Klipsch ProMedia 2.1

The Sound

The success of the v.2-400 leads to much anticipation of any new system from Klipsch. The 2.1 speaker market is a great opportunity for them to prove that putting quality sound combined with power as a priority can lead to a great system.

The first notes out of Klipsch's system demonstrate that it is there to stay on the desktop, asserting its position by shaking the table top with lots of power and crystal clear sound. The presence that the powerful subwoofer adds to the system clearly defines the body of the soundfield; between its design and power, the sub controls the frequency spectrum down into the depths of human hearing, where the user feels the system as much as they hear it.

The MicroTractrix horns utilized in the satellites add directionality to the soundfield with a well controlled dispersion angle. When the satellites are positioned correctly and listened to on axis, the treble in the system is very out front, with lots of presence. Off axis, the treble is less defined, and the sound isn't as well rounded.

The benefit of a controlled stereo soundfield is evident in sonic positioning. Both in normal stereo playback, and playback of audio run through positioning algorithms such as in games, it allows for more definition in where the sound comes from. When the ear perceives the result, it hears clarity and quality.

By utilizing both the directional horn, as well as the 3" midrange driver, the satellites are capable of reproducing a broad frequency spectrum. This two way design works to overcome the acoustic problems that arise in most 2.1 speaker system around the crossover point between satellites and sub. Whereas many small satellites do not have the capability to accurately reproduce the lower midrange frequencies, the two way design provides a mid range driver much more prepared to handle this situation.

The lowest notes in the audio spectrum are handled by the subwoofer, which anchors the sonic performance of the system. 130W provides for the energy needed to create the longer wavelengths, while the ported box seems to have put the 6.5" driver to work extremely well. The headroom, or potential for volume, in the sub combined with its individual adjustment knob on the control pod allows the bass level to be tailored to balance out the system.

Though it is only a 2.1 system, for the occasional movie, the system will have all the power one could ask for in the rumbling effects common to action flicks. The response in the sub is extremely quick-- staccato effects like helicopter blades will not get lost in a wave of bass energy, but will instead be individually reproduced. The only distracting thing could be the air movement across the feet resulting from the front port, but it won't detract from the impact of the acoustics.

These same qualities carry the system into the gaming arena with both power and accuracy. The well defined soundfield will handle any of the positioning algorithms with ease while the sub will keep the action thumping. At no time will there be a lack of power; the system holds true to the excellence seen in it's older brother, the v.2-400.

While its performance has already raised itself above the field for 2.1 system, the system truly shines when it comes to stereo music playback. Between a low noise floor, incredible power, and a two way satellite plus sub combination, the system stands as one of the most musical options in computer audio. Treble notes are easily reproduced and pushed to the front of the mix, which is substantially supported with strong midrange and full bass reproduction. The ProMedia 2.1 system is truly a pleasure to listen to, day in and day out.

After seeing how it sounds, it was time to weigh cost and features to draw the final conclusions. Read on to see how the system shakes out.