|  Klipsch,
well known in the audio industry for its horn-based speaker systems, has introduced
the world’s first THX®-Certified three-piece computer audio system. The ProMedia™
2.1 has two satellite speaker and a sub- woofer as the 2.1 implies. The system
comes in all black attire and features an auxilliary audio input, headphone jack
and 200 watts of amplification. The subwoofer get the majority of the power and
is rated with 130 watts, while the satellite speakers split the remaining power
with 35 watts each. The satellite speakers are elevated on sturdy metal stands
and are angled upwards towards the user. The two front controls located on the
left satellite speaker adjust the master volume and relative subwoofer level.
The rear panel holds all the electronics for the ProMedia system. The mini-DIN
preamp connector feeds the internal amplifiers. Spring loaded speaker connections
provide a quick hookup for the satellite units. Setting up the ProMedia 2.1 took
no more than 10 minutes. In fact, it could easily be done in less than 5 minutes,
but I decided to look at the manual. The power switch along with a fuse holder
is located toward the bottom of the rear panel. This thick metal backplate also
serves as a heat sink for the power amplifiers. I decided to pop this panel off
the back to take a look inside the subwoofer. This is where you can really find
out what you payed for. After all, many good looking systems have complete junk
inside, so I was interested to see what Klipsch offers for $179. Now for the fun
part. 
The first item I noticed was the linear-type power supply used to provide power
to the subwoofer and satellite amplifiers. Klipsch refers to their ProMedia amplifier
as a 200-watt digital linear hybrid amplifier. I'm not quite sure if this is significant
or just some marketing talk that sounds good. What I do know is the ProMedia 2.1
amplifiers have a beefy old fashioned linear power supply with a heavy power transformer
and reasonably sized filter capacitors. In addition, this system makes use of
discrete output transistors for the subwoofer as well as the satellite speakers.
That's right, no cheap amplifier chip modules for this system. 
The subwoofer amplifier module utilizes high current International Rectifier HEXFETs
to control the 6.5 inch high excursion bass driver. Two identical amplifier modules
(seen in the photo) drive the satellite speakers with ample power. Due to the
size of the satellite speakers, they are limited in output capability. However,
the ProMedia 2.1 delivers very good volume levels for such a compact system. Whether
your listening needs are for music or PC games, this system delivers a full sound
that few small systems are capable of. The controlled dispersion of the horn-loaded
tweeters on this system produced a surprisingly good soundstage. Not many PC-based
speaker systems can equal the ProMedia 2.1 in performance for the dollar. The
build quality on this system also impressed me.
The ProMedia 2.1 subwoofer is constructed from 1/2 inch medium density fiberboard
(MDF) and utilizes a bass-reflex enclosure with a flared, tuned front port and
6.5" side-firing driver. Having the flare on the port helps reduce noise from
the air rushing through the opening. The bass response from the subwoofer module
blends in well with the satellite speakers, eliminating any noticable dips in
the frequency response. Having the level control for the subwoofer module gives
each user the ability to set the bass level to their taste. Anyone looking to
add a good quality sound system to their PC or portable audio product would be
pleased with the full sound the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 System offers. -
Kevin Nakano | 
