SVS Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase: One Box to Rule Your Sound

SVS has a reputation for punching above its weight, and the Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase continues that trend. This compact powerhouse offers versatile connectivity and enough sonic muscle to handle passive or powered speakers with ease.

I’ve gone back and forth on keeping a 2.1 setup. I want something simple, clean, and centered around my physical media. My issue? I don’t want a bulky amp hogging space. Enter the SoundBase: compact, stylish, and plenty powerful. At $699, it’s also a seriously high value.

What’s in the Box

Unboxing the SoundBase is a satisfying experience. Inside, you’ll find:

• The SoundBase unit itself is wrapped securely in cloth and nestled in expanded polyethylene padding (a nice touch over the usual brittle foam).
• A power cord tucked into a custom recess.
• A compact remote control with tactile buttons.
• Quick start guide and promotional literature.

It’s a tidy, eco-conscious package that wastes no space and feels thoughtfully assembled—no loose accessories rattling around.

Pros and Cons

Design & Build Quality

The SoundBase is compact. Measuring just over 9 inches wide and under 5 pounds, it feels solid. The matte black finish gives it a stealthy, modern look that blends into any setup. The front panel features a bright OLED display and six preset buttons that are unobtrusive but handy. The knobs for volume and source selection offer satisfying tactile feedback, and the rear panel is packed with connectivity options.

Despite its plastic-heavy construction, the unit doesn’t feel cheap. The metal base and rear panel add stability and durability, especially around the input jacks. It’s not flashy, but it’s clearly built with purpose. The top adds adequate ventilation for the Class D amps inside.

This thing is a connectivity playground. The input options are generous: HDMI ARC, optical, line-in, and even Ethernet. I hooked up a CD player, a MiniDisc deck (yes, really), and a turntable with zero fuss. Everything worked. There is no phono preamp on the SVS Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase, so I used my Schiit Mani. That’s not a deal breaker at all, and I rarely use a built-in phono stage anyway.

There’s no physical power button. Strange, yes. But the auto-sleep function kicks in after 30 minutes of inactivity, and it wakes up quickly. It’s a design choice that might confuse at first, but in practice, it’s a non-issue.

Setup: Plug, Play, and Walk Away

Let’s start with the basics: setup was refreshingly simple. Bluetooth pairing was simple. Turn the unit on, locate the device (in this case, SVS ProSoundBase), and pair it.

DTS PlayFi is a bit more challenging, but still straightforward. Download the DTS PlayFi app and install it. Ensure the SoundBase is in Wi-Fi pairing mode, and follow the on-screen instructions. I was greeted by a firmware update, which took about 10 minutes, but the actual setup was under five minutes.

Switching inputs is simple. Either use the scroll wheel or the remote. If you are looking for fancy and complicated on-screen menus, you won’t find them here.

Streaming & Control: All Roads Lead to Music

Streaming options include Bluetooth (aptX and AAC), AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and DTS Play-Fi. No, you don’t get built-in support for Tidal like other devices. However, the DTS Play-Fi app allows you to integrate your Tidal and digital media libraries into the app.

Plus, because DTS Play-Fi is multi-room compatible, if you have more than one SoundBase or other Play-Fi-enabled device, you can move seamlessly from room to room. Personally, I will most likely use Apple AirPlay 2 or physical devices, but it’s nice to know the SVS Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase is not a one-trick pony.

The OLED display is easy to read across the room, and the six preset buttons are great for jumping into playlists or stations. Control is available via Play-Fi app, remote, voice assistant, or the front panel—take your pick.

Speaker Pairing: Powered or Passive? Yes.

I tested the SoundBase with two very different speaker setups. First, the SVS Ultra Evolution Nano bookshelf speakers. The SoundBase’s 150 watts per channel drove them effortlessly, delivering tight bass and crisp highs with plenty of headroom and zero distortion.

Then I switched gears and used the line-out to feed the Fluance Ri71 powered bookshelf speakers. The SoundBase acted as a preamp here, and it did so with grace. Volume control, source switching, and streaming all worked seamlessly. This dual-role flexibility, amp AND preamp, is a huge win for anyone with a mixed speaker setup. The caveat is that you need to set the max volume for your powered speakers first and then allow the SVS Soundbase to control the volume from there.

The best part? You know that SVS would include a subwoofer pre-out! That’s right, folks, you can add a subwoofer to this little beast so you can add some low-end! I used one of my SVS PB1000 Pros connected via a Y-splitter which gave both sets of speakers the low end they needed.

The SoundBase uses Class D amplification, which is known for its efficiency and low heat output. But don’t let the small size fool you. This amp delivers 150 watts per channel, and that’s more than enough to drive just about any speaker you throw at it. Whether you’re using compact bookshelves or full-size towers, the SoundBase has the muscle to make them sing.

Sound Quality: Just the Music, Nothing Else

If you’re not someone who obsesses over waveforms and impedance curves, here’s the bottom line: the SVS SoundBase sounds clean. Really clean. Music comes through with clarity and precision, free from distortion, even when you crank the volume. There’s no artificial boost to the bass, no exaggerated treble, and no weird coloration that makes your favorite tracks sound unfamiliar. What you hear is what the artist intended.

And if you want to add some extra low-end punch, there’s a dedicated subwoofer pre-out. Hook up a powered sub, and you’ve got a full-range system that can handle everything from delicate acoustic tracks to bass-heavy hip-hop without breaking a sweat.

Who’s It For?

This box is made for folks who want great sound without complexity:

• Streaming fans get strong integration across platforms.
• Physical media lovers plug in with no fuss.
• Minimalists enjoy compact, clutter-free design.
• Home theater dabblers can add it via HDMI ARC and skip bulky receivers.
• Mixed setups? Passive or powered—this amp adapts.

This is gear for folks who care more about what they’re hearing than how it’s happening. The SVS SoundBase fades into the background visually, but sonically, it’s front and center.

Verdict: AV Gadget Must Have

The SVS Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s just making sure it rolls smoother than ever. Whether you’re streaming from your phone, spinning vinyl, or reviving those old bookshelf speakers, this box delivers clear, distortion-free sound with zero coloration.

Setup takes minutes, connections are plentiful, and the flexibility to run both passive and powered speakers makes it a true Swiss Army knife for modern audio. If you want audiophile performance without the audiophile anxiety, this is your jam. It disappears into your shelf, not your sound.