Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System (Black)

The satellites' exclusive Klipsch MicroTractrix horn maximizes clarity and high-frequency dispersion from CDs, MP3s, streaming radio programs, and other audio. The high-output, digital-hybrid-amplifier-driven ProMedia 2.1 offers a convenient headphone jack and dual stereo analog inputs, one for a more or less hard-wired connection from your computer's line or headphone output jack, the second to accommodate a portable audio device such as an MP3 or minidisc player/recorder.

Klipsch operates with a philosophy that demands accuracy in every aspect of sound reproduction, which--in the case of the ProMedia 2.1--has resulted in THX Certification. THX is an exclusive set of standards established by the world-renowned film production company, Lucasfilm Ltd., and products undergo rigorous quality and performance tests in order to receive this certification.

What's in the Box
Two satellite speakers, one subwoofer, two 9.5-foot lengths of speaker cable (22 gauge), a user's manual, and warranty information.

PROS:
- Amazing sound: clear highs, full mid-range and rich tight bass.
- Power that rivals many home systems (200w-total)- Satellites (35w ea) - Subwoofer (130W)
- Convenient headphone and auxiliary input jacks.
- Convenient and separate controls for volume and bass.
- Very attractive casing.
- Very easy setup
- THX certified (which means you will hear things you won't hear on other speakers).

CONS:
* I cannot think of anything major, but a few drawbacks might be...
- Speaker system does not have a power switch on the satellite, it is located on the sub-woofer, which is not easy to get to (as it is typically tucked out of sight). However, the problem of shutdown is easily addressed with a power strip.
- [Costly,] compared to other systems (...though they are WELL worth the difference).
- Has horn tweeters, which are too "bright" for some folks... though I LOVE them.

Everything I play through these speakers sound great (DVD's, MP3's, Digital Camcorder movies, tape player etc.)I do not believe a better 3-piece system exists on the planet.
If you are a gamer or home theater enthusiast, I would encourage you to look at this systems "big brothers" (the 4.1 & 5.1 Promedia systems) as they are even more amazing (and pricier) for games and movies.

If you are in the market for a great speaker system I HIGHLY recommend Klipsch to you.


If you are allowed one little luxury in life.....   January 18, 2003
35-year Technology Consumer (Maryland, USA)
56 out of 59 found this review helpful

Since I bought my first stereo system in the late 1970s, most component purchase decisions have been about looking for the right compromise between performance and price. In this case, the combinations of Klipsch's tradition of great speakers and an in-store audition made me disregard the price point, and --after months of monk-like-denial of other little wants-- plunk down the significant $ these requre. If price is your ONLY consideration, then hese speakers have some excellent competition from Logitech (and soon, from their own company, when the GMX D-5.1 are released in Feb 2003). But: These are equal to --or better-- than best home stereo speakers I've ever owned. And at that level of performance (even with adding of a 5.1 capable sound card if you don't already have one), then these are at a modest price point. Like loud??? Crank 'em up. Not only will you risk your hearing, but you'll be amazed at out damned crisp the sound was just before deafness set in. Issues: The subwoofer is not for confined spaces. The "control tower" user interface has some issues (the power button is inexplicably located on its side, and the smaller center/rear/sub adjustment knobs would be improved by either some backlit labels and or a configuration that visually establishes their relationship): these are minor points, but surprising oversights in a speaker system that wil require most of four hundred dollars to buy. But: put in your favorite tunes (interesting note for P2P lovers whose music may be mostly downloaded: Klipsch indicates in their manual that these speakers will reveal the loss of fidelity in the MP3 format. Be prepared!), turn up the volume and all is forgiven. These rock. Period.


Incredible Sound, Unbeatable Value   October 30, 2006
Greg Robertson (West Quincy, MA)
54 out of 57 found this review helpful

Once THE speaker of choice for every hard rockin' audiophile with a big enough garage, Klipsch fell off the landscape for a while after being sold to a corporate conglomerate that didn't know the real value of what they'd bought. But after another buyout by a small group of genuine audiophiles, Klipsch is back on top, from a sound quality standpoint -- and it shows in the ProMedia 2.1 THX.

I have my trio connected to a new Mac Pro desktop unit and the sound is absolutely magical. Yes, there are more complex set-ups, with 5 or 7 speakers spread out across the room, but if you just want the magic without the madness, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX is an incredible (and very affordable) solution that's quick and easy to configure in about 5 minutes.

Of course, there are other 3-speaker desktop systems by makers like Logitech, Cyber Acoustics, and Intec, but here's the difference: Klipsch is a true speaker company that connects great speakers to your computer, while those others are computer peripherals companies that one day decided to make speakers. NOT the same thing. The only brands that are true competitors to Klipsch in this area are Bose, Harman Kardon, JBL, and Altec Lansing. I find that the Altec Lansing and JBL 3-speaker sets both sound nasal and "tinny" on the high end, while the Bose and Harman Kardon sets sound great, but are more expensive. So, after a good look (and listen) around, I went with Klipsch.

In any case, this is an incredible sound set-up for your computer-based music player and should not be overlooked. Enjoy.


Best bang for the buck...   January 30, 2007
Thomas J. Thayer (Marietta, GA United States)
26 out of 26 found this review helpful

I purchased the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX solution last week after reading the reviews here. For the most part, the reviews are accurate.

Short Version: These computer speakers are definitely worth the price I paid (about $150 locally at Best Buy).

Longer Version: The primary use for the speakers is for music, mostly MP3 (high 320 bitrate, "CD quality" rips). There is the occasional CD and game, but mostly the MP3 library. I listen to MP3s from literally every genre there is, including oldies, country, jazz, classical, and rap/hip-hop, but the majority of listening is metal, hard rock, and classic rock.

Wanting to step up from my "budget" Harmon-Kardon 3-speaker system I considered this Klipsch solution, as well as the Bose Companion 3 and 5. Due to the USB-only option on the Bose Companion 5 it was quickly ruled out.

Having the search narrowed between the Klipsch ProMedia ($150) and the Bose Companion 3 ($250) I headed off to Best Buy, knowing they sold both and had them in stock. As luck would have it, they were set up for demos side-by-side. I first listened to the Klipsch, then the Bose, then repeated both. My wife and myself were both immediately convinced that the Klipch offered a much fuller and richer sound. The Bose had little midrange and was to tinny sounding. The choice was obvious, and the Klipsch was $100 less.

Brought them home and set them up immediately. Definite quality look and feel to the speakers, subwoofer/amp, and even cabling. Documentation is minimalistic, but setup is not that difficult for the general user.

The system sounded very good upon initial trial. I played parts of 10-20 MP3s of varying genres, all at very high volume. If you max out the volume there is some distortion (despite what some others have said). But, in most situations I find it unlikely that anyone would max out the volume on this system. They are designed for the listener to be located a few feet away, in front of the speakers, not for a whole-house sound system.

The sound range is excellent on these speakers. The design is well though out. The product is definitely worth the $150 and certainly on par, or better than, the Bose offering. The Bose does "look better", but are you buying speakers for visual or sound?

Based upon my initial impression, and assuming these speakers hold up well over the expected life-span I would definitely recommend them, and would buy them again myself for another computer if needed.


Worth every penny   January 11, 2007
Steven Sabin (Lake Tahoe, NV USA)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

I am an unabashed audiophile. So when I bought my new PC last year and the LCD monitor came with these tinny little integrated speakers, I knew it just wouldn't satisfy my rather demanding ears. After shopping around, these seemed to be consistently rated quite highly, so I figured I'd take the plunge.

Most audiophiles will tell you that the relationship between price and sound quality is highly non-linear. In other words, you can spend four times as much on a pair of speakers and they will rarely sound four times as good - usually not even twice as good. But I have to make an exception here. These were admittedly some of the more expensive 3-way speaker systems out there for computers, but they are so far above everything else that I listened to that spending less money would have honestly felt like spending money without getting anything worthwhile in return. Buying a bottle of wine and finding vinegar inside. Yes, they are that good...everything else will feel like vinegar by comparison.

I have never been a particularly big fan of 5- or 7-way home theater speaker systems for listening to music. They are fine for listening to movies where you want to hear helicopters, bullets, and explosions surrounding you, but who sits in the middle of the band or orchestra when listening to music? And since I'm not much into gaming, I figured a good 3-way speaker system (L, R, and subwoofer) would be more than adequate. The other thing about speakers for a computer is that the listener is usually in the same position, so the speakers don't need to fill the room with sound and match its acoustics - they simply need to give me a reasonable listening experience while I'm sitting directly in front of my screen.

When I unpacked these little beauties and plugged them in, to say I was impressed would be a true understatement. They are breathtakingly good speakers for the money. I have also been very impressed with the customer service offered by Klipsch. My subwoofer sits on the floor, and when I moved my desk to do some vacuuming, I managed to damage one of the connectors. Klipsch replaced it for a very nominal fee and the design of the speaker system was such that I could easily do it myself. What more could you ask for?

One other thing I'll add: I like to crank my music. My 11-year old is constantly chiding me, "Dad, turn it DOWN!" If you like to rattle the windows, there is more than enough juice here to do the job thanks to a 200 W integrated amplifier in the subwoofer. No, you won't actually use all those 200 watts (unless you want to break the windows, not just rattle them), but having all that headroom means you get a very clean sound, free of the distortion you're likely to get from lesser systems or when relying solely on the wimpy output of your computer's sound card.

Sure, you can buy systems with more speakers in them, but if - like myself - your primary purpose in buying computer speakers is to listen to music, more speakers is simply overkill. And yes, you can certainly spend less money on speakers, but as the old adage goes, "you get what you pay for." I can assure you that if you purchase these speakers, you will not feel that you have overpaid. There will be no buyer's remorse -only a gift that keeps on giving with consistently great sound.

Without hesitation, they are worth every one of the 5 stars I'm awarding.