Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Klipsch brings retro hi-fi vibes to its new desktop speakers

By Simon Cohen April 26, 2022

Klipsch is drawing on its long history of building speakers for the look of its new 2.1 desktop speaker system, the ProMedia Heritage 2.1. Combining two stereo satellites with a wired subwoofer, the system is available in two finishes: Black ash and Walnut, each of which comes clad in fabric speaker grilles that match the company’s other Heritage products, which are meant to evoke the look of Klipsch’s Heresy speakers from the 1970s. The system is available for $349 via Klipsch.com, though Costco members get an especially attractive discount that brings the price down to $240.

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speaker system seen with grilles. — Klipsch

The ProMedia Heritage 2.1 is designed to work with almost any analog or digital input, but its size and shape lends itself especially well to desktop computer use. It has a pair of analog stereo RCA inputs and a USB-A jack for digital audio. There’s also a Bluetooth connection for streaming music and audio wirelessly from any device that supports Bluetooth.

A single power cable runs to the primary satellite, which then sends signal to the secondary speaker and the wired subwoofer. Each satellite is rated at 35 watts and is equipped with 1-inch-high-frequency driver nestled behind Klipsch’s proprietary Tractrix horn, as well as a three-inch long-throw woofer that provides the midranges.

1 of 3

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speaker system seen with grilles removed. — Klipsch

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speaker system seen next to a desktop computer. — Klipsch

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speaker system seen next to a flat-screen TV. — Klipsch

The front-firing subwoofer boasts 100 watts of power and uses a large 8-inch driver and rear-firing port tube. That gives it power and range that’s comparable to many budget home theater soundbars.

Speaking of soundbars, the satellites are mounted on angled plinths to aim their sound upward, making them suitable for use in a variety of settings. In the company’s press release, Klipsch shows the system being used for enhanced TV sound, as an alternative to a soundbar. It claims the speakers are good companions for gamers and they can also be used as a small-footprint hi-fi system for turntables.

Included with the speakers is a wireless remote, AAA batteries, and a 3.5mm-to-stereo RCA cable.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Tech News

Contributing Editor, A/V

Simon Cohen covers a variety of consumer technologies, but has a special interest in audio and video products, like…

Audio / Video

Klipsch reference speakers make home theaters look as good as they sound

Klipsch Reference Speakers

Somewhere between the convenience and simplicity of soundbars, and the all-encompassing sound of a full-fledged Dolby Atmos system, there is a perfect middle ground -- Klipsch thinks it has found it. The company's solution: Package up its famous Klipsch reference speakers sound quality in a 5.1 package, and make the subwoofer wireless so that it can be placed (and replaced) almost anywhere. It's called the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack and you can pre-order it online for $999.

The brushed-black finish of the speakers is guaranteed to make them disappear into any home theater environment, that is unless you choose to remove the fabric grilles. Doing so exposes their spun copper 3.5-inch woofers -- creating an eye-catching hit of metallic color -- and their horn-loaded tweeters, a feature which Klipsch claims is unique in the pre-packaged home theater category.

Audio / Video

Build your dream Dolby Atmos setup with Klipsch’s new R-26FA and R-14SA speakers

Klipsch R-26FA and R-14SA speakers

As the audio industry moves toward object-based 3D surround-sound formats like Dolby Atmos as the standard, people will want to outfit their existing home theaters accordingly. Klipsch recently added two new units to its premier Reference line of speakers, the Klipsch R-26FA and R-14SA, which have been specifically designed for Dolby Atmos, whether you're retrofitting an existing setup, or building a shiny new one.

The bigger of the two, the R-26FA is a tower speaker. The speaker is equipped with an integrated height channel featuring a 1-inch tweeter and a 5.25 inch driver. Like other designs in the burgeoning space, the top-mounted speaker fires sound off the ceiling above it, creating Atmos' over-head channels. In keeping with other members of the Reference Line, the R-26FA features a removable grille, so you can ogle the R-26FA's attractive, front-firing 6.5-inch drivers and horn-loaded tweeter. The back of the speaker sports dual five-way binding posts for connection.

Audio / Video

There’s more to Ruark Audio’s new speaker system than just a Bluetooth connection

ruark audio mr1 mk2 news

Bluetooth speakers are an essential part of any music fan’s life, providing sound on the move along with plenty of flexibility for use in and around the home. However, the new MR1 Mk2 speaker system from British audio specialists Ruark may just be the most versatile set of Bluetooth speakers we’ve seen in a while.

An upgrade to the original MR1 speaker system released in 2013, the revised pair has more features and greater connectivity, plus a new minimalist design. The softly rounded enclosures come in either a walnut veneer or soft gray lacquer finish, with a fixed grill over the drivers that's covered in a textured fabric. Pumping out sound is a pair of 75mm neodymium woofers and 20mm tweeters, driven by a 20 watt, linear Class A-B amp. If you want more bass, there’s also a dedicated subwoofer output.