jessi5000's Full Review: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 2 Speakers
When buying a new computer last year, I decided that I was sick of all of the distortion, static, and lackluster bass my crummy $30.00 speakers were giving me. I decided it was time to crank the volume up, not just a few notches, but to the very top. I wanted not just desktop speakers, but a powerful speaker system which would be able to give a real stereo system a run for its money.
Enter the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speaker system.
After doing some online research and testing of my at own at the local Best Buy, I concluded that these speakers were the best I could get for the money I was willing to spend ($200 or less). I also liked the fact that they had two satellite speakers, because a college dorm is no place to install a surround sound system.
Specifications from klipsch.com
In summary, these speakers are powerful. They have a large frequency response, which means that they can produce both very high and very low sounds. They have 200 watts of power, which means that they can exert a lot of power, and get quite loud. There is a headphone jack on one of the satellites, as well as a MP3 two-channel soundcard miniplug.
Frequency Response: 31Hz - 20kHz
Max Acoustic Output: 106dB SPL
Amplifier Power: FTC Rated Per Satellite: 55 watts/channel @ = 1% THD, 200Hz - 1KHz (Note: all channels driven) FTC Rated Subwoofer: 50 watts @ = 7% THD, 40 - 100 Hz Max Burst Power*: 200 watts @ = 1% THD (Note: all channels driven) *Maximium Burst Power indicates the actual power this amplifier will deliver to the speakers under normal operating conditions. While the FTC power rating indicates power available on a continuous, long-term basis, multi-channel systems do not rely on that type of power. Instead, the amplifier is called upon to deliver large, short-term bursts of power to be able to support today’s digital music, games and movie formats. In addition to the required FTC power rating, we have provided the maximum burst output as a better indication of the product’s true performance.
Inputs: MP3 two-channel soundcard miniplug
Outputs: Headphone s
Weight: Satellite: 2.1 lbs. (0.95kg) Subwoofer: 16 lbs. (7.26kg)
The Unveiling
I purchased them at newegg.com for $164.00 with free shipping, and 4 days later rejoiced the arrival of my new purchase.
Setup of the speakers was very easy and only took about 2 minutes. I had to plug the satellite speakers into the subwoofer, the sub into the wall outlet, the satellites into each other, and one satellite into the computer. I found that the cable length for the speakers were adequate and not excessive.
Using the Speakers
Like the setup, the controls are very simple. There is a main volume and subwoofer volume on one of the satellites. There are no bass and treble controls, but I haven't found this to be a problem. The power switch is located on the back of the subwoofer, which can be annoying at times because the subwoofer is located under my desk. I usually just leave my speakers on, unless I know I won't be using them for a day or more.
Performance
I have been using these speakers for 9 months, and I have yet to be disappointed with the way they sound. I listen to a huge variety of music, from The Beatles, to Mozart, to Marylin Manson, to Madonna.
If you are not used to a high end speaker system, take care the first time you use these. The volume dial is set to 6 o'clock when it is down all the way; the first time I used these, I turned it up to 12 o'clock, put a song on Winamp, and almost had a heart attack -- it was a LOT louder than I was expected.
That being said, these speakers sound excellent loud. There is minimal distortion and static.
At lower volumes, the system still sounds superb. The bass does not get lost, as it often does in other systems.
The bass is great. At its highest setting, it is booming and has a tendency to blow any papers that are near the subwooder; at a moderate level (Klipsch recommends 10 o'clock), it is still heard clearly without being overpowering.
Why I Can't Give the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 System Five Stars
I have had my speakers for less than a year, and have taken very good care of them, but I've already had two major problems with the wiring.
The first time, the plug that goes from the main satellite to the subwoofer broke. It was falling apart at the end which went into the subwoofer, and the connection was intermittent. This happened just three weeks after acquiring the system, so I assume that it was shipped this way. I phoned customer service and after confirming that I had registered my speakers online for the 1-year warranty, they told me to send an e-mail their way describing the problem and a new satellite would be sent to me the next day.
Fast forward to two weeks later. I had not received my new satellite, so I e-mailed customer service and they told me that the part was backordered. I would have to wait a month for it to arrive.
After another two weeks, I began to get impatient, and called customer service again. After speaking with a representative, I was promised that they would contact me the next day about what to do about the situation. I never got the phone call, but I did get a new satellite a few days later.
The second time I had a problem, one of the plugs that went into the satellite stopped working. This time, however, I was sent a new set of wires in a week, along with an invoice, even though the speakers were still under warranty. A quick e-mail to customer service which included a copy of my receipt when I purchased the speakers abated the error.
Conclusion
The wires are subpar, which is somewhat incomprehensible given the price and class of this system. Although this is unfortunate, I wouldn't not recommend these speakers based on it. It is a flaw that is not inherent to the system and can be fixed easily. One can purchase a set of high-quality wires to replace the ones they come with, or simply take advantage of the warranty.
The customer support is helpful and has a policy of shipping new parts when needed, without asking one to ship the damaged one back. This is a good policy, because shipping a 16-pound subwoofer must be quite costly.
Although they can be a bit bothersome at times, when prodded they come through, and that is what matters.
What it comes down to is that the quality of the sound is simply amazing, for all types of audio. The two downsides outlined above do not overshadow that.
If you are a serious gamer, audiophile, or just like really loud, intense bass, then the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speakers are for you.
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