Klipsch-Detailed Sound for Games, Movies and Music
Written: Oct 23 '02 (Updated Oct 24 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Crisp detailed sound, powerful bass, its klipsch :)
Cons: Expensive, satellite connections use headphone jack type.
The Bottom Line: If you can afford the price tag, these are very good speakers. Satellites produce crisp, detailed sound. Sub is capable of producing massive bass.
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| link21886's Full Review: Klipsch PROMEDIA 4.1 Speaker System |
Introduction
Klipsch, a name synonomous with great sound and capable of making the purest audiophiles salivate in anticipation. The audio oriented company has long produced high quality equipment. The promedia line of speakers is its solution to computer audio. This line of products is composed of the 2.1, 4.1, 4.2 and 5.1 models.
(number and decimal system)
Speakers are labeled with a number representing the number of satellites, or mid/high range speakers, a decimal and the number of low range producing units(subwoofers).
Therefore if a system included 2 speakers and 1 sub it would be labeled as 2.1
(Since this model is 4.1 it includes four satellites and a subwoofer)
Why a computer sound system matters
When using a computer for more than basic non-demanding functions, most people are most considered with visuals. This makes sense because it is the main output for a system. If you play games it is what you see and use to interact with the program. Likewise, if you use your system to watch dvds and other movies good video is an obvious necessity.
Unfortunately what many people forget is the ability of sound to create a three dimensional environment. Video, since it is displayed solely on your monitor, is limited to a direction. Conversely, sound can be directed at certain angles and from certain positons. This allows for a much more encompassing experience(surround sound).
Inside the box
When you open your Klipsch 4.1 system this is what you will find inside...
-Four satellites
-One subwoofer
-Setup instructions/guide
-All necessary cables
Satellites
Each of the 4 included satellite speakers has a 3" fiber composite cone used to produce its sound. They weigh 2.1 pounds each, are 8.5" tall, 4.2" wide, and 5.67" in length.
The speakers are magnetically shielded. This means that having them close to your monitor will not interfere with its picture.
Within each satellite is a .75" tweeter. All sound abouve 5khz in frequency is sent to these. In addition, each tweeter uses Klipsch's MicroTractrix horn.
Note:
On an additional note, not bearing any negativity but still importance, is that you may need to clean off the satellites every so often. This is because since they are magnetic they attract dust(Similar to the principle used by magnetic air purifiers).
Placement:
Before buying speakers, you may want to consider placement for them. The ideal setup includes 2 satellites in front near your monitor, and 2 behind you. Placement is important with satellites so that things sound balanced. The location of the sub is not as important because humans can not here direction in low pitched sounds.
(my setup was 1 satellite on each side of the monitor, 2 on each side on a shelf behind the computer disk and the sub below the desk and to the right of the monitor. I have found this setup to work very well.)
Subwoofer
The Klipsch Promedia 4.1 subwoofer has a rated max burst power of 400 watts. In short, this means that it can deliver a lot of power to the system; resulting in very powerful sound. On each side of the sub is a 6.5" fiber composite cone and a port for air to escape in the front.
These speakers can output a sound level of up to 110 dB. If you are unfamiliar with this rating system, it is very loud. With Klipsch speakers, its definitely not a good idea to turn them up to full unless you want to damage your hearing. Still, its nice to know that even at that high level they produce very very little distortion. While some subs produce boomy sounds, the klipsch can produce more musical sounds.
Connection from the speakers to the sub is with a simple wiring setup explained in the included manual.
My first complaint would have to be with the connections from the sub to the satellites. The inputs for the speakers use headphone jacks. Since headphone jacks are not always secure and can cause static if they are not completely connected, I believe this was a mistake on Klipsch's part. However, as long as you make sure they are tightly connected you shouldn't have problems.
Sound Quality
Over all else, this system can produce some very high quality sound. One thing I noticed when going from temporarily listening to the weak speakers to this system was the distinguished, individual sounds. Some speakers seem to blend all sound together into one sometimes unpleasing noise, the klipsch produce identifiable seperate parts while playing music. This makes it seem almost as though you were listening to it live and in addition to the low distortion composed the warrant for its THX certification.
Note:
One thing to remember when purchasing a good speaker system is that you will need a decent sound card as well.
Setup
Setting up the Promedias was pretty simple. All that is necessary is to connect the speakers to the amplifier with the given wires, connect the preamp on one of the satellites to the sub and your sound card, and plug in the subwoofer.
As long as you get the right wires in the right place(all is described in the installation guide), you should have no problems.
Controls
On the preamp on one of the satellites are the controls for subwoofer, surround sound, main volume and power. On the subwoofer controller is a marking for recommended level. The power led is green when on, red when off.
Additionally, on the preamp is a connection for headphones.
Value
At around $250, this investment takes a significant amount out of your pocket. What is often confusing to people less experienced with sound systems is the lower prices of other brands of speakers. Sometimes these systems seem to have very similar specifications as well. While power may be the same for each set, sound quality can never be described in numbers. Over all else you should test each model to see what sounds good to you individually.
Even though the system may seem expensive, it is completely worth the price. It adds a whole new dimension to your experience in games, music, moves and more.
Note:
If the price is too high for you to buy them new, klipsch offers refurbished systems for only $149.
http://www.klipsch.com
Warranty
Klipsch offers a several year warranty on parts for the system and states it as follows...
"KLIPSCH, LLC ("KLIPSCH") warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship (subject to the terms set forth below) for a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase. During the Warranty period, KLIPSCH will repair or replace (at KLIPSCH's option) this product or any defective parts (excluding electronics and amplifiers). For products that have electronics or amplifiers, the Warranty on those parts is for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase."
Note:
Warranties may differ outside of the U.S.
Ratings:
Quality-{10}-Amazing sound quality and power.
Value-{8}-Price is worth it, but still expensive.
Durability-{9}-Very well built. Made to last.
Setup-{10}-Couldn't be much easier. Just plug and listen.
Service-{10}-Good tech support and warranty but you shouldn't have to use it. Common problems and solutions are listed on Klipsch's website.
Conclusion
This is one amazing set of speakers. In my opinion, it is only beaten by the 5.1 Promedia system. The 4.1's produce clear, quality sound that adds to any experience utilizing audio. These speakers are highly recommended.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 249
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Epinions.com ID:
link21886
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Reviews written: 13
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