SVS SBS-01 Bookshelf Loudspeakers

SVS SBS-01 bookshelf speaker is an interesting mix postives and negatives, but is a good performer. When used in a two-channel system with music listening emphasis, this compact speaker produces good, overall, sound quality. However, the SBS-01 was more restrained in the mid-range and high frequencies than two of the comparison speakers used. On the other hand, despite their small size, the SBS-01's produced tight, non-muddled upper bass response. In addition, when used as part of the surround sound home theater speaker system, including a subwoofer, these speakers do very well with movie soundtrack material.

The SVS SBS-01 speakers produced good sound quality in a two-channel setup, but were more restrained in the upper mid-range and high frequencies than the two comparison speakers used for this review (Klipsch B3 and Optimus Pro LX5-II with Lineaum Tweeter ). This was evident on several recordings, such as Norah Jones on I Don't Know Why and Loreena McKennit's "An Ancient Muse" CD. However, despite their small size, the SBS-01's produced tight, non-muddled upper bass response.

In a home theater setup, the SBS-01 worked well as a main, center, or surround speaker, when compared to one of my standard surround setups. Although these speakers were somewhat restrained in the previous two-channel tests, I found that they did provide a balanced and good, directional, sound image in a multi-channel setup, especially with the addition of a subwoofer. Having only two SBS-01s to use for this review, I tested them in the roles of Center, Main, and Surround channels by switching them out with the other comparison speakers used earlier.

The SBS-01s were adequate to the task of providing good audio from several DVD, Blu-ray, and HD-DVD clips I used, including: DVD - House of the Flying Daggers, Master and Commander, U571, Blu-ray - Spiderman 3, Fantastic 4 - Rise of the Silver Surfer, Pirates of the Caribbean 1 and 2, and HD-DVD - Transformers, 300, Hot Fuzz, Batman Begins, and Top Gun.

The SBS-01 can handle high volume, while maintaining good clarity. However, this speaker seems more at home as part of a home theater system, with the addition of a subwoofer, than as a standalone speaker in a two-channel system.

Although there were differences in the liveliness between the SBS-01s and the comparison speakers, I still consider these speakers a good value, especially for the price. I give the SVS SBS-01 loudspeaker a rating of 4 out of 5 Stars.