Original Link: https://www.anandtech.com/show/395
Klipsch ProMedia v.2 - 400 vs. Cambridge SoundWorks DTT 2500
by Jason Clark on October 16, 1999 7:48 PM EST- Posted in
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Introduction
This was a very difficult article to write, and I had given it quite a bit of thought. To compare these two speaker packages, it requires you to come down to the roots of speakers. I mean, what makes a speaker a good speaker? Then, what makes a speaker a GREAT speaker? Is it features? And when we speak of features, what do we consider "extra" features and what should be standard? These are the things that I thought about when I prepared for this Head-to-Head article.
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VS. |  |
Specifications
| System | Wattage | Frequency Response | Speakers | Extras |
| Cambridge SoundWorks DTT 2500 ($299.99) | 60 Watts Total Satellites: (5) 7 Watts RMS Subwoofer: 25 Watts RMS |
50Hz - 20,000Hz | Satellites: 2.5" long throw woofers Subwoofer: 5.25" woofer in a ported MDF enclosure |
Dolby Digital Decoder, Stands, Digital Inputs |
| Klipsch ProMedia v.2 - 400 ($249.99) | 400 Watts Total Satellites: (4) 60 Watts RMS Subwoofer: 160 Watts RMS |
29Hz - 20,000Hz | Satellites: 3" long throw woofers, separate MicroTactix Horn for highs Subwoofer: Twin 6.5" subwoofers in 6th order bandpass enclosure |
THX Certification |
Sound Quality
DTT 2500's
The sound quality overall in the 2500's is outstanding. They are certainly not lacking clarity in any of the satellites. Each satellite delivers clear mid and high frequencies, plenty of volume considering they are only 7 Watts each. The subwoofer produces clean sounding bass, adequate for the sound field these speakers deliver.
Klipsch
The sound quality here is just superb. The bass will knock your socks off in comparison. I think the mids and highs are even more clear than the Cambridge due to a couple of things: they separate the mids and highs by using a horn for highs and a 3" driver for the mids; and, the fact that there is so much power to play with means you don't have to drive the electronics so hard to get ear-blistering levels. The subwoofer is, of course, powerful. But beyond the power, the bass is punchier here and clear due to the twin 6.5" drivers and the 6th order enclosure.
Decision
I feel that Klipsch deserves first place. The sound quality is better. But keep in mind, the Klipsch are also a much more high-powered system, which does help in clarity at higher volumes. Cambridge is certainly no slouch here, though. Their quality is still amongst the best out there.
Functionality
DTT 2500's
Cambridge went all out with functionality here. You have everything you need to set up these speakers in a room. In the box, there are some very nice stands for the rears, wall mounts cable markers and more. Beyond the mounting hardware, though, the separate amplifier is a definite plus; having the separate receiver right next to you with all the controls you really need is just great. Technically, the Cambridge have a great setup for inputs: Dolby Digital/SPDIF, Analog Front/Rear, and Digital DIN. That is exactly what the doctor ordered for flexibility. Yet, I can hear the headphone guys now ;) (where is the headphone jack?!?).
Klipsch
Klipsch went mainstream here for functionality. There is no mounting hardware included, just rubber feet for the speakers. Technically, you have one choice for inputs, Analog Front/Rear mini-jack connectors. For controlling the levels, you have the common satellite with main volume, surround volume and subwoofer level.
Decision
Cambridge took the show here. With the multiple inputs, and those great stands included, the user has a wide choice of options. Klipsch went mainstream here, which is not a bad thing since it's a very common setup.
Conclusion
Well, as I said earlier, this was certainly not an easy decision. I have changed my mind a couple of times, but after really getting down to the basics of a speaker, I was able to make a decision. Klipsch gets the Gold Editor's Choice Award, and Cambridge gets the Silver Editor's Choice Award. Putting aside the extra features that Cambridge put into the 2500's (i.e. Dolby Digital, Multiple Inputs, Stands), you still have a set of speakers (Klipsch) that sound incredible and put out a tremendous amount of volume. This is where the "what makes a speaker great?" comes in. Is Dolby Digital a standard in PC desktop audio? Not in my opinion, although it is certainly a nice feature. These two speaker systems are really geared for separate markets. Cambridge went after the user that wants 5.1 AC-3 sound in their room to watch movies and great sound for playing games and music. Klipsch went after the user who yearns for sound quality and pure power, and they've certainly delivered that. Can you still watch movies on the Klipsch? Sure, they sound fantastic. You just don't have Dolby digital 5.1 decoder. In conclusion, before making a speaker decision, ponder these few things:
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-Do I want the most volume and best quality? (Klipsch)
-Do I want features and great volume and great quality? (Cambridge)
-Do I need speaker stands included? (Cambridge)
-Do I feel the need to structurally test my room? (Klipsch)
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For their outstanding sound quality and power, the Klipsch ProMedia v.2 - 400 speakers are awarded the AnandTech Gold medal. |
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For their excellent sound quality and features, the Cambridge SoundWorks DTT 2500 speakers are awarded the AnandTech Silver medal. |
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