Klipsch is a high end producer of speakers, although they didn’t enter the computer speaker market until 1999. They haven’t released too many different products, instead relying on a select few high quality speaker systems to satisfy customers. There’s no pandering to the masses with Klipsch – they only offer premium speakers at premium prices. Especially with computer parts, you really do get what you pay for.
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Specifications
The Klipsch – ProMedia 2.1 speaker system is a high end 2.1 system costing around $150. It’s been manufactured since 2000, an eternity when it comes to computers. Even after all these years, it still sells reliably well.
There’s nothing particularly special about the design – just two satellites and a subwoofer, though they’re attractive and sturdily built. One problem common to many computer speakers is that they often look cheap or weak, prone to breaking if a gust of air blows the wrong direction. That’s certainly not the case with the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 system.
The audio connection is a standard 3.5 mm audio cable from the left satellite speaker. The system would benefit from the 3.5 mm cable coming out of the subwoofer since it would cut down on wire clutter, but that’s almost the only design flaw in the whole system.
The other design flaw is the power switch, which is located on the rear of the subwoofer. Most speaker power switches are located on the satellite or a remote control, where you can find volume and bass controls. Since it’s on the rear of the subwoofer, it’s almost impossible to reach.
If you’re willing to whip out another $40, you can pick up the wireless version of the ProMedia 2.1 system. It’s the exact same system, except the speakers connect to the computer with a USB wireless adapter. The USB adapter means the wireless ProMedia 2.1 system bypasses your sound card, so high end discrete sound cards are completely wasted.
Audiophiles will probably want to stick with the wired version. The 3.5 mm audio jack allows the sound card’s better audio output to perform admirably, and the wired version is substantially cheaper anyway.
Total power output is 35 watts a piece for the satellites and 130 for the subwoofer, so the system tops out at 200 watts total.
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Sound Quality
The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 system succeeds admirably when it comes to sound quality. The volume control doesn’t actually change the volume too dramatically, depending on the computer’s audio volume setting. However, most keyboards come with audio controls today anyway, so this isn’t a huge issue.
You won’t need to turn the bass on the subwoofer up to a high setting since even low settings create sonorous thundering. Turning it on one quarter of the way is sufficient most of the time, and halfway is about the threshold of comfort. If you love bass, by all means, turn it up, but when your neighbors call the police, you’ll know why.
The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers are incredibly versatile. They handle highs and lows equally well, and there isn’t a frequency at which they have any sort of crackling or static.
Conclusion
The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers are expensive, but they’re worth it if you watch a lot of movies on your computer, play video games, or just want to get that extra oomph out of music. You can get decent speakers for a lot less, but audiophiles never settled for decent.
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