Klipsch Pro media 2.1 Died Need Replacements

[sze5003]

I've been using the Klipsch pro media 2.1 speaker setup for my Desktop.

These are the discontinued ones that have Bluetooth.

Last night I realized I was only getting sound out of the subwoofer. Both left and right channels on the speaker pods themselves give 0 output.

I also remember when they used to work (speakers) that I would get static or buzzing when moving the wires near the sub.

So now even if I connect my phone to the speakers via bluetooth the only sound that it produces comes out of the subwoofer only and it sounds as if you burried the subwoofer in the ground.

What's a decent replacement set? I enjoyed these a lot and the fact that they were Bluetooth meant I can connect my projector in my room to them in case I needed to do that.

The newer thx 2.1 pro media from Klipsch don't have bluetooth and I heard that the internals aren't as good anymore.

 

[UsandThem]

I've had these Logitech speakers for years, and they've been great.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/logitech-z623-2-1-speaker-system-3-piece-black/1231979.p?skuId=1231979

Depending on what you use the Bluetooth feature for, you can always an inexpensive Bluetooth adapter if you want it for something like Bluetooth headphones.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V1SZCY6

 

[sze5003]

I've had these Logitech speakers for years, and they've been great.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/logitech-z623-2-1-speaker-system-3-piece-black/1231979.p?skuId=1231979

Depending on what you use the Bluetooth feature for, you can always an inexpensive Bluetooth adapter if you want it for something like Bluetooth headphones.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V1SZCY6

Thanks I looked at these and had logitech speakers in the past but I didn't enjoy them as much. Maybe these will be different.

I'm also looking at Edifier R128DB, S350DB and S2000 Pro's.

There's so many choices when it comes to freaking speakers.

 

[UsandThem]

Thanks I looked at these and had logitech speakers in the past but I didn't enjoy them as much. Maybe these will be different.

I'm also looking at Edifier R128DB, S350DB and S2000 Pro's.

There's so many choices when it comes to freaking speakers.

When I bought mine in 2016-2017, Best Buy actually had these on display and you could listen to them. I'd be surprised if they had any working computer speaker displays based on their store resets over the last few years. Logitech has had lower-end models over the years that didn't sound very good, but the Z623's are pretty good.

I looked at Edifier models as well when deciding on what to buy, but they were way too big for being on my desk, and some of their models were way too $$$ for computer speakers (for what I wanted to spend on PC speakers).

 

[bfun_x1]

You could also buy a Bluetooth desktop speaker amp and use whatever book shelf speakers you can find. I paired on of these S.M.S.L amps with some unused speakers I had.

Amazon.com: S.M.S.L SA300 HiFi Digital Amplifier, Infineon's MA12070 Chip Class D Power Amp, RCA USB Bluetooth 5.0 APTX Input, Multiple EQ Modes with Remote Control (Black): Electronics

Amazon.com: S.M.S.L SA300 HiFi Digital Amplifier, Infineon's MA12070 Chip Class D Power Amp, RCA USB Bluetooth 5.0 APTX Input, Multiple EQ Modes with Remote Control (Black): Electronics

www.amazon.com

 

[sze5003]

When I bought mine in 2016-2017, Best Buy actually had these on display and you could listen to them. I'd be surprised if they had any working computer speaker displays based on their store resets over the last few years. Logitech has had lower-end models over the years that didn't sound very good, but the Z623's are pretty good.

I looked at Edifier models as well when deciding on what to buy, but they were way too big for being on my desk, and some of their models were way too $$$ for computer speakers (for what I wanted to spend on PC speakers).

Yup I remember becuause I bought the Klipsch model from best buy after listening to them.

My desk is pretty long..about 65 inches and I'm reading the Edifier S350DB subwoofer has a very short hard wired cable to the right satellite speaker which seems to be about 1.5m or 4ft..might not reach from where I would place the sub.

So I'm almost dismissing these and probably trying to decide if the S2000 mkiii or S2000 Pro bookshelf models. The Pro's seem to have better bass for not having a sub.

The more I research the less I want to buy anything lol.

 

[Dranoche]

Yup I remember becuause I bought the Klipsch model from best buy after listening to them.

My desk is pretty long..about 65 inches and I'm reading the Edifier S350DB subwoofer has a very short hard wired cable to the right satellite speaker which seems to be about 1.5m or 4ft..might not reach from where I would place the sub.

So I'm almost dismissing these and probably trying to decide if the S2000 mkiii or S2000 Pro bookshelf models. The Pro's seem to have better bass for not having a sub.

The more I research the less I want to buy anything lol.

If you have the space or can make the space for them, studio monitors with 5-inch or larger drivers are a huge upgrade over traditional PC speaker sets. You'll sacrifice the very low end compared to the best PC speakers, but get much better upper low end and midrange. A subwoofer mixed with 2 to 3-inch drivers leaves a decent gap of about 50 Hz in the frequency response somewhere between about 100 to 200 Hz. You won't miss the sub as much as you think.

Edifier has a lot of plug and play setups. If you want a bit more flexibility in terms of cabling look at JBL, KRK, Presonus, Mackie, Klipsch, and Yamaha. They tend to use common connections such as RCA, TRS, and XLR rather than exotic connections or hardwired lines like on the Edifier. Most will have the option of both balanced and unbalanced inputs. Connecting a subwoofer can be a little tricky but it can be done.

I replaced a Klipsch Promedia Ultra 5.1 set with a pair of JBL LSR305's. I use a headphone amp with RCA out as my main volume control, with RCA splitters on the outputs. One line from each splitter goes to the speakers, the other goes to a RCA switch/preamp then to a subwoofer, with the preamp acting as volume control for the sub. I have a plate amp wired to the sub from the Klipsch set. I really only use it when I want the extra kick for sound effects in games. The JBL's are elevated using stands I made from monitor stands, the pole and articulating arm type. Took the VESA mounting plate off and ran a carriage bolt through a piece of MDF. I don't have stuff underneath permanently but it's nice to have the space, looks less cluttered, and puts the speakers in a better position.

 

[sze5003]

If you have the space or can make the space for them, studio monitors with 5-inch or larger drivers are a huge upgrade over traditional PC speaker sets. You'll sacrifice the very low end compared to the best PC speakers, but get much better upper low end and midrange. A subwoofer mixed with 2 to 3-inch drivers leaves a decent gap of about 50 Hz in the frequency response somewhere between about 100 to 200 Hz. You won't miss the sub as much as you think.

Edifier has a lot of plug and play setups. If you want a bit more flexibility in terms of cabling look at JBL, KRK, Presonus, Mackie, Klipsch, and Yamaha. They tend to use common connections such as RCA, TRS, and XLR rather than exotic connections or hardwired lines like on the Edifier. Most will have the option of both balanced and unbalanced inputs. Connecting a subwoofer can be a little tricky but it can be done.

I replaced a Klipsch Promedia Ultra 5.1 set with a pair of JBL LSR305's. I use a headphone amp with RCA out as my main volume control, with RCA splitters on the outputs. One line from each splitter goes to the speakers, the other goes to a RCA switch/preamp then to a subwoofer, with the preamp acting as volume control for the sub. I have a plate amp wired to the sub from the Klipsch set. I really only use it when I want the extra kick for sound effects in games. The JBL's are elevated using stands I made from monitor stands, the pole and articulating arm type. Took the VESA mounting plate off and ran a carriage bolt through a piece of MDF. I don't have stuff underneath permanently but it's nice to have the space, looks less cluttered, and puts the speakers in a better position.

Yea I kind of went the passive way. Ended up with Micca MB42X speakers, an Smsl ad18 amp, and a dayton audio sub-800. My Klipsch pro media 2.1 has stated working again but it's on and off which sucks. When I get home I will set all this up and see how it sounds. For a bedroom setup I think this will be fine.

 

[Dranoche]

Yea I kind of went the passive way. Ended up with Micca MB42X speakers, an Smsl ad18 amp, and a dayton audio sub-800. My Klipsch pro media 2.1 has stated working again but it's on and off which sucks. When I get home I will set all this up and see how it sounds. For a bedroom setup I think this will be fine.

Nice. Passive is the best way to go. At least if you're willing to search through all the options.

 

[aigomorla]

I use a Definitive Technology Studio Advance Speaker bar system with sub woofer i got on sale, just for my PC, but i think that maybe too overkill for a replacement. Speaker Bars if you have the space seem to be a ideal replacement, unless you got a dedicated speaker setup with floor mounts.
But if you have the real estate (like your using Vesa Mounts that bolt onto your desk), a HT speaker bar system maybe a good replacement.

You can see what i mean here:

 

[WhiteNoise]

I use a Definitive Technology Studio Advance Speaker bar system with sub woofer i got on sale, just for my PC, but i think that maybe too overkill for a replacement. Speaker Bars if you have the space seem to be a ideal replacement, unless you got a dedicated speaker setup with floor mounts.
But if you have the real estate (like your using Vesa Mounts that bolt onto your desk), a HT speaker bar system maybe a good replacement.

You can see what i mean here:

This is a great idea. They usually have BT built in and some of them sound really good. I only own one speaker bar with sub in my house and use it for the main living room. Works awesome.

 

[sze5003]

I'm actually really happy with the Micca MB42X speakers and my Smsl ad18 amp, with the Dayton sub 800.

Damn these things can get loud. I have all my audio source whether it's windows or my phone at 100% and I control the volume through the amp.

One thing I noticed is sometimes I hear some crackling when using the optical output for PC. It could be the cable I bought from Amazon. Don't think I noticed any of this on Bluetooth or the USB input.

Either way it doesn't happen all the time and it's random. Hopefully it's not the amp. But everything sounds great, much better than the Klipsch pro media 2.1 setup I had.

 

[Hail The Brain Slug]

I'm actually really happy with the Micca MB42X speakers and my Smsl ad18 amp, with the Dayton sub 800.

Damn these things can get loud. I have all my audio source whether it's windows or my phone at 100% and I control the volume through the amp.

One thing I noticed is sometimes I hear some crackling when using the optical output for PC. It could be the cable I bought from Amazon. Don't think I noticed any of this on Bluetooth or the USB input.

Either way it doesn't happen all the time and it's random. Hopefully it's not the amp. But everything sounds great, much better than the Klipsch pro media 2.1 setup I had.

I've had similar issues with cheaper optical cables. They didn't resolve until I bought the overbuilt monoprice premium optical cable - although I'm sure there are other quality brand options out there as well. If I was buying an optical cable today I'd probably buy the monolith optical cable from monoprice.

I know you've found a solution you like, but for others that browse I also faced a similar situation recently - I wanted some great sounding speakers for my workstation, but I have size constraints, they had to be less than 8 inches tall.

I thought Audioengine A2+ or Kanto YU2 were my only options, both with small 3"/2.75" woofers and small 0.75" tweeters I knew just wouldn't sound as good as I wanted. I briefly looked at passive speakers to amp myself but I couldn't find hardly anything at a normal person price point that met my size constraints.

I ended up trialing a set of Vanatoo Transparent Zeroes, and I'm in love. Of course I blew way over any notion of budget I had at $360, but it was 100% worth it.

So worth it I started looking for a sub to round them out, they have plenty of power and punch down to 80Hz easily, but on tracks with lower bass they really lack.

I'm currently waiting on delivery of a Rythmik L12 (ha ha I don't even know what a budget is) to try and integrate as a desk subwoofer (I know placement is key so imma have a lot of work to do to get that as good as I can for a desktop speaker setup).

 

[shortylickens]

https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-X2700H-Ultra-Channel-Receiver/dp/B08BBDQ1JM

Amazon.com

Amazon.com: Conext Link PSC10GS-200 Parallel Gold Silver Speaker Cables Full Gauge Oxygen Free Copper Zip Wire (10 Gauge, 200 feet): Musical Instruments

Buy Conext Link PSC10GS-200 Parallel Gold Silver Speaker Cables Full Gauge Oxygen Free Copper Zip Wire (10 Gauge, 200 feet): Speaker Cables - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Hail The Brain Slug]

https://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-X2700H-Ultra-Channel-Receiver/dp/B08BBDQ1JM

Amazon.com

Amazon.com: Conext Link PSC10GS-200 Parallel Gold Silver Speaker Cables Full Gauge Oxygen Free Copper Zip Wire (10 Gauge, 200 feet): Musical Instruments

Buy Conext Link PSC10GS-200 Parallel Gold Silver Speaker Cables Full Gauge Oxygen Free Copper Zip Wire (10 Gauge, 200 feet): Speaker Cables - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Achievement Unlocked: Most Expensive Answer

 

[aigomorla]

Achievement Unlocked: Most Expensive Answer

i can do worse and throw out a speaker bar system from Bose, Definitive Technology, Sonos.

But i do not think the OP is interested in 1000 dollar speaker bars, although i do use one for my setup and it works absolutely great.

But i still think a decent priced speaker bar /w subwoofer if you have the desk space is the way to go.

 

[Hail The Brain Slug]

i can do worse and throw out a speaker bar system from Bose, Definitive Technology, Sonos.

But i do not think the OP is interested in 1000 dollar speaker bars, although i do use one for my setup and it works absolutely great.

But i still think a decent priced speaker bar /w subwoofer if you have the desk space is the way to go.

That's true but the most expensive answer is floorstanding speakers. Those are impractical for probably the majority of PC setups.

 

[shortylickens]

Bose is

I posted quality junk dont you dare insult me.

 

[CP5670]

You could also buy a Bluetooth desktop speaker amp and use whatever book shelf speakers you can find. I paired on of these S.M.S.L amps with some unused speakers I had.

Amazon.com: S.M.S.L SA300 HiFi Digital Amplifier, Infineon's MA12070 Chip Class D Power Amp, RCA USB Bluetooth 5.0 APTX Input, Multiple EQ Modes with Remote Control (Black): Electronics

Amazon.com: S.M.S.L SA300 HiFi Digital Amplifier, Infineon's MA12070 Chip Class D Power Amp, RCA USB Bluetooth 5.0 APTX Input, Multiple EQ Modes with Remote Control (Black): Electronics

www.amazon.com

I use one of these too. It gives you more options to upgrade in the future compared to desktop speakers. I use Klipsch RP-500M speakers on floor stands, but they are the right size for a desktop and go for $300 or so if you wait for a sale or get a refurb. I just added an SB1000 Pro sub to it and it sounds great.

 

[Muadib]

I have the no bluetooth version of the A5+. Sooo worth the cash...

A5+ Home Music System w/ Bluetooth aptX-HD — Audioengine

A5+ Wireless Speakers | Audioengine | The A5+ premium powered speakers are a complete home music system with bold stereo sound that fills any room. Connect in seconds and stream your music from any app or device via high-definition Bluetooth.

audioengineusa.com

 

[sze5003]

I was considering the A5's Bluetooth but I dunno why I didn't want to go with them. Probably because of the price and no sub. At that point I started watching a bunch of reviews on the MB42's and the Smsl ad18 amp.

I think I need a new optical cable but it's not a huge deal since I mostly use the speakers while I'm working via Bluetooth.

 

[CP5670]

I just connect my SA300 with USB. The SA300 lacks the optical input of the AD18, but has a sub output which may be more useful. I would prefer to use my x-fi soundcard's line out with it, but have a separate headphone amp going into it. The card does not let you connect multiple line outputs at once, and daisy-chaining both amps results in power noise in the headphones.

 

[sdifox]

How much space do you have to work with? Can you fit bookshelf speakers?

 

[Muadib]

I was considering the A5's Bluetooth but I dunno why I didn't want to go with them. Probably because of the price and no sub. At that point I started watching a bunch of reviews on the MB42's and the Smsl ad18 amp.

I think I need a new optical cable but it's not a huge deal since I mostly use the speakers while I'm working via Bluetooth.

Audioengine sells the sub separately, $349!

S8 Powered Subwoofer — Audioengine

S8 Powered Subwoofer | Excellent performance for music, movies, and games. A perfect bass extension for Audioengine powered speakers or as an upgrade to any music system.

audioengineusa.com

 

[sze5003]

I just connect my SA300 with USB. The SA300 lacks the optical input of the AD18, but has a sub output which may be more useful. I would prefer to use my x-fi soundcard's line out with it, but have a separate headphone amp going into it. The card does not let you connect multiple line outputs at once, and daisy-chaining both amps results in power noise in the headphones.

I can also switch to the USB output but I feel like optical sounds just a bit more open, maybe it's not a big difference but I think I can tell somewhat of a difference. I'm only using the z370e's internal sound card anyway and this is the first time I tried using the optical out on it.