Performance

Sounds good!

Let's start off by saying that the ProMedia 2.1 system sounds very similar to the v.2 400, and that's a very good thing. Even with less power and a single driver subwoofer, the ProMedia 2.1 has no trouble filling a room with music. Contrary to Klipsch's claims, I did not find the ProMedia 2.1 more musical that the v.2 400, nor did I find it any less musical. Both systems sound great. The 2.1 may have a slight edge in the integration of the subwoofer and satellites.

One complaint that I have had in the past with sub-sat systems is the poor low volume performance. With many systems, at lower volumes, the sub disappears and you are left with a very hollow sound or noticeable localization of the sub. The ProMedia 2.1 does not join this group. At low volumes, the subwoofer was able to effectively blend with the satellites, without over powering them. This is using the same physical placement of the subwoofer and satellite that I have used in testing other systems.

The satellite

In the nude

High frequencies were very clear without being harsh, and vocals had a nice air to them. The sound tended on the high side, without the warmth that I am accustomed to with my bookshelf monitor speakers. The only type of music where this difference would be noticed would be with acoustic vocals or acapella type music where the vocal is the primary sound. For games and other synthesized music, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 doesn't make any compromises.

Klipsch has no competition when it comes to bass. Yeah, you can buy bigger subs for your home theater, but no set of computer speakers can match the extension of the Klipsch ProMedia series. It isn't that Klipsch is using bigger enclosures or bigger drivers for the bass, just more power and smarter design. Even with the sub volume set at the recommended level, which is about 30% of maximum, the bass is very palpable. Upon visual inspection, we noticed that the subwoofer driver used in the ProMedia 2.1 is different from that used in the ProMedia v.2 400, at least from the front. Unfortunately this driver is not shielded.

That's a big port

Compared to the other multimedia speakers on the market, Klipsch remains at the head of the pack. With a true two-way system, including a separate tweeter and mid-bass on each satellite, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 system is able to more effectively reproduce a higher range of frequencies. There really isn't a very good substitute for drivers specialized for specific frequencies.

The sub is louder and plays deeper than the other computer speakers. Overall the Klipsch setup comes closest to creating a computer system that rivals the bigger home systems. For sonic ability alone, the Klipsch ProMedia series will be hard to match.