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Topic: Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's (Read 6880 times) previous topic - next topic
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Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

I just purchased the Klipsch Promedia 2.1's, and the reality that these things cost $170 just struck me.  I've read some reviews and they sound like they're awesome (mine are still in the mail), but I just wanted to know if spending an extra $70-$100 or so on this setup was worth it when I could have bought something like the Monsoon Planar Media 9, which also has great sound according to various reviews.  I'm also getting the M-Audio Revolution 7.1 as a soundcard upgrade, if that helps.  Thanks

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #2 –
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I just purchased the Klipsch Promedia 2.1's, and the reality that these things cost $170 just struck me.  I've read some reviews and they sound like they're awesome (mine are still in the mail), but I just wanted to know if spending an extra $70-$100 or so on this setup was worth it when I could have bought something like the Monsoon Planar Media 9, which also has great sound according to various reviews.  I'm also getting the M-Audio Revolution 7.1 as a soundcard upgrade, if that helps.  Thanks

What I've heard the most about Monsoon Planar's (other than the company going out of business a few months ago, though their products can still be found) is that their speakers are very high quality, but are generally under powered and (as with most electrostatic speakers) are very directional in nature.  Meaning if you change the orientation of a speaker slightly, the sound can change significantly.

The B+W speakers Xenion linked to would be a great buy too IMO, but keep in mind that you'd need a subwoofer as well if you want frequency reproduction below about 75Hz.  Info on B+W subs are available on the same site.

I'm a Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 owner myself, after having tried several different brands (though not Monsoon's or B+W's unfortunately).  I've never since regreted spending the $170.

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #3 –
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I'm a Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 owner myself, after having tried several different brands (though not Monsoon's or B+W's unfortunately).  I've never since regreted spending the $170.

Ah, ok.  That makes me feel much better!

EDIT:  Also, I was wondering if you would recommend upgrading the speaker cables that come with the ProMedia 2.1's to the MonsterCable equivalents.  Do they have any noticable advantage over the provided ones such as higher durability or better keeping of quality of the original sound signal?

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #4 –
Quote
EDIT:  Also, I was wondering if you would recommend upgrading the speaker cables that come with the ProMedia 2.1's to the MonsterCable equivalents.  Do they have any noticable advantage over the provided ones such as higher durability or better keeping of quality of the original sound signal?

Re: Upgrading cables for improving durability...I've had mine for well over a year, and the cabling is quite durable enough IMO.  It's survived two moves across the country (so far), with no ill effects.  The ever questionable mini-jacks have never caused me any problem with this speaker system either.  I had a mini-jack interface problem with my old integrated sound adapter in my PC, but upgrading to an Echo resolved that.

Re: Upgrading cables for improved signal resolution...No one has ever proven conclusively (read: double-blind tests) that they could hear any difference between decent but inexpensive cabling and expensive, beautiful, super-shielded, zero-oxygen, pure-copper cabling.  If you have really junky cable that's way-too-low guage, for instance, sure...upgrade it and you might hear a difference.  If you have even decent OEM cabling, upgrading it only gives you three things:  -1- Pretty cables, -2- Status among your audiophile friends, and -3- A smaller bank account.   

I'm running the stock cables that came with my Klipsch system and my friends have never done any less than drop jaw at the performance.  Especially when it's a party and the PC sound system (by itself) is literally moving the floor.

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #5 –
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Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #6 –
Ah!  I'm confused (two conflicting statements)!  Are there any articles online that I can look at that will support either answer?

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #7 –
Don't let anybody confuse you ...

You made the right decision. Try Google and you will find a lot of reviews and just about everything is positive.

Quality is a downside - that is true. However, as long as it does not affect the sound quality ...
The wiring can be easily replaced, if you like.
Sure the sub gets hot but that doesn't seem to be much of a problem. I haven't experienced any overheating so far not even after a couple of hours with the volume cranked all the way up. I've seen real amplifiers overheat but not the Promedia's ...

IMO the sound is terrific and let me tell you it did surprise a lot of people with real hifi systems.

I think the system is a bargain even though it is much more expensive here in Europe ...

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #8 –
Logitech Z series are pretty ok..  a bit heavy on the bass side though (bass knob is always at minimum here or my neighbor would kill me )

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #9 –
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Ah!  I'm confused (two conflicting statements)!  Are there any articles online that I can look at that will support either answer?

I'm sorry for the confusion!  My statements were relating one person's experience with these speakers for some 14 months or so, but I'm willing to bet that TrNSZ has more experience in general with speakers and wiring than I do, so I'd weight his answer more than mine in that regard.

Here is one set of double-blind (ABX) test results conducted on various brands of interconnects and speaker cables, which points out that paricipants weren't able to consistently hear any difference between blister pack/zip cord and some $1000 wires.  (Try their homepage for results of blind tests on other hardware items, as well...interesting stuff.)

*BUT* this doesn't mean that a recommendation to change wires is necessarily FUD either.  As I stated in my last post in this thread, if the cabling is decent (meaning it meets a certain quality baseline), then you'll likely never hear a difference by spending more money to upgrade it.  But if the cabling is deemed to be less than optimal, as such, then a reasonable upgrade would be justified.

TrNSZ either has more sensitive ears than I do (quite possible), may have had a specific problem with the wiring on his Klipsch speaker system that I may not have run across with mine, or had more stringent requirements (such as for durability) than I did, and found the stock cables did not meet his needs.

As for the recommendation of Monster Cable, I agree completely *if* you see fit to change the wires.  My home theater system and my car are all wired with Monster, and though I've never done blind testing on any of it myself to search for audible improvements, I've also never had any problems with it or regrets in using it.

Perhaps:  Buy the Klipsch system and try it with it's stock cables for a period of time.  If you have any particular issues with them, then go ahead and replace the cables.  If not, and if you can arrange to try different cables without having to immediately spend any money, try some blind tests to see if you can create an audible improvement.  Or buy some with a money-back guarantee and try them the same way; if they make no difference for you return them.

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #10 –
IMO, every Monster product I've seen has been overpriced.

I would personally go for some generic 14 gauge Cu interconnect for speakers long before similarly sized (though not priced...) Monster Cable. 12 Gauge Zip cord is going to provide identical audible performance to just about everything out there.

In my current HT rig I have Monster Cable XP (16 gauge) on the front left and rear right channels (dont ask), some 16 gauge generic interconnect that came free with a pair of speakers on the center, and some 12 gauge radio shack "audiophile OFC" (until you cut it...) on the front right and rear left.

I've been switching the cables around off and on for several months, and I can't tell any difference at all. Now if the Klipsch set comes with some 22 Gauge crap, you could go ahead and replace it with a 16 gauge generic for peice of mind. Will you be able to A/B a difference with the amount of wattage the Klipsch sat's pull? Very doubtful.

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #11 –
I've found that the ProMedia systems can sound quite good actually, but there are a few things you should consider to get the most out of them.

As has already been mentioned, the cables are an issue if Klipsch is still including the 20AWG garbage they were a few years ago.  On my old v.2-400 system I changed those out for a custom built, inexpensive RadioShack 16AWG cable and there was a very obvious difference.  The midrange/midbass was improved which allowed for better integration with the subwoofer and the sound of the front and rear speakers was better matched which I think has to do with the stock very long rear cables vs short front cables and their 20AWG size.  Anyway, it was a clear improvement for very little money.

With my 5.1 system I replaced the stock 18AWG cable with flat pin terminated Monster XP 14AWG and would say that the difference was questionable.  I think it sounds a little more open and lively in the midrange again, but compared to the clear difference I noticed swapping out the v.2-400's cables I would file my 5.1 cable findings under the very definition of subjective.

Now, there are two things which I consider to be the biggest (and really cheap too) improvements you can make to your ProMedia system regardless of which model you have and they are:

1.  Remove the grilles!  The grilles foul up the imaging and high freq. response something fierce.  It's possibly the largest overall improvement and it's free. 

2.  Buy a small 10-15lb bag of kitty litter, put it in a dark pillow case (the litter bag and NOT the raw litter) to disguise it and plop it right on top of the subwoofer.  Since the sub cabinet is just an empty box with no bracing it tends to resonate a LOT.  This helps offer the box a lot more mass and absorbs most of the panel vibrations.  It really helps kill the overly ripe sound of the sub and greatly improves the audible frequency extension.  This alone takes the sub from the effects box end of the subwoofer spectrum and moves it over to the musical side.  Try it!

And that's my long-winded post. 

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #12 –
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1.  Remove the grilles!  The grilles foul up the imaging and high freq. response something fierce.  It's possibly the largest overall improvement and it's free.

Aren't the grills there for a reason though?

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #13 –
Grilles on speakers are nearly always there to protect the drivers from probing fingers.


Any claims about clearly audible differences between speaker cables should probably be subjected to blind A/B testing lest they infringe upon the terms of service rule #8
("8. Statements on technical or quality oriented matters are expected to be supported by the author responsible for such statements.").
  This is usually not possible for cables without the aid of a third-party, however.
 
  My own attempts with my stereo setup have convinced me that every speaker cable I own is audibly as good as any other.
 

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #14 –
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Grilles on speakers are nearly always there to protect the drivers from probing fingers.

If you take off the grilles, is it easy to put them back on if needed?

EDIT: Also, have others found it to be true that grilles tend to distort the imaging and high frequency response?  (Not that I don't believe you, vraxoin, I'd just like some other opinions as well)

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #15 –
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If you take off the grilles, is it easy to put them back on if needed?

EDIT: Also, have others found it to be true that grilles tend to distort the imaging and high frequency response?  (Not that I don't believe you, vraxoin, I'd just like some other opinions as well)

Absolutely!  The grilles are designed to be removable.  Take a look at the following pics from Anadtech's review of the 2.1 and you can see the four holes which the grille's pegs go into: 

http://images.anandtech.com/reviews/sound/.../bare_front.jpg

http://images.anandtech.com/reviews/sound/...dia21/front.jpg

The other thing to note in the second picture is the grid of thick plastic which crosses the entire surface of the grille under the cloth.  The plastic seems to be acting as a diffuser which I think is the real culprit and not the cloth.

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #16 –
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Also, have others found it to be true that grilles tend to distort the imaging and high frequency response? (Not that I don't believe you, vraxoin, I'd just like some other opinions as well)


  On most satellites with "cross-hatch" plastic grilles, the sound is going to be affected to some degree. The Klipsch systems and the less expensive Logitech Z-series THX multimedia systems both use the "cross-hatch" type plastic grilles covered in cloth, presumably for structural purposes (to better protect the drivers behind). Some of the plastic cross-supports necessarily get in between the drivers and your ears and this does change the sound characteristics somewhat.
  IMO, the changes are really not that dramatic, particularly relative to upgrading speakers  , but I have not had a chance to really do a blind A/B test with this.
  Try them with and without and go with the way that you prefer.
     

  A typical HT speaker grille is a frame with only acoustically transparent cloth in front of the drivers.

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #17 –
Well I just got the speakers and they sound great!  I'm sure it'll be even better when my new soundcard arrives.  I'm thinking I'll be getting some thicker gauge wire, but I don't think I'll bother with the grilles just yet.  But for future refference, to remove the grilles do you just slide them up or what?  I'd try and figure it out myself, but I really don't want to break anything.

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #18 –
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Well I just got the speakers and they sound great!  I'm sure it'll be even better when my new soundcard arrives.  I'm thinking I'll be getting some thicker gauge wire, but I don't think I'll bother with the grilles just yet.  But for future refference, to remove the grilles do you just slide them up or what?  I'd try and figure it out myself, but I really don't want to break anything.

Just pull them off directly away from the front of speaker.  No sliding up or down.  The four pins at the corners are simply friction-fasteners.

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #19 –
hey blackstripe -

If I were going to spend less than $300 on a 2.1 setup I would get this:


They blow pretty much all the other mini sub/sat systems that I have heard away.  The B&W LM1s don't really compare IMO, not only do you you need an amp to drive them they are also pretty large.

I had a demo set setup for awhile and they're pretty sweet.  You can't make them Really loud, but they are definately adequate.  I was pretty amazed by the amount of sound coming from such a small driver.  If I remember right the 2.1 setup retails for $300 wich means they can probably be had for much less.  I believe they also make 5.1 setups.

Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Compared to Other 2.1's

Reply #20 –
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hey blackstripe -

If I were going to spend less than $300 on a 2.1 setup I would get this:


They blow pretty much all the other mini sub/sat systems that I have heard away.  The B&W LM1s don't really compare IMO, not only do you you need an amp to drive them they are also pretty large.

I had a demo set setup for awhile and they're pretty sweet.  You can't make them Really loud, but they are definately adequate.  I was pretty amazed by the amount of sound coming from such a small driver.  If I remember right the 2.1 setup retails for $300 wich means they can probably be had for much less.  I believe they also make 5.1 setups.

That looks pretty sweet, but if I were to spend anywhere near $300 I would just grab the Logitech Z680, since those go for ~$290 at Amazon.com.