Product Description

The ProMedia Ultra 2.0 personal audio system is designed to deliver sub/sat level performance from the simplicity and portability of a two speaker setup. This system delivers real bass response without having a subwoofer in the way. Designed to maximize the audio experience with iPods, notebooks, PC's, cd players or anything with a headphone jack.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21823 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Black
• Brand: Klipsch
• Model: ULTRA2.0
• Dimensions: 10.50" h x 3.25" w x 6.50" l, 9.00 pounds

Features

• Pair of compact multimedia speakers for PCs and portable audio devices
• Dual 2.5-inch fiber-composite cone drivers and 1-inch metallic polymer tweeters
• Delivers satisfying bass punch and rich midrange tones
• Main volume and bass level controls; headphone jack and auxiliary input
• 30 watts total RMS power (15 watts x 2); 1-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
The ProMedia Ultra 2.0 multimedia speaker system is designed to deliver high-level performance with the simplicity and portability of a two-speaker setup. It was created for consumers who want superior, full-range sound quality but do not want to give up the space or run the wire required for a subwoofer. Each satellite has a sleek appearance, with floating grilles and undercone termination, to provide a cleaner look. This ProMedia Ultra 2.0 speaker system easily connects to Apple iPods and other MP3 players, laptop and desktop computers and to portable audio/video devices, such as televisions, CD and DVD players. Listeners can also feed a laptop PC signal and an MP3 signal simultaneously to the speakers for mixed sound playback, making this system an excellent choice for both multimedia presentations and entertainment.

The ProMedia Ultra 2.0 consists of two magnetically-shielded satellite speakers. Each satellite has a highly efficient two-way design that utilizes dual 2.5" drivers and a 1" metalized polymer tweeter. An exclusive Klipsch MicroTractrix(TM) Horn is coupled to the tweeter for maximum clarity and efficiency, no matter what format you play. The woofers are long-throw units powered by neodymium motor structures. This audiophile design approach provides rich midrange clarity, extended airy highs and a satisfying bass punch, creating balance throughout the audio spectrum. One of the satellites—the control speaker—hosts a bass level control, along with the main volume, a headphone jack and an auxiliary input jack for convenience. The most powerful speaker in its price range, the ProMedia Ultra 2.0 system provides the most satisfying, detailed and dynamic sound reproduction available for two-channel multimedia applications.

Customer Reviews

Excellent for what they are
These are 2.0 multimedia speakers in the hundred dollar range. Which means you will not get the subsonics (sound you feel more then hear) that you get from a subwoofer nor will you get "audiophile" quality of sound, which requires a lot more money and separate speakers and amplifier. That being said, these speakers are a great value in terms of sound quality for your money. The sound is clean, clear and well balanced. Also, I found them to be well put together.

The bass on these is far better then I expected, strong and tight. The midrange is strong and clear as is the treble. There is more then enough volume to overwhelm the person sitting in front of the computer and can easily fill a bedroom size room. Do they distort at very high volumes? I don't know, I have'nt felt the need to take them that loud.

For music these are hard to beat in this price range. The only limitation is the lack of a subwoofer. These are excellent for accoustic music, classical, jazz etc. However, if you are into rap or are a rocker who needs to feel the bass, you need a subwoofer.

For DVD's you get a suprisingly emersive experience. explosions rumble very nicely, sound separation is excellent for a 2 way system, and voices are clear and distinct. But, if watching DVD's is your primary concern and you want the surrond sound theater experience you'll want at least a 5.1 system.

If games are your big priority you'll want a 5.1 system or at least a 2.1 even it means a sacrifice in sound quality.

So if you want the best sound for the price and don't need surround sound or subsonics these are an excellent choice. They are also excellent for those with space limitations or who live in an apartment and want to avoid annoying the neighbors but still want good sound.

A final note, Klipsch is promoting theses as "portable". Portable is a relative term, usually relative to your needs. These are not small (10.5" H x 3.25" W x 6.5" D) as multimedia speakers go, you have the two speakers, the power brick, and wires to deal with and you need to plug them in somewhere. Portable enough for prsentations where you have to bring your own sound system, but not something with which you can just grab and go.

Overpriced and suffer from known Klipsch problems
Individuals looking for a small desktop speaker (for laptops or workstations) will find these speakers to suit their needs. The audio is fairly rich for such a compact form factor; bass does not drown out the mids or highs, and the highs do not pierce your eardrums.

However, in my opinion, these speakers have a lot of issues which should have been thought of before being released on the market.

1) External AC power adapter -- the size of a large baseball, although square (not rectangular) in shape. It's huge, weighs a lot, and gets quite hot. It's one of those "inline" power bricks, where it sits between the AC outlet and the speakers themselves. Anyone familiar with these power bricks knows how irritating they can be when it comes to finding a place to put them. I prefer the AC adapter be put inside the speaker enclosure.

2) Speaker hiss -- this is a well-known problem with most Klipsch speakers released sometime after the 2nd revision of the ProMedia 2.1 series. The speakers, when turned on at lowest volume (and without anything plugged into them as an input device), emit a very loud hissing noise. This haunts the GMX series as well. The problem is caused by Klipsch increasing the internal gain (amplification) of the speakers (thus making them louder). Since there's no way to adjust the gain, you end up with speakers requiring you to turn them completely off when not in use. Otherwise, white noise constantly bombards your ears.

3) Faulty adjustment dials -- another well-known problem with Klipsch multimedia speakers since (and including) the ProMedia 2.1 days. Klipsch has once again decided to use a very cheap brand of potentiometre for their bass and volume adjustment knobs. The problem with these pots is that over time/use, dust manages to get inside of the pot. When this happens, you'll hear static coming out of the speakers every time you adjust the volume or adjust the bass. As stated, the ProMedia 2.1 control pod suffers from this problem too. Why Klipsch keeps using the same crummy pots for their products is anyone's guess.

If you think my complaints are limited to just one person (me), I urge you to visit the Klipsch Forums and see for yourself. Look at the ProMedia 2.1 forum as well, because they use the same pots as these speakers.

Because of these three (what I consider to be major) flaws, I can't give this product more than 2 stars. I will admit that the audio quality is quite good for small form-factor speakers (compared to the Creative Itrigue series, for example), but the negatives easily outweigh the positives.

If you want a good set of semi-small speakers, but require the use of a humongous heat-emitting subwoofer, and insist that they must be Klipsch, get the ProMedia 2.1 set (which do not suffer from the hiss problem). Otherwise, consider a different manufacturer.

Well-balanced sound, especially good for classical music
I use these speakers in a small office to listen to news and classical music. The most impressive thing about them is their overall balance and clarity. Male voices are clear and completely free of upper-bass boominess. Classical music is accurately reproduced. As I type this, I am listening to Schubert's Trout Quintet. The double bass is clearly audible without distortion or undue emphasis in the upper range. The piano and strings come through naturally with low distortion. Other classical music also sounds great. Even harpsichord music is cleanly reproduced, with sparkling high frequency overtones. I listened to many other speakers, some costing several times more before deciding on these. All of the others were annoying in one way or another: many had exaggerated bass and some had piercing highs. These Klipsch would be a good bargain, even at a much higher price, if you're looking for clean, natural sound.