Since October of 1999, Klipsch speakers have sat on desktops, pumping out powerful, clear sound from their fourpoint gaming system, the v.2-400. With 400W of power, the system was of a magnitude unheard of in the PC audio arena. It was definitely a step forward in the evolution of computer gaming speakers.

The large format system was great for many people, including both gamers and those implementing a computer based home theatre system. It was obvious now that a computer sound system could sound extremely good and have power, but there were many users for whom the 4 channel system was less than ideal. A two channel system had the potential to conquer a market much like the v.2-400 had-many of the same quality pitfalls stood in the way of the 2.1 market as the 4.1 market as both are based on unencoded audio streams, in which pure acoustics is king.

Like the v.2-400, the ProMedia 2.1 system also carries THX Multimedia certification that was introduced with the original Klipsch system. The certification is an effort to bring some standard quality requirements to multimedia audio environment, building on the influence that such standards have had in theatres. Though there is a marketing factor involved in utilizing the THX certification, there is testing and standards in place to back it up. More can be learned from the THX website, www.thx.com.

The "next step" premiered last October with the introduction of the ProMedia 2.1 system. The design was based on user feedback-even the format comes from those that obviously wanted quality to be brought down to the 2.1 market. Quick features that reflect the most common feedback following the v.2-400 are the inclusion of a headphone jack on the control module for private listening, and an additional stereo minijack input is offered for connecting portable devices while at the desktop.

The system consists of two satellites utilizing a two way design, with Klipsch MicroTractrix horns accompanied by a 3" midrange driver. In addition, each satellite includes its own desktop stand. The sub unit, tucked away in a ported enclosure that also contains the 200W amplifier, contains a 6.5" driver. Here's how Klipsch describes their system:

Specifications:

Setup

One of beautiful qualities of a 2.1 speaker system is the simplicity. Three main components are all that need to be setup in order to have a complete sound system up and working. The ProMedia 2.1 system holds true to these roots, as its setup is quick and painless, leaving plenty of time to let the speakers do their job making noise instead of frustration.

Out of the box come the subwoofer/amplifier enclosure, two satellite speakers, and the cabling necessary to interface them to the computer. One of the satellites contains a control pod, which is prewired with one cable for connection to the computer and another that goes to the subwoofer unit. Also included in the packing are the multilingual users manual and a package of rubber isolation feet.

The first step in setup is placing the satellites. The two speakers are identical, though one of the units has the control pod attached. As the speakers are interchangeable, the pod can be placed on either the left or right side to meet the user's preference. The attached desk stands on the satellites have a slight angle that helps elevate the soundfield up above the desktop to where most listeners sit.

For positioning, the standard 2.1 format is followed. Create an isosceles (two equal sides) triangle whose corners consist of the two speakers and then listener in the center. For most computer users, this results in the speakers being to each side of the monitor. The ProMedia satellites use the MicroTractrix horns with a 40 x 90 dispersion pattern. From listening to the system, it sound like the 90 is aligned with the vertical axis, as the treble drops off quickly when moving to the side of the soundfield, but less so with height.

The subwoofer unit consists of a squat cube that tucks away beneath the desk. It is a side-firing unit, with the woofer pointing to the right; the box is then ported to the front. Placing the unit under a desk will help increase the bass energy at the listening position, as the square corners create a bass trap and will help redirect the omnidirectional low frequencies the unit reproduces. Some experimentation with placement will affect the overall bass level; between location and the subwoofer volume adjustment, an appropriate amount of bass can be dialed in.

Make sure there is some air movement around the sub. This includes air movement to the side firing driver and the front port, as well as ventilation around the back panel of the sub. . In order to make the noise, it needs to move air, not to mention that the enclosure also contains a 200W amplifier. It may not be as delicate as a CPU, but the electronics in the amp still need to breathe. Even under normal operating conditions, the unit will run a little warm, as indicated in the users manual.

The cabling connections are the next step in assembly of the system. The control pod is prewired with two cables-the audio input and a DIN cable that connects to the subwoofer. The audio cable connects to a standard soundcard interface, the 3.5mm (1/8") stereo minijack. It is designed to interface to a line level output, and on four channel soundcards should be connected to the front stereo output. The DIN cable then runs down to the subwoofer to be amplified and sent to the speakers.

The speaker wire is 22 gauge molded wire. It actually comes molded as a single strand with four conductors; this can be separated either partially, making a Y of cabling to the speakers, or completely as needed to reach the satellites. On the amplifier, the connection is via spring terminal; the connection at the satellites is via a 3.5 mm (1/8") mono minijack connection.

As the system power increases, wire size does become a consideration. The resistance of a piece of wire is inversely proportional to the cross sectional area, so smaller wires mean higher resistance. Resistance leads to power dissipation in the wire in the form of heat, which also means less of the amplifiers power is being delivered to the transducer to be changed into sound energy.

22 gauge wire will do the job for the system, but users wanting a more power efficiency might consider replacing the cabling with larger wire. Some soldering is required for the connection at the speaker, as a minijack must be wired onto the cable. In the end, the improved cabling would be worth it.

For connecting headphones or an additional input to the system, there are two stereo minijacks located on the side of the control pod. The headphone input will shut off the speaker output for private listening when phones are connected. The stereo input is mixed with the main input, and includes a +6 dB boost to help compensate for lower output voltages from portable devices. There is no independent volume adjustment for the auxiliary input; the only option is to adjust the computer output level through software to balance with the input.

The final connection is the main power for the unit. The power supply for the sub is internal; there is simply a plug to be connected to mains power, with neither a power brick nor wall wart to get in the way. Once all of the connections are made, the power switch on the back of the subwoofer can be engaged prior to final placement of the sub.

Make sure that the volume level is turned down both on the speakers and in software on the computer. The amplifier is powerful enough to damage the speakers, and part of the initial speaker test should involve setting an operating level. Once the system is energized, though with the main and subwoofer volume still down, set software volume levels around 50%. Begin playing a test track, and then adjust the speaker levels to a comfortable listening level.

With the system set up, it's time to sit back and listen. There are great things to be heard.

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.

Conclusion

After spending time listening to the ProMedia 2.1 speaker system, it is clear that it is what computer audio should have been for so many years; now, the system is an incredible option for its market. A number of strong points lead to the system's position as king of the hill for 2.1 speaker systems, all of which tie back into excellent sound quality.

Klipsch had a precedent for the design of their new system in its older brother, the v.2-400. The two way satellite plus sub design had excelled in bringing a new level of power to the gaming arena. By holding true to this design, and even tweaking it slightly more in the crossover point between sats and sub, they setup a strong system.

The power was there, and it was obvious that people wanted it. With the production of the smaller system, it was important to scale the pieces evenly to preserve the excellent quality seen before. The relative acoustic balance of the system excelled through this challenge, producing an incredibly full sound that is very musical. Treble and highs are very present, though lack the distortion seen in other systems.

The features included in the system also evidenced Klipsch's research and acknowledgement of user response. The headphone jack makes the system extremely flexible for listening environments that may have different needs. The auxiliary input jack serves to add incredible flexibility to the system. The only thing that seemed to be missing was a convenient power switch, or even just a standby mode that could be switched from the control pod.

With a retail price of $179.99, this system represents an investment in quality. Within its market, the system is at the top price rung, though its sonic quality easily justifies the jump in price. The difference is akin to buying a portable tape player versus a portable CD player: larger bandwidth in the frequency response, better power, and cleaner sound versus a moderate price increase.

For users who enjoy listening to music while they work and maybe the occasional game or movie, but do not need an extensive 4.1 solution, the ProMedia 2.1 system is an amazing option to have in the market. It will have the power and the quality to satisfy what most users could want from a computer speaker system.

The investment in the speakers could be improved by also choosing to supplement its wiring with larger speaker wire. This will only let the system work better, as the amplifier can then concentrate on driving the speaker, instead of just trying to push current through the smaller wires. Information on how to do this, as well as other interesting discussions regarding the ProMedia line can be found in the forums on Klipsch's website, www.klipsch.com. The opportunity to get feedback from technicians as well as other users is a powerful example of collaboration. Plus, the user input from the forum works its way into future products.

For those considering the system, try to find one and demo it. And then ask what it is a speaker system should sound like. Hopefully the answer will be pleasing. Just be careful to not get carried away with the power on the system, because it will keep up with its volume knob, though the ears may not.

For its excellent commitment to sound quality and over all impressive performance, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 is awarded the AnandTech gold medal.