Extra large HDTV and this with my XBOX, how much sweeter can it get, not much....................
Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 Product Review
By Shockwave
October 08, 2001
We first started this site months ago and we have all been drooling over various screenshots and movies, paying a lot of attention to the graphics of each game, but what about the sound capabilities of the Xbox? We all know sound plays an important role in the overall gaming experience, so we decided to take a look at yet another speaker system that will be compatible with the Xbox.
The latest speaker system in the ProMedia family from Klispch has been released, and I was able to grab a set to try out. The THX Certified ProMedia 5.1 surround sound system boasts a powerful 500 watt BASH amplifier and high-end engineering that offers high output with low distortion and effortless dynamic headroom. BASH® (Bridged Amplifier/Switching Hybrid) amplifiers are powerful, conventional amplifiers with digital switching-type power supplies, which are efficient, high-output, low distortion designs that deliver superior sound quality over conventional amps.
The Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 system is designed to deliver a dynamic 6 channel surround sound with a deep bass enhanced by a dedicated 200 watt subwoofer, which is complemented by a complete set of 60 watt surround speakers. Four 2-way satellites, one 2-way center channel, and a dual driver 8-inch subwoofer will ensure that the listener is at the center of an audio outbreak that will be sure to rattle the walls.
Before I get down to business, let’s take a look at some of the ways you can use the ProMedia 5.1s. You can connect these surround speakers for various components, including:
Personal Computers with a 5.1 (multichannel) soundcard with analog outputs (Philips, Soundblaster, TurtleBeach, etc.), with Power DVD software for 5.1 processing within the soundcard. PC-DVD/CD ROM drives for Movies, Music and Gaming Applications.
Game Consoles, such as PlayStation2 and Xbox. Will work with Dolby Digital 5.1 decoders for outboard processing, such as the new $99. Audio Tornado 5.1 at
www.klipsch.com.
Personal Audio Devices --- MP3 players, CD players, & tape players. Also allowing headphone connection for private listening.
Complements desktop computers and laptop computers utilizing any 2/4/5.1-channel soundcard.
Sound reinforcement for corporate media presentations, boardrooms. Professional studio Post-production Workstation monitoring systems.
Upgraded sound for compact stereo systems, and CD boom boxes with audio line outputs
Upgraded sound for televisions, VCRs, & camcorders with audio line outputs.
Now that you have a better idea of why you might want to check out the ProMedia 5.1s, I will tell you what I think of these speakers based on the numerous hours of use I have put mine through since I was able to get a set for myself. Currently, I have my ProMedias hooked up to my PC, and I have also tested the speakers out with DVD playback.
After hooking the speakers up to my PC, I rushed to find where I had left my Quake 2 CD, eager to check out the sound of one of my favorite PC games. I have always loved the sound effects, music, and background noises of Quake 2 that makes the game so compelling. I don’t know how many times I have been caught off guard and startled by that deep guttural growl of a demonic enemy creeping up behind me. I turned off the lights, cranked up the volume and started the game. From the moment the game began, the ProMedia 5.1 system helped to boost the horrific environment of the game. The music and background sounds filled the entire room with clarity. Each gun blast was strong and the subwoofer produced a superb thump that could be felt as the floor rumbled. The surround speakers allowed for special sound effects that made the experience of the game much more exciting. One thing is for sure, once you play a game in surround sound, you won’t ever want to have it any other way. Klipsch sure seems to know this as well, and they have packed so much power into these speakers that you just might forget you are playing a game. Other personal speaker systems have great surround and clarity, but I have yet to find a system that can match the ProMedia 5.1s in overall power.
Keep in mind, that the Xbox will have even better audio features then the PC I have tested the speakers on. Xbox games are on DVD format, allowing for a higher level of clarity and precision than CD games. Also, many of the Xbox games will be designed specifically for 5.1 surround sound. If you really want to go all the way, you might want to check out Klipsch’s Audio Tornado 5.1, which will allow you to experience Xbox audio in true Dolby Digital 5.1. Without the Audio Tornado you will still be able to enjoy the games in analog surround, but the Tornado will provide you with a digital decoder that will enable the highest level of audio quality. If you happen to have a digital receiver for your home stereo or home theater setup, you can also use the ProMedia 5.1s and enjoy digital surround without the use of the Audio Tornado.
Since the Xbox supports DVD movie playback, we will also be able to watch DVD movies on the Xbox. To test out how well the ProMedias perform for DVD playback, I hooked the speakers up to my DVD player, grabbed some Dorritos, and got a nice spot on the couch. I decided to try it out with “Saving Private Ryan” because the opening sequence of that movie has amazing sound effects that certainly push the surround sound capabilities to the max. The use of special effects is astounding, and you can almost feel the sounds moving around the room as the speakers simulate reality. So how did the ProMedias perform? Breathtaking! The ProMedia 5.1s, backed by 500 watts of pulse-pounding energy, made me forget I was sitting in my living room and gave me a little bit of an idea what combat on the beaches of Normandy would have been like. You could hear such great detail that it will give you chills up your spine. If you watch movies like this without a great audio system you are missing half the point of the movie. Klipsch has done a great job of creating powerful speakers that are designed to work cooperatively together to create a dynamic and encompassing movie experience.
To sum it up, the Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 surround sound personal speaker system is clear, powerful, and stable. At low volumes and high volumes, the sound is rich and full. The 200 watt subwoofer thrives on volume and does not break up or become flabby as you increase the volume. The entire system is designed to provide a fuller sound the louder you make it. A great audio system is one that continues to sound great no matter what volume you have it at, and the ProMedia 5.1s stand up to test.
Video games, movies, and music will take on a new life when you experience through the ProMedias 5.1s. At a suggested price tag of $399, and an extra $99 for the Audio Tornado digital decoder (if necessary), the ProMedias offer affordable home theater sound at a lower cost then an entire theater system complete with a receiver and speakers. The price may seem a bit out of reach for gamers and movie watchers on a budget, but for those that must have superior sound quality that is versatile and reliable, the ProMedia 5.1s are a great buy. If you are considering upgrading your current audio system or setup, you should definitely give this system a look. They are compatible with just about every audio component you could think of.
Check back soon to see how the ProMedia 5.1s perform on the Xbox, as we will be running them through a rigorous testing phase...in other words we will hook these bad boys up to the Xbox and play for hours and hours.
http://www.klipsch.com/
THX Certified ProMedia 5.1 surround sound system
