Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System

General Information

ProMedia 2.1 THX-certified, three-piece computer audio system transforms your desktop into a high-performance audio entertainment center. Its exclusive Klipsch MicroTractrix horn maximizes digital technologies such as CDs, MP3 downloads, streaming radio programs, and other popular personal audio applications, and delivers a level of power and accuracy never before available. The 200-Watt digital hybrid amplifier driven ProMedia 2.1 incorporates a convenient headphone jack as well as a miniplug input that makes it compatible with gaming consoles and most portable audio devices.

Latest reviews

Fademan77

New Head-Fier
Pros: Large desktop speakers. A definite improvement from standard speakers
Cons: No way to turn off the speakers from the controller. Makes "popping" noises when on standby. Plastic (cheap) enclosure for the satellites.
Purchased these this week, and had them replaced with another set - which exhibited the same flaw.
Two may be a curse, but they both did the same thing so I would be wary. 
 
When on standby, the speakers issued a very low sounding 'ticking' sound (every 3 seconds or so), and the subwoofer exhibited a medium-frequency humming noise.
(no, not interference - tried with computer off / router off / different rooms...same deal).
 
I expect that this is a build flaw, but for the price, not something I was going to put up with.
Also - given there is no way to power down the system from the control (besides from unplugging from the wall), it was unacceptable.
 
Now - when actually on, the speakers were actually pretty good. I would say "pretty" good, as the soundstage wasn't as bright as I would have expected, given the size of the drivers. It certainly wasn't immersive.
 
The speaker wires were also those cheap 1mm black / red wires - I would have expected something slightly better for this level of speaker.

mistersprinkles

Head-Fier
Pros: Decent sound for $150. Decently tight bass for $150
Cons: very poor midrange. Recessed vocals. Tend to break after a few years.
I owned a pair of these. My uncle also bought them. They sound ok for the price. For people concerned with actual fidelity and resolution, you'd be much better off with entry level 4 or 5 inch powered studio monitors. Presonus' Eris 4.5 is a 4.5" stereo studio monitor setup that sounds much better than the promedia- especially with a good source like a decent USB DAC, or even a high end soundcard like an Essence STX. Of course, these don't have a sub. So if you're a basshead and all your music is at a terrible 320kbps or lower, stick with the promedias. If you listen to FLAC/ALAC/WAV or CD's and you want better sound, look at a 4.5 or 5" stereo studio monitor setup. I don't recommend the (strangely popular) Audioengine A5 as an alternative as that speaker is very poor for the price.
 
Basically, at any price point, there are better speakers out there than the Promedias for the "broke audiophile". For people without good hearing, or who don't know what good sound is, or who are bassheads, the Promedia will be fine for you. However, if you want truly good sound quality out of your computer in a one-time purchase, consider tripling your budget and getting the KEF X300A which is a stereo setup consisting of two nice bookshelf speakers which each have their own internal DAC and class A/B amplification. Those sound like true entry level HIFI. You won't get that out of any computer speaker. 
 
In the end, as all audiophiles know, computer speakers are crap. Why? Simply because the manufacturers can get away with it. The average user doesn't expect much from their computer in terms of sound quality. Those of us in the know, know that you can hook a $50 000 HIFI up to a computer and get incredible sound if you do it properly. All computer speakers from $20 logitechs all the way up to $500 AudioEngine's are crap. Some are more crap than others, like the Corsair SP2500 which is monumentally terrible... but none are good. The only truly good computer speakers that ever existed were the short-lived Klipsch iFi which used two actual HIFI satellites (RSX3) and a proper entry level HIFI subwoofer for really mind blowing sound. They were about $500 back in 2005-2007. Exceptional. These days though it's all gutter grade.
 
Save up $700 and get the X300As. 
Steve Sunny
Steve Sunny
How on earth are 320kbps MP3's "terrible"? 

Ssgtnubb

New Head-Fier
Pros: Good quality construction and the sound is very good considering the cost
Cons: No way to turn off the sub from the controller, would be nice to save the pressure on the amp. Buggy sound controls at times
Over the past 6 years I've had 4 sets of these speakers and I'll say the older model's are by far better than the newer series in overall quality but the newer models retain enough value to consider them over other brands.  My biggest grip with all my sets is the noise you can get when turning the volume up or down and I've finally found a nice and easy fix.  Take the knobs off the controller and spray a little WD-40 or similar electronic oil safe spray and all the issues will go away.  I just don't see myself moving to another brand and when I do it'll be to some sort of actual hi-fi setup with an actual stereo head unit.
 
I can't recommend these enough.  :thumb:

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