First thoughts when you think of PC speakers are low power with thin sound and no bass. Generally, you can listen to PC speakers pretty loud and not disturb the person in the next room. The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speaker system destroys all those PC speaker stereotypes. And the best part, they’re under $200!
When it comes to home audio Klipsch stands out from the crowd. This great American brand produces some of the best speakers in the world. Exceptionally designed with high-quality parts. Klipsch manufactures the Ferrari of PC speakers.
This speaker is featured as part of our 10 Best PC Speakers article.
What’s In The Box?
Two satellite speakers, one subwoofer, two 9.5’ lengths of speaker cable (22-gauge to connect the sub to the two satellite speakers), a user’s manual, and warranty information. A 3” ⅛ inch (3.5mm) cable fixed to the rear of the control pod. This connects your speaker system to your PC, TV, or DVD player.
On the side of the control pod is an additional ⅛ inch AUX input. This input can be used to connect your phone or other devices. So effectively, you have two inputs. This eliminates the need for plugging and unplugging the primary input cable. A ⅛ inch headphone output is located next to the AUX.
Best Applications for the ProMedia 2.1
The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speaker system is perfect if you’re looking for something affordable and powerful. With the 130W 6.5” subwoofer, the ProMedia 2.1 bridges the gap from PC speaker to mini home theater system. The additional power on the low end delivers a full rich sound. This means gamers, movie watchers, and music lovers will all appreciate the ProMedia 2.1 speaker system.
Don’t let the size fool you. The Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 might not be party speakers but they are definitely still adequate for an apartment or dorm room party – you may even get noise complaints. They’re that loud.
Applications NOT Suited for the ProMedia 2.1
While the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1’s are versatile, there is only one application where they’re not recommended. The large sub and various cables connecting the system together means this is by no means a portable setup. If you are looking for a speaker system that’s quick and easy to move around, then the ProMedia 2.1 probably isn’t the best choice. While it’s okay to move the speakers from time to time for a party or special occasion, you wouldn’t want to move this system around too often. The ProMedia 2.1 is more of a fixed setup. As far as downsides go, this is a minor issue.
Here is the official demo video for the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Wireless. The ProMedia 2.1 Bluetooth has replaced the Wireless model however, this video gives you an idea of the size and setup of the speaker system.
Sound and Technical Aspects
There are a couple of major aspects that set the ProMedia 2.1 apart from other PC speakers. The first being the system is loud. Surprisingly loud for the size. The maximum SPL (sound pressure level) is 106dB. This is sure to wake up everyone in a standard 3 bedroom family home with ease. Secondly, the ProMedia 2.1 produces a frequency response of 31Hz to 20kHz. Typical PC speakers only produce a frequency response of between 100Hz – 18kHz which is why they generally sound treble-heavy with no bass.
The ProMedia 2.1’s full frequency response delivers crisp highs, defined mids and solid, thunderous bass. This is what makes these speakers so versatile and could easily double as a mini home theater system.
The simple control pod has two control knobs. One for volume and a separate for bass control. Having separate bass control is great when you need to compensate for different applications. For instance, you might want to turn up the bass when listening to Hip Hop, watching a scary movie, or playing a specific game.
Klipsch recommends keeping the bass control set to 10 o’clock. This will deliver consistent bass at both low and high volumes. The bass can go much higher however, you’ll find it isn’t necessary for most applications. Maxing out the bass can lead to distortion. Maxing out any sound system is never a good idea as you run the risk of damage. Having said that, if used for their intended purpose, I doubt you’ll need to max out the ProMedia 2.1s.
For those looking for some technical specs, the ProMedia 2.1s deliver a total peak power output of 200W. Each satellite speaker produces a 35W peak and the subwoofer a powerful 130W peak. The satellites are bi-amped with a 1” tweeter and 3” mid-range driver crossed over at 5kHz. This crossover separation in the satellite speakers enables the system to deliver a flat frequency response and with defined clarity.
Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Bluetooth
Klipsch has also made a Bluetooth version of the ProMedia 2.1 aptly named the ProMedia 2.1 BT. The BT version is identical except for the fact they cost around $30 more and include a Bluetooth input. This is in addition to the ⅛ AUX input. Making a total of 3 audio inputs for the ProMedia 2.1 BT. The obvious benefit of the BT model is that you’re able to connect your phone and other Bluetooth devices remotely. This means no swapping out AUX cables and the ability to change the music and adjust the volume from across the room.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a decent PC speaker system for the home office, your bedroom, or even a college dorm room, you will not be disappointed with the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speaker system. When it comes to value for money, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 cannot be beaten. This system retails at well under $200 however, could easily sell for closer to $300 and still be worth the purchase. The Klipsch brand name alone is worth the price. Klipsch products are built to last, never disappoint, and have exceptional after-sales service and support in the US. Check out the Klipsch website for more details on service and warranty.
Do you know how these differ from the newer (non THX) version?
Hi Jeffrey! The newer model of the ProMedia 2.1 system is essentially the same, sonically, as the older THX models. They had a previous partnership with THX and that partnership has since ended. As far as specs and features go, the systems are still nearly identical. They’ve had a few aesthetic updates to give it a newer and sleeker look, but that’s about it.
If it was old Promedia THX model then I would have bought them in a heart beat, but the authorised klipsch dealer in my city only sells new Promedia 2.1 Bluetooth model now (released in 2016 i guess). So just need advise should I purchase them, I’ll will be connecting them to my Sony x90f TV, will be using them for 4K HDR gaming via xbox one x/ps4 pro, movies and music. So are these new promedia BT speakers still best buy or should I go with some other brands, for example logitech Z623, please suggest.
Hi Pratik! If you’re really keen on the old Promedia THX model, it looks like it’s still available on Amazon – click here. They’re listed by Klipsch and, judging by the high number of reviews, we’d say they’re still a favorite among many!
Thanks outer audio for quick reply, however i live in India and we have a different power source 230v compared to 120v in USA, and those thx speakers on Amazon.com are 120v only, so unfortunately cannot order them, so could you please advise about BT model question in my original post.
The Klipsch Promedia 2.1 BT and the Logitech Z623s are both good sounding speakers. Having said that, the Logitechs sound like really good computer speakers while the Klipsch sound like a pair of affordable audiophile speakers. The only drawback with the Klipsch is that they can be an issue in an apartment environment due to unsecured Bluetooth. This means that your neighbors can highjack your speakers. Bluetooth also takes priority over wired, which is very annoying and there is no way to turn Bluetooth off either. Having said that, you could buy an Amazon Bluetooth adapter which needs to be put in pairing mode to accept a new connection and use that with the audio in on the speakers instead of the built-in Bluetooth.
The THX version is currently available on the Klipsch web site for $129 with free shipping. The THX and non-THX versions look to be similar, but the subwoofer for the THX version is 6lbs heaver than the non-THX according to the spec sheets. I don’t know if that makes much difference to the sound, but I ordered the THX version.