Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Computer Speakers

Simply the best – The title says it all. I regularly try speakers from other manufacturers and use the Klipsch Pro 2.1 as my go-to reference and so far (in over 15 years), nothing has matched them for quality of sound. They aren't cheap but the fact that the same model has been sold since 2000 says they are doing something right and I see that they are now offering… Read more

the same units in Bluetooth form rather than the cabled ones I have.

The early models had some known issues with internal wiring and my first set suffered those issues (after ~5 years) and would randomly become mono when only one speaker would work but I had them repaired and they've been a good backup set ever since. Those issues were resolved with a redesign in 2010 and I've experienced no issues with the current set which were purchased in 2014.

I was sceptical when I was first offered a set to try in 2003 having been raised in an era where good sound reproduction meant big speakers (or lots of little ones like Bose) and while these aren't the smallest computer speakers around, they aren't large by any means. It took about 20 minutes of listening before I made the phone call to say that I'd buy them whatever the cost which was a not unreasonable $499 and they have reduced in price since.

I wouldn't be without them.

Spellbound – The Klipsch ProMedia are the third set of 2.1 computer speakers. The first two were Logitech (can't recall what they were specifically) which lasted many years of constant use. In fact the second set are still in perfect working order and, as with the Klipsch, has its good and bag points. First of all, it took roughly ten minutes to set up once… Read more

it was out of the box. The satellite speakers are compact and connect to the amp via long cables allowing for a solid stereo experience.

Using the recommended subwoofer volume, it is difficult to not fall in love with it. The acoustics and range sound incredible in most corners of a room and below half capacity in the master volume the 6.5" sub makes it's presence known. Playing songs such as Up in Flumes by T-mass and the Henry Krinkle remix of Cool by Le Youth, it is immediately apparent how deep the sub drives each note. You don't just hear the bass-

you *feel* it.

The satellites provide an amazing volume and produce beautifully crisp notes. There is a mild distortion in the sub at higher volumes that sounds more like a growl and depending on the song it is a deeply satisfying sound.

The distortion also complements other sounds. When watching movies, the rumble of thunder or the growl of a car idling by the road shake you to the core. In gaming, the score is seamless. Battling in Skyrim plugged to these is another experience altogether. These speakers mashed me smile.

As far as the satellites are concerned, their output range is offset. While the system overall pumps crisp highs and resounding lows, there isn't a definitive balance between the two. There was a lot of potential for Klipsch to allow the satellites some extra range to give off that warm resonance and balance been highs and lows that can be found in a decent stereo or set of mid-priced headphones.

The volume and bass controls can be very touchy, too. I find it peculiar that the master volume control doesn't have the same turning resistance as the bass control, so there's a point just before halfway where the volume jumps to a crazy height that rumbles down the hallway that, like an overpowered cold tap in a hotel shower, takes some work to find the sweet spot. Enjoy the ride when you get there.

In comparison to a lot of other systems of a similar price range, the sound is otherworldly. For movies, music, games or general television viewing, deeper voices aren't muffled, the sub doesn't overpower the satellites too much and the auxiliary cable can be plugged into anything with a headphone jack. Highly recommended if you don't have neighbors.

THX certified, powers a living room, great for movies, good for music – My use with 2.1s are for watching movies on TV (through laptop or Apple TV/Stan) and music. The rating is based on performance vs value for money. I will update about reliability as it goes. I had a similar spec Altec Lansing 2.1 hence my review will be based on a direct comparison. They have volume and subwoofer (bass) controls. This… Read more

review is based on the subwoofer control keeping around 1/4 turn where there is a recommended dot marked.

Movies (Action & Drama): Excellent reproduction of sound on overall range. Great bass for those explosions and helicopter sounds. Movie dialogues are clear as expected. In short the THX certified specs are doing its job.

Music (Pop & Dance): It is good for music, however, I wont rate it excellent coz it lacks a bit of solid kick from the bass compared to the similar spec Altec Lansing 2.1. The bass of Klipsch is generated from the lower end of the frequency spectrum which is good for movies but not so great for music.

Games : No more into games. Sorry.

Cons : No remote, higher price.

Overall : I researched 2.1s and since Altec Lansing is no more making bigger speakers plus there are not many big 2.1s out there. I like them overall, wish they added a remote for the price.

Exceptional sound for price and category, look no further – The Klipsch Promedia 2.1's have been around for more than a decade, and until this time, I have had the misfortune of not being graced by their presence, wading my way through a plethora of other multimedia systems in my vein search of a worthy desktop speaker system that sounds good but but takes up minimal space. The sound: The treble… Read more

extension of these speakers far beyond what anyone could or would reasonably expect from a pair or multimedia computer speakers, and from my perspective is easily the standout attribute of the system, the treble is highly detailed and consistently reveals details in the sound which are often simply lost on other systems, I have not heard another single 2.1 desktop set that would best the pro media’s in this regard, and for this they are to be commended.

The upper midrange is articulate and leaves little to complain about, however if there is an issue with the sound, it is the inability of the small paper mid range drivers in their plastic housings to adequately produce a lower midrange with any kind of real warmth or depth, however they still best all of other speakers I've heard in *this category* so they are still noteworthy.

To make up for this as usual, the subwoofer extends somewhat above what one would expect as a reasonable upper bass range in order to compensate, making the subwoofer somewhat easy to localise if not thoughtfully placed, however in the right spot it blends well, and I still consider this to be a better alternative than leaving a gaping great hole in the frequency response. The subwoofer could by some be considered a little unrefined, but really only when compared to systems far outranging the price and category of these promedias, they are computer speakers after all, and in the company of the competition from the likes of Logitech, Creative, Edifier and Bose, the sub is positively a ballerina, it is punchier than the Edifier S730, more articulate than Logitech's Z623, more honest than Boses Comanion 5, and achieve a far better balance with the main speakers than Creatives.

The extended and highly detailed treble, combined with a slightly thin lower mid range, and decently blended bass lend themselves to a somewhat bright and punchy, but not unbalanced sounding set. It is an exciting and detailed sound, and volume is a plenty. Sure, some may find them fatiguing for long listens due to brightness, or may criticise the slight lack mid range finesse, but then, they shouldn’t be buying computer speakers.

If ultimate bass punch is the goal, there are more powerful offerings from Logitech, although not as refined. If one needs a warmer and more laid back sound, Edifier is the standout, however treble extension and intelligibility will be sacrificed. Given this is a set that debuted in 2002, they of course have no case of style to make against Bose, but they do sound miles better, which for speakers is important. The Creatives really are the most difficult to recommend in this group.

Conclusion:

The analogue volume controls are tiny and highly sensitive, making them a pain to adjust. They have no remote control. No Bluetooth. No standby mode, they are on, or they are off. They do not look overly modern or chic. They may just be the best sounding 2.1ch multimedia speakers on the market, with a crisp, punchy, and detailed sound, signature of Klipsch and THX systems, and worthy of a much high price bracket. So for that alone they deserve praise. Great sound! Treble Extension, Detail, Bass Punch, Volume. Touchy volume controls, dated look, no bells or whistles.

Old Multi Media - yet still the best – These are SERIOUSLY AMAZING Value for their price. I have owned 2 sets. The first in 2002 and now. In fact my later pair are cheaper than the first. Glad to see these FINALLY available in Australia again. The 5.1's didn't make it over here. The Americans like their gear SUPERCHARGED compared to the Aussies. The 2.1's are for close sound - however… Read more

will power a medium house well, yet same room deafening with incredibly REAL and clear sound. I've NEVER found PC sound close to these unless you're prepared to spend upwards of $1400.00

My originals lasted 6 years and I replaced the fuse (screw in compartment) about 5 times as we had poor power supply in an older house - surges Incredible clarity, volume, range and price None