoint accurate soundstage while energizing a room with deep and accurate bass
• Chamfered front baffle and flush-mounted drivers reduce edge diffraction and improve off-axis high frequency response
• SVS Multi-Angle Wall and Ceiling Bracket allows for mounting in any direction, including overhead
• Stunning Piano Gloss Black, Piano Gloss White, and Black Oak Veneer Finish

SoundPath Ultra Bi-Wire Speaker Cable

Passes the full power of an AV receiver or amplifier while rejecting interference to render the best sound possible from speakers with two sets of binding posts.

• 3-layer shielding system for RF noise and interference rejection 
• Available in lengths ranging from 4-50 feet
• Choice of banana, spade or mixed terminations 
• Finely woven premium cotton braided jacket for easy gripping and added protection
• Available now for $99 (10 feet) / $129 (20 feet) at SVS.

Availability expected Q1 2024. All models will be available in Piano Gloss Black, Piano Gloss White, and Black Oak Veneer Finish.

Next: Continue reading more stories from CES 2024.

Related: Which SVS subwoofer is right for you?

Tip: The previous (first) generation SVS Ultra Loudspeakers debuted in 2012.