Conveniently brings better sound to laptop users
Today Klipsch has added wireless technology to its ProMedia 2.1 computer speakers. The original ProMedia 2.1 system was introduced in 2000, and over the years it has become one of the highest praised, best-selling products Klipsch has ever produced. But given the increase in laptop and notebook usage, company officials decided to put a fresh spin on the classic setup by introducing a wireless version.
The new ProMedia 2.1 Wireless looks and sounds like the THX-certified original, only the Klipsch logos are silver instead of copper. “The ProMedia is still the defacto 2.1 standard for computer speakers. It’s been known to put some home stereo systems to shame, and we want to keep it that way–with or without wires,” said Don Inmon, Klipsch director of product development for personal audio.
The real difference between the two designs lies within a USB wireless transmitter that plugs into the computer’s USB port. “Only a few simple steps are required to get the ProMedia Wireless up and running. Just plug, play and enjoy the full sonic impact of your music, movies and games without being tied down,” said Inmon. “No router or installation software is needed.”
Inmon, however, notes the misconception that many consumers have about wireless audio. Often times, when people see the words “wireless” and “speakers” together, they assume the entire sound system is wire and cable free. However, no such speaker system exists–unless it runs off of batteries. “Speakers need a power source to drive them and that source needs to connect to electricity,” he says.
With the ProMedia 2.1 Wireless, the subwoofer is the power source. This heavy-hitter plugs into a wall outlet and then the two speakers connect to it via wires. Wireless, in the case of the ProMedia, means no wires attach to the computer. This allows users to move their laptops freely around the room without ever losing their 2.1 sound. The ProMedia and computer wirelessly connect via the USB wireless transmitter.
The wireless range of the ProMedia spans approximately 30 feet in a single room. The system is perfect for dorm rooms, offices, bedrooms and family rooms–really wherever people use their laptops and notebooks the most. ProMedia 2.1 Wireless owners with a Wi-Fi connection and an iPhone or iPod Touch can use Apple’s Remote Application to control their iTunes from anywhere in the house covered by Wi-Fi.
Technical Information
The two-way ProMedia speakers are driven by exclusive MicroTractrix Horns that cleanly and accurately handle the high frequencies, creating a precise image and soundstage. Each speaker employs a 3-inch fiber-composite cone driver for smooth mid-bass reproduction. A preamplifier control pod, which features separate main volume and subwoofer level controls, a headphone jack and the miniplug input, is located on one of the speakers. Each speaker comes with a self-supporting pedestal, but Klipsch also sells adjustable WB-1 wall brackets through its online store for $21.99 a pair.
The high-output, low distortion subwoofer is a bass-reflex type with a flared, tuned front port and 6.5-inch side-firing driver. The 200-watt amplifier housed inside the subwoofer enclosure ensures that the ProMedia 2.1 Wireless can deliver superior sound over conventional multimedia systems.
Pricing and Availability:
Priced at $199, the ProMedia 2.1 Wireless is available exclusively at klipsch.com and only to U.S. consumers. The original ProMedia, which retails for $149.99, is available at Best Buy and klipsch.com.
