Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 Review
The ProMedia Heritage from the American manufacturer Klipsch appears retro at first glance. However, this small Heritage 2.1 system also features Bluetooth connectivity, making it quite modern. We are eager to see how well it performs. Tested at 285$.
Design
The Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 system is compact, consisting of an active subwoofer and two satellite speakers. All three components feature a stylish mid-century design with a vinyl finish and wood grain.
This desktop setup includes two speakers and a powered subwoofer designed to mimic the look of Klipsch’s higher-end Heritage speakers, specifically the Heresy 4. While it’s not a replacement for the Heresy or any Heritage speakers, it brings a touch of heritage flair to your desktop or living room.
The system is available in black and walnut color variants. Our test model comes in walnut, complete with sand-colored covers for the drivers.
The satellite speakers operate on a 2-way principle, with a one-inch dome tweeter housed in a Tractrix Horn for added precision. For dynamic and powerful mids, the satellites each have a 3-inch woofer. Low-frequency sounds are handled by the front-firing subwoofer, which features an 8-inch driver and 100 watts of amplification. To extend the frequency range downwards, a rear-firing bass reflex port is employed.
The satellites connect to the subwoofer using supplied speaker wires, which are of solid quality but somewhat short. To play the retro-looking 2.1 system, there are three options: wireless connection via Bluetooth, a pair of analog RCA inputs, and a USB-A input. Although the number of connections is limited, this simplicity allows for a frustration-free setup.
Practical Test
We start with the US neo-soul singer Amel Larrieux and her 2000 track “Get Up.” After a few seconds and the first bass notes, we are impressed. The groovy R&B song is rendered in a very tangible and spatial manner. The bass is slightly overwhelming, so we reduce it using the included remote control. All operations of the system, including volume, Bluetooth pairing, source selection, and “Night Mode,” which tames the subwoofer’s bass to avoid disturbing neighbors, are managed via the remote. The subwoofer can reach an impressive level, but the bass occasionally sounds imprecise and lacks tightness.
Additionally, there is a small frequency gap between the subwoofer and satellites, making the lower mids sound flat at times. However, the subwoofer provides a good foundation, making the overall sound appear larger. The satellites perform respectably, with highs and mids forming a balanced sound profile that handles both modern and classical compositions well. The 2.1 system can easily fill medium-sized rooms and would fit well in many living rooms.
Key Facts:
- Founded: 1946
- Location: Indianapolis, USA
- Legendary Products: Klipschorn and La Scala
Klipsch Audio Technologies was founded in 1946 by Paul W. Klipsch, initially named Klipsch and Associates. The company moved to its current location in 2000. The Klipschorn, developed in 1946, is a 3-way speaker known for its high efficiency and effectiveness.
Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1: Detailed Overview
General Features:
- Device Class: Compact System
- Price Category: Entry-Level
- Manufacturer: Klipsch
- Model: ProMedia Heritage 2.1
- Dimensions (W/H/D):
- Satellites: 20.3 x 14 x 10.9 cm
- Subwoofer: 30.5 x 25.4 x 38.1 cm
- Weight: 7 kg
- More Information: Klipsch Official Website
Technical Specifications (According to Manufacturer):
- Operation: Active/Passive
- Design: Subwoofer, 2-Way Satellites with Bass Reflex
- Number of Speakers: 2.1 System
- Frequency Response: 29 Hz – 20 kHz
- Power: 220W
- Power Consumption:
- Standby: Not Available
- Operation: Not Available
- Room Recommendation: From 10 m² to 25 m²
- Individual Sound Adjustment: Yes
- Inputs: Bluetooth, 1 x Aux-In
- Outputs: None
Verdict
The Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 set not only fits perfectly into the living room thanks to its chic mid-century design. The compact satellites, in combination with the active subwoofer, can easily fill medium-sized rooms and are impressive due to their simple operation. Only a few more connection options would be desirable.
Performance Ratings (out of 15):
- Bass Reproduction: 14/15
- Midrange Reproduction: 13/15
- Treble Reproduction: 14/15
- Spatiality: 13/15
Playback Quality: 54/60
Features and Build Quality: 11/15
User-Friendliness: 12/15
Upgrades/Downgrades: None
Interim Score: 77 out of 90 points
Price/Performance Ratio: Very good 9/10
Final Score: Very good 86%
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