Klipsch 4.1 vs. 4.2 ....the verdict is in

denon

Senior member
Oct 11, 2000
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Today i received 2 pairs of speakers, a set of PM 2.1 and the new PM 4.1. I setup the 2.1 with my friends set to see what a 4.2 setup would sound like...and of course it sounded good, but the 2 subs wasnt anything special. Then i went back to my house and setup my new PM 4.1 system. Good placement, nice speakers, and a great sub...they were nicer than the 4.2 imo and i am very much into audio (mainly home). If you are going to buy a set, get the PM 4.1. At this point i am returning the 2.1 set i bought...i got them just to test them out, thank god for 30-day money back guarantee!
 

Fisher999

Golden Member
Nov 12, 1999
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Yeah, thanks for the scoop. The size of the PM 2.1 sub is smaller than that of the original 400 v2's and although "bigger sub size" doesn't always equal "better bass response" I was disappointed to see that change with the PM 2.1's.
I'm glad to hear that the new 4.1's "ROCK"!

Get your model numbers right Geek (speaking to self as he edits this)
 

yo2tup

Senior member
Oct 11, 1999
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can you explain how the 4.1's are better than the 4.2's? you didn't really explain how you came to that conclusion.
 

Shooters

Diamond Member
Sep 29, 2000
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I believe I read somewhere that the wattage for the satellites on the 4.2 system is actually less than on the 4.1. That could probably attribute to the difference in sound quality.
 

denon

Senior member
Oct 11, 2000
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I'll elaborate a bit...first the setup of the 4.1 system can be a lot easier because you dont have to place a second subwoofer. The placement of a second bass unit is critical in any music/theater situation. Also you dont have 2 diff volumes to mess with and set perfectly in the 4.1 system because it can all be done from one unit. As far as speakers go, i like the sound from the 4.1 sub a bit better and it is rated at a higher wattage. The satellites didnt sound that different, but then again i didnt play one right after the other. Both systems rock, but choose the 2.1 if you want a nice system for just music and the 4.1 for all your gaming/movie/everything else needs :)
 

Jeff H

Golden Member
Oct 11, 1999
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denon, your follow up hits some good points. I recently chose the PM 2.1's, as I'm not into gaming anymore (never was that involved to begin with). And, I don't have the room in my office for a 4.1 or 4.2 setup. So, I replaced my Boston Acoustics MicroMedia (now called BA790) setup w/ the Klipsch PM 2.1's.

Was there anything wrong w/ my BA setup? No, but once in a while you have to succumb to a whim, and just buy it. I got a good bonus check for fourth quarter, and decided to buy the PM 2.1's, and return them if they didn't pan out. Needless to say, returning them quickly became a non-option. I did have some problems w/ a right channel drop out, and Amy of Klipsch was wonderful in working w/ me to correct the problem.

While the BA MM's were better speakers than most will ever experience on a computer (a shame more people can't or won't hear what good audio sounds like on a computer), the PM 2.1's are a step up from the BA's. All I can say is wow! They'll play soft, w/o loss of fidelity, and literally knock you out of your seat, should you choose. I got ahold of a small wav file, the thx theme that you hear at the beginning of movies, and my whole office moves at its peak.

Now the Klipsch speakers have made me want to hear the VideoLogic Sirocco's, and am I glad they're difficult to buy in the U.S. (as well as expensive)!
 

HaVoC

Platinum Member
Oct 10, 1999
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What's this about a 30-day money back? Is this from Klipsch? If the 4.1s are better than the 4.2s, I will return the 4.2s I bought. I wonder if they will refund shipping?
 

denon

Senior member
Oct 11, 2000
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I returned my 2.1 to Outpost.com where i got them, but i am sure Klipsch has some guarantee on their products like that.
 

Jeff H

Golden Member
Oct 11, 1999
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HaVoC, the 30 return policy that I indirectly referred to is via outpost.com. You can return a product w/i 30 days w/ no penalty. No, shipping is not refunded, as w/ any purchase >$100 there is free shipping. I'm also quite sure that you'll pay to return a product.

But, let me tell you, outpost's shipping is the fastest I've seen. I ordered my PM 2.1's on a Tuesday around 10 am, and they arrived Wednesday pm.
 

HaVoC

Platinum Member
Oct 10, 1999
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Well I ordered directly from Klipsch so I might be SOL on the shipping. :(

Maybe I can fleabay it or sell it as 2 2.1 systems for break-even cost. I'm sure it sounds absolutely great and I'll be happy with either or, but it seems the $320 after shipping can be better spend on a new CPU/mobo.
 

Flashram

Diamond Member
Apr 11, 2000
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Denon- Have you checked into Outpost's return policy? The Klipsch are a "Tweeter product" and seem to have a seperate return policy, that being you can't return them. From Outpost.com: "Tweeter@Outpost.com products are protected by a 60-day defective return-for-replacement policy (except for camcorders) only. The "T" in a product number identifies Tweeter@Outpost.com products". Sounds like you can ONLY exchange them if they are defective and cannot get a refund. However, Outpost's service is top notch so I bet you can get around it.

Also, the best placement for 2 subwoofers in the same room is right next to each other, side-by-side. If you try positioning 2 subwoofers apart, due to room acoustics, you will end up with standing waves that cancel each other out.

My 4.1's arrive on Wednesday. I can't wait!
 

randomlinh

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,846
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two subs seems like just a waste for a computer sytem... in general, your comp will be in a relatively small room most likely.. and it would just be insane to have two subs.

and i read on the klipsch forums that someone has 3 2.1 systems... that's just plain crazy. I'd rather put that money into a real system and what not.
 

rubenswm

Golden Member
Aug 12, 2000
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denon, you have not provided evidence or reason to consistantly prove the 4.1 is better than the 4.2. I think you're just talking out of your arse.

this crap about "easy setup" is clear B.S....and the only real pseudo logic ive seen is for SOME REASON the 4.1 is better for movies.

maybe you should read up a little more instead of confusing uninformed ppl with your unsubstantiated opinion.
 

denon

Senior member
Oct 11, 2000
295
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rubenswm, you are a tool. I have no idea why you are trying to flame me. Setup is obviously easier with a simple 4.1 system, not 2 x 2.1..you don't have to worry about setting up 2 different systems and placement is much easier. Second, this was obviously my opinion and i DID NOT base it on any facts. So please suck dese nuts. Thank you and have a nice day!