Music lover deepens his connection to sound with SVS stereo system upgrade.

Andrew from Halifax Canada

Great hi-fi experiences aren’t about chasing the latest trends; it's about building a system that faithfully connects you to the music. After rediscovering his passion for audio, Andrew from Halifax assembled a deceptively simple setup centered around SVS Ultra Evolution Nano speakers and the Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase streaming integrated amp, proving that reference-quality sound doesn't require a room full of equipment.

Combined with carefully crafted DIY acoustic treatments, the result is a system that disappears into the room, leaving nothing between the listener and the performance. Read on as Andrew shares his journey back into high-performance audio, the music he uses to evaluate his system, and why thoughtful system matching matters more than endless features.

Questions And Answers:

Where did you first hear about SVS?

I actually have AV Rant to thank for that. More specifically, Tom Andry and Rob H. I had just gotten back into home theater after being away from the hobby for quite a while, and those two were constantly talking about SVS subwoofers.

They weren’t just saying they were good, they kept hammering home the performance-to-price ratio, and eventually I had to see what all the fuss was about.

Like a lot of people, I started with a PB-1000. That quickly turned into dual PB-1000 Pros, and before long I was adding SVS speakers. It was a pretty natural Evolution… pun absolutely intended.

What lead you to choose the Ultra Evolution Nano speakers for your system? Likewise, the Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase?

I tend to gravitate toward speakers that don’t try to impress you by coloring the sound. I like a neutral, balanced presentation that simply delivers what the recording engineer intended.

That’s exactly what I get from the Ultra Evolution Nanos. They don’t exaggerate the bass or artificially brighten the top end. They simply reproduce what’s in the recording, and they do it exceptionally well. They’re honest speakers, and that’s exactly what I want.

As for the Prime Wireless Pro SoundBase, I think it’s the perfect example of “less is more.”

It’s incredibly compact, yet it has more than enough power to drive just about any speaker I’d realistically pair with it. It has analog inputs for my vintage gear, HDMI ARC for the TV, streaming services built in, a dedicated subwoofer output, and if I ever decide to use powered speakers, it can serve as a preamp too.

It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It simply does everything I actually need, and it does it really well.

What have been the differences/improvements compared to the previous system you had running?

Without question, the biggest improvement has been the clarity and stereo imaging.

The Evolution Nanos disappear into the room in a way very few speakers I’ve owned ever have. They create a massive soundstage but never draw attention to themselves. Instead, they let the music become the star of the show.

That’s something I really appreciate. Great speakers shouldn’t constantly remind you they’re there, they should simply put you in front of the performance.

To me, that’s exactly what the Nanos do.

Do you have specific demo/test tracks that you use to judge a system? Please share them and why you chose them.

I have far too many demo tracks, but there are always a few that I come back to.

Take Five – The Dave Brubeck Quartet

This one is all about timing and separation. Joe Morello’s drum work is legendary, and on lesser speakers the hi-hat and cymbal work can become blurred together. On the Nanos, every strike is distinct, and that iconic 5/4 rhythm remains locked in from beginning to end.

Everything In Its Right Place – Radiohead

This is organized chaos. Between the synths, layered effects and vocals moving around the soundstage, it’s incredibly easy for a speaker to lose composure. The Evolution Nanos don’t. Their stereo imaging is exceptional, and this is the track that proves it to me every single time.

Come Away With Me – Norah Jones

Vocals tell you everything about a speaker. If a speaker can make a vocalist sound natural, it’s doing something right. The Nanos absolutely excel here. Norah’s voice is smooth, intimate and perfectly centered. These speakers really do have a knack for vocal performances.

How has the installation of acoustic treatments impacted performance?

If there’s one thing people overlook when building a system, it’s the room itself.

I’d argue the three biggest factors in any great system are good speakers, proper placement and acoustic treatment.

Good treatment can make average speakers sound surprisingly good, while exceptional speakers truly get to show what they’re capable of.

I’m also a huge DIY guy, so every acoustic treatment in my room was built by hand. It was one of the most rewarding projects I’ve tackled, and one of the biggest performance upgrades I’ve made.

What advice would you give someone who’s building their first system?

The first piece of advice is simple: buy once, cry once.

Quality gear costs more up front, but quality never goes out of style. I’ve never regretted spending a little more on equipment that I know will perform for years.

The second piece of advice is to be realistic.

Don’t chase features you’ll never use or buy equipment simply because it looks impressive. Buy for your room, your listening habits and your budget. Substance will always beat style.

Why is having a HiFi system important to you?

Music has always been part of my life.

Growing up, there was almost always music playing in our house. My parents didn’t have an audiophile setup, but they gave me an appreciation for music that eventually turned into a passion for great sound.

When I got to university, I was lucky enough to end up with a roommate who was just as passionate about hi-fi and what we’d now call early home theater. This was back in the ‘90s, and we’ve somehow managed to keep that friendship, and our mutual obsession with audio and movies, going ever since.

Hi-fi isn’t just about equipment for me. It’s about connecting with the music and the memories that come with it.

What inspired your collection of Star Wars memorabilia, and do you have any favorite pieces that you'd like to call out?

Star Wars is my childhood. I was born in the 70s, so I grew up with Star Wars. I had all the toys as a kid, and I remain a huge fan of the franchise to this date.

I absolutely loved the helmets and costume design of Star Wars, so when Hasbro brought out very screen-accurate helmets, I picked one up. That led to a collection of 16 that I had to stop because I have no more space.

My favorite part is the artwork you can see in some pics. My wife is a talented artist and she was able to make some incredible pieces for my home theater. She helped me pick out colors that were complementary to Star Wars decor.

Anything else you’d like to share with the SVS community?

If there’s one thing I’d add, it’s that what makes SVS special goes beyond the products themselves.

The speakers and subwoofers speak for themselves, but what really keeps me recommending SVS is the company behind them.

Customer service seems to be disappearing these days, but SVS has built a reputation for standing behind its customers long after the sale. Knowing there’s a knowledgeable team that’s genuinely invested in helping you if something ever goes wrong gives me tremendous confidence when recommending the brand.

Great products get your attention.

Outstanding customer service earns your loyalty.

SVS has managed to build both.