Sorry to be so Gushy...but I really LOVE these speakers. Having owned high-end speaker systems from Logitech, Labtech & Creative, I have always enjoyed good sound for games and music. As time has worn on, I began to play more music and fewer games on my PC. As a result I began looking for a quality 3-piece system to replace my 5-piece surround system.I searched through all the companies I had purchased from before, when I stumbled across the Promedia 2.1's... and let me just say....
WOW!
... These speakers are CLEARLY head and shoulders above all other 3-piece systems in both power and sound quality.
You MUST hear them to appreciate the difference.
PROS:
Amazing sound: clear highs, full mid-range and rich tight bass.
Power that rivals many home systems (200w-total)Satellites (35w ea) Subwoofer (130W)
Convenient headphone and auxiliary input jacks.
Convenient and separate controls for volume and bass.
Very attractive casing.
Very easy setup
THX certified (which means you will hear things you won't hear on other speakers).
CONS:
* I cannot think of anything major, but a few drawbacks might be...
Speaker system does not have a power switch on the satellite, it is located on the sub-woofer, which is not easy to get to (as it is typically tucked out of sight). However, the problem of shutdown is easily addressed with a power strip.
[Costly,] compared to other systems (...though they are WELL worth the difference).
Has horn tweeters, which are too "bright" for some folks... though I LOVE them.
Everything I play through these speakers sound great (DVD's, MP3's, Digital Camcorder movies, tape player etc.)I do not believe a better 3-piece system exists on the planet.
If you are a gamer or home theater enthusiast, I would encourage you to look at this systems "big brothers" (the 4.1 & 5.1 Promedia systems) as they are even more amazing (and pricier) for games and movies.
If you are in the market for a great speaker system I HIGHLY recommend Klipsch to you.
--------Updated 4/21/12------------------
Okay so after 10 years of constant and strenuous use my system gave up the ghost. The other night the sub-woofer blew, in large part because I played back a converted home movie that had high distortion...which of course wrecks speakers.
My bad!
Now onto the good news.
The next day, I went to Best Buy to buy a replacement system. Much to my delight there was my beloved Promedia 2.1 and the much hyped Logitech Z623 Speaker System side by side. The Best Buy guy was obviously a fan of Logitech, cuz he waxed on how the z623 was an ultra efficient design that had such a clean sound and great power. I thought awesome... perhaps after 11 years someone had overtaken Klipsch for the best 2.1 system under $200. I happen to have my iPhone with me sporting a bevy of play-lists. A little Rock, Country, Jazz, Hip hop and a high energy dance-mix.
So let the comparison begin.
On paper both systems spec out a lot alike, in price, configuration and advertised wattage.
The Logitech z623 is a solid system. It is nice looking has good power, clean sound, nice controls and on/off button. It performed well with jazz and instrumental arrangements like symphony and saxophone. It may have a little better sound image the the Klipsch on those genres of music...however is it better overall system then the Klipsch?
Not in my book!
The Promedia system is still considerably louder, had stronger punchier bass, cleaner highs and has a way of really filling the room that is more exhilarating and satisfying. If you like Pop, Rock, Hip Hop and Dance music and you like it LOUD, then the Klipsch system is still King of the Hill.
So of course I had to go with Klipsch, how could I not after all the good history we've had together? Here's to another 10 years of dependable service and beautiful music together.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I have my trio connected to a new Mac Pro desktop unit and the sound is absolutely magical. Yes, there are more complex set-ups, with 5 or 7 speakers spread out across the room, but if you just want the magic without the madness, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX is an incredible (and very affordable) solution that's quick and easy to configure in about 5 minutes.
Of course, there are other 3-speaker desktop systems by makers like Logitech, Cyber Acoustics, and Intec, but here's the difference: Klipsch is a true speaker company that connects great speakers to your computer, while those others are computer peripherals companies that one day decided to make speakers. NOT the same thing. The only brands that are true competitors to Klipsch in this area are Bose, Harman Kardon, JBL, and Altec Lansing. I find that the Altec Lansing and JBL 3-speaker sets both sound nasal and "tinny" on the high end, while the Bose and Harman Kardon sets sound great, but are more expensive. So, after a good look (and listen) around, I went with Klipsch.
In any case, this is an incredible sound set-up for your computer-based music player and should not be overlooked. Enjoy.
Buy Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System (Black) Now
I purchased the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX solution last week after reading the reviews here. For the most part, the reviews are accurate.Short Version: These computer speakers are definitely worth the price I paid (about $150 locally at Best Buy).
Longer Version: The primary use for the speakers is for music, mostly MP3 (high 320 bitrate, "CD quality" rips). There is the occasional CD and game, but mostly the MP3 library. I listen to MP3s from literally every genre there is, including oldies, country, jazz, classical, and rap/hip-hop, but the majority of listening is metal, hard rock, and classic rock.
Wanting to step up from my "budget" Harmon-Kardon 3-speaker system I considered this Klipsch solution, as well as the Bose Companion 3 and 5. Due to the USB-only option on the Bose Companion 5 it was quickly ruled out.
Having the search narrowed between the Klipsch ProMedia ($150) and the Bose Companion 3 ($250) I headed off to Best Buy, knowing they sold both and had them in stock. As luck would have it, they were set up for demos side-by-side. I first listened to the Klipsch, then the Bose, then repeated both. My wife and myself were both immediately convinced that the Klipch offered a much fuller and richer sound. The Bose had little midrange and was to tinny sounding. The choice was obvious, and the Klipsch was $100 less.
Brought them home and set them up immediately. Definite quality look and feel to the speakers, subwoofer/amp, and even cabling. Documentation is minimalistic, but setup is not that difficult for the general user.
The system sounded very good upon initial trial. I played parts of 10-20 MP3s of varying genres, all at very high volume. If you max out the volume there is some distortion (despite what some others have said). But, in most situations I find it unlikely that anyone would max out the volume on this system. They are designed for the listener to be located a few feet away, in front of the speakers, not for a whole-house sound system.
The sound range is excellent on these speakers. The design is well though out. The product is definitely worth the $150 and certainly on par, or better than, the Bose offering. The Bose does "look better", but are you buying speakers for visual or sound?
Based upon my initial impression, and assuming these speakers hold up well over the expected life-span I would definitely recommend them, and would buy them again myself for another computer if needed.
Read Best Reviews of Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System (Black) Here
Wonderful sound Cheap DIN plugOne little 3 cent plug turned my $150 amazing sound speaker system into a pile of trash. Since then, I've been reading tons of people in blogs with similar problems and very few solutions. The plug is so flimsy that, it broke when I moved the subwoofer to clean under it! Once broken, nothing works! The replacements are so few, some people wait for months for them. There are several people making a killing on EBAY who promise to fix your DIN plug!
On the company's web site, they still refuse to see there's a problem, despite the number of people with faulty plugs. Their overpriced replacement items fly off the shelves!! There are WAITING LISTS for this one item!
Next time, I am buying something else!
Want Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer Speaker System (Black) Discount?
Since I bought my first stereo system in the late 1970s, most component purchase decisions have been about looking for the right compromise between performance and price. In this case, the combinations of Klipsch's tradition of great speakers and an in-store audition made me disregard the price point, and --after months of monk-like-denial of other little wants-plunk down the significant $ these requre. If price is your ONLY consideration, then hese speakers have some excellent competition from Logitech (and soon, from their own company, when the GMX D-5.1 are released in Feb 2003). But: These are equal to --or better-than best home stereo speakers I've ever owned. And at that level of performance (even with adding of a 5.1 capable sound card if you don't already have one), then these are at a modest price point. Like loud??? Crank 'em up. Not only will you risk your hearing, but you'll be amazed at how damned crisp the sound was just before deafness set in. Issues: The subwoofer is not for confined spaces. The "control tower" user interface has some issues (the power button is inexplicably located on its side, and the smaller center/rear/sub adjustment knobs would be improved by either some backlit labels and or a configuration that visually establishes their relationship): these are minor points, but surprising oversights in a speaker system that wil require most of four hundred dollars to buy. But: put in your favorite tunes (interesting note for P2P lovers whose music may be mostly downloaded: Klipsch indicates in their manual that these speakers will reveal the loss of fidelity in the MP3 format. Be prepared!), turn up the volume and all is forgiven. These rock. Period.
No comments:
Post a Comment