STEREO GUIDE review
+ Homogeneous, dynamic sound
+ Fat, deep bass, lots of SPL reserves
+ Wide imaging
- Bass might be less precise
- Sound lacks subtlety and resolution
- The finish is not very convincing, especially with the white veneer
- limited connectivity, many cables
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Sound: Tonal balance / transparency7
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Sound: Bass / Dynamics8.5
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Sound: Spatial imaging8.5
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Ease-of-use / Connectivity7
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Price / Performance7.5
The ProMedia Heritage 2.1 puts a new twist on the Heritage series by US manufacturer Klipsch. Heritage – we are talking about the longest continuously produced speaker in the world. Its flagship, the legendary Klipschorn was introduced in 1946. So if you happened to dream about this truly retro design, but don’t fancy a cluttered apartment and a permanent bachelor´s existence, you can now get the Retro Vibes in an ultra-compact size for an affordable 400 bucks.
The concept, however, may not be all new. A self-powered subwoofer/satellite combo not dissimilar in concept has been marketed as a desk and computer sound solution for a long time. However, the Heritage variant is not only a technical advancement, but also a real retro gem. But on a close look, the workmanship leaves much to be desired in detail, especially in the white version.
The satellites look like a scaled-down model of the legendary Heresy, especially the metal mesh on its grill is so much 1950s, it puts a smile on the face of any vintage lover. Of course, there is no real wood veneer at this pricepoint, but the vinyl looks pretty credible and robust.
Minimalist options
When using the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 for the first time, streaming afficionados cheering the latest Klipsch The Fives McLaren Edition might feel some sort of disillusionment: It is offering a wireless option via Bluetooth or an analogue via mini-jack, that is basically it. The hope that the “USB” button on the remote control would hide a useful connection option is quickly dashed.
On the other hand, the infrared RC reveals some unusual but useful functions besides source selection and level. For example, there is the possibility to adjust the subwoofer level and thus the bass from the listening position. This is especially important if the subwoofer cannot be placed perfectly from acoustical point of view. Since Klipsch recommends placing it on the floor, this can quickly result in wall or corner proximity and the necessity to have it corrected.
A Night mode can also be activated on the remote, but instead of an intelligent limiter, it completely deactivates the subwoofer and diminuishes the satellites to the frequency range of tiny desk monitors.
The visual feedback to the user is limited to a minimum: A multicolored LED indicates input selection and Bluetooth status, but is also not always easy to see through the metal mesh. App control is missing, as is source selection on the subwoofer itself which is housing all the electronics. In an emergency, you can at least turn down the volume if the remote control is lost.
Classic technology and quite some wiring
Three amplifier channels are hidden in the massive, but not too chunky woofer. One of them is ready for the bass and two for the passive satellites.
In the subwoofer of the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 set we find an 8-inch bass driver with a rigid fibre cone. A vent is extending the lower bass region. This promises deepest basses, but also bears the risk of booming when positioned near a corner. The satellites are a closed box design offering 2-ways with passive crossover. The 3.5-inch midrange driver and Tractrix tweeter horn are exactly what you might expect from a real Klipsch. This is also true to the slightly angled speaker base. And it indeed makes perfect sense on lowboards or desks.
The three are connected to each other by a very cable, which is not exactly long at 2.5 meters. So if you want to place the satellites on a broad shelf and the subwoofer next to it on the floor, you’ll have to quickly run to the electronics store and get longer (and thicker!) ones.
On the other hand, setting it up was completed within seconds. Thus, the Klipsch trio is especially recommended for Wifi and streaming phobics who are horrified by update and installation processes. As smoothly as the Bluetooth connection worked, music lovers might be disillusioned by the volume control. It is simply offering the limited number of levels given by the Bluetooth protocol and thus cannot really satisfy listeners due to its unproportionally big leaps.
Expect a wall of sound from the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
From the first go, two things were most noticable: A fat, deep and assertive bass that made every action movie or computer game a physical experience. And high-revving, amazingly homogeneous dynamics that made music like blues, rock and pop a palpable high-speed experience. Deep Purple’s “High Way Star” rocked out as if a big historical Klipschs and a tube amp did the job decades before bluetooth was invented.
The compact satellites were showing absolutely not harshness in the treble region, but paid acoustic reference to their horn tweeters. The sound was homogeneous and as if was coming from a single source, giving retro lovers some sort of full-range driver feeling. Yes, you can’t deny a certain tendency to retro sound in the set, as they were rather stingy with shiny treble and airiness.
Lots of room, lots of sound
That is absolutely not true to its 3-dimensional stage. Whether on the shelf in the minimalist´s living room or at the much too small desk next to a PC: steaging was always broad, wide and delivered a convincing size of the imaginary room. The Klipsch ProMedia never allowed itself to be obtrusive. Voices were projected vividly, maybe with a certain detachment and sometimes even somewhat jumpy localization. However, this is more likely to bother lovers of classical music and jazz or picky recording engineers, who probably won’t be able to do anything with the Klipsch anyway in view of the rather historic and not exactly overly detailed sound.
Klipsch ProMedia Heritage Buy or prefer alternatives?
In terms of connectivity, the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 is a bit outdated. Today’s competitors are much more flexible in this respect. A Magnat Monitor Active 2000 also offers more hi-fi virtues in terms of sound at a competitive budget – whether on the shelf or on the desk. However, the Klipsch´s really compact satellites are easier to position and more pleasant to look at. In combination with the dynamic voluminous sub, they can simply put more pressure on the bass, may it be for electronic music, gaming or action movies.
Specifications: Klipsch ProMedia Heritage
- Retail price: 400 euros
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 13.5 x 23 x 14 cm (Sat), 25.5 x 33 x 35.5 (Sub)
- Weight: 1.75 kg (Sat)
- Features: analogue AUX input, night mode, subwoofer level remote controlled
- More at: klipsch.com
