Consisting of a pair of satellite speakers and a subwoofer, the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT kit offers a compact and elegant solution for optimizing the sound of a computer, TV or Bluetooth device. It’s the successor to the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 BT system, to which it adds increased power, as well as an RCA and USB input, all encased in a vintage design, inspired by the Klipsch Heritage speakers. Priced at €349, can this set offer the listening quality of Klipsch speakers in a more compact system?
Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT: packaging & accessories
The speakers and subwoofer of the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT system come in a single large cardboard box inside of which each element is securely held in place. The system comes with a pair of 2 meter-long speaker cables to connect the speakers to the sub, a mini-jack to RCA cable, a power cable, damping pads for the speakers and an infrared remote controls and batteries.
Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT: presentation
Design
The Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT kit has the same name as the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 BT multimedia speakers launched in early 2021. The system is completely reworked, starting with a more contemporary design. Its higher level of finish is in keeping with the American manufacturer’s expertise and makes it easier to place the speakers in an office or living room. The satellite speakers and the subwoofer follow the design of the Klipsch Heritage range, with a resolutely retro aesthetic. The different sides of the cabinet are made of MDF covered with a vinyl coating imitating walnut or black wood, depending on the chosen finish.
The satellite speakers in the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT audio system are heavily inspired by and look like miniature versions of the iconic Klipsch Heresy IV speakers. At only 23cm high and 13cm wide, their extreme compactness allows them to be discreet and to be easily installed on a desk or an AV cabinet. Thanks to their sealed design, they can be placed close to a wall or on the shelf of a piece of furniture without impairing the balances of the reproduction.
Just as elegant, the subwoofer that accompanies the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT speakers has a similar format to the Klipsch Forte IV and Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers. It is a lot larger than the speakers in the pack (25cm wide, 32cm high and 35cm deep), but its very elegant design allows it to blend into its surroundings. Because of its bass-reflex port on the rear panel, it is important to leave some space between the sub and the wall behind it (at least 10cm) to avoid artificially amplifying the lows.
The essence of the Klipsch Heritage range is also embodied in the acoustic grille that protects the drivers of the speakers and the subwoofer. It uses beige fabric for the walnut version, and a black and beige polymer mesh for the black version. A variation that can also be found on many Klipsch Heritage speakers. However, the logo that adorns the bottom of the grille is different to that of the Heritage models as it has a circular shape. This logo is only found on the brand’s connected speakers, such as the Klipsch Heritage Groove, Klipsch The One II and Klipsch The Three II, or on a few special editions like the Klipsch Heresy III Capitol Records. However, it is a shame that the grille doesn’t have a magnetic mounting system as it would have freed the front panel from any unsightly notches or screws.
Acoustic design
Behind the acoustic grille, the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT satellite speakers have a black front panel that once again draws inspiration from the Heritage range. Each speaker is equipped with a 4” (10cm) midbass driver. The cone is made of synthetic fibers, a composition which combines rigidity and lightness, two key elements for an optimal control of the reproduced frequencies. Thanks to a flexible surround, the excursion is also optimized for better extension in the low mids.
The midbass driver of the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT satellite speakers is combined with a 1” polymer dome tweeter. As usual, the manufacturer has placed the tweeter in a Tractrix horn. A distinctive feature of the brand, this horn extends the distribution zone of the high frequencies, allowing the listener to benefit from a broader and more precise optimal listening area.
To balance the sound and bring substance to action scenes, the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT speakers work alongside a subwoofer. The matter features an 8” (20cm) driver with a polymer fiber cone. The polymer fibers maximize rigidity to avoid any distortion, even at high volume. Thanks to its bass-reflex enclosure and rear-firing port, the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT subwoofer can easily reach 29Hz, a frequency that larger subs struggle to achieve.
The Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT system’s amplification is entirely integrated into the subwoofer. Therefore, the satellite speakers need to be connected to the sub with cables. Each speaker benefits from an amplification of 35 watts. The subwoofer has an amplification of 100 watts to power its larger driver adequately. The Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT kit can reach a peak output of over 220 watts. The amplification uses class D modules to maximize the impulse response and provide a more dynamic musical reproduction as well as energetic movie and video game soundtracks.
Bluetooth, RCA and USB
On its rear panel, the subwoofer of the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT kit features an aluminum plaque with all of the connectors. There is an analog RCA input to connect sources equipped with an RCA output or a headphone output. To make this possible, Klipsch includes a 3.5mm mini-jack to RCA cable with the speakers. The Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT system can then be connected to the headphone output of a television, a computer or a DAP. For sources equipped with an RCA output, it is necessary to use an RCA to RCA cable (not included. For the best possible connection, it is best to use a high-quality model such as the Audioquest Tower RCA. The Klipsch ProMedia Heritage kit also has a USB-A input to play music from a USB stick. It is important to note that only the MP3 format is supported, which may compromise the performance of the speakers due to a significant compression of audio files. The absence of an HDMI ARC or optical input to facilitate the connection with a TV is also unfortunate.
For greater ease of use, the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT multimedia speakers have a Bluetooth receiver. The latter simplifies music streaming from a smartphone, a laptop, and even a compatible TV. As a result, the system requires fewer cables and you have more freedom regarding the placement of the speakers in the room
Controls
There are two knobs on the back of the subwoofer in the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT kit. The first is to control the overall volume and the second is to adjust the bass level. For easier remote control, the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT comes with a very comprehensive infrared remote control. The latter allows you to turn the speakers on, adjust the volume, set the level of the subwoofer, select the source, start Bluetooth playback and activate the night mode. The night mode performs a dynamic equalization to reduce significant volume differences between scenes in a movie or video game. As a result, you can enjoy movies without disturbing those around you or having to constantly adjust the volume during quieter scenes with whispers and explosive action scenes.
Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT: configuration
The Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT system is quick and easy to set up. The satellite speakers connect to the subwoofer’s speaker terminals using the included cables. Each cable is 2 meters long, but it is possible to replace them with longer cables if you want to place the speakers farther apart. If that is the case, you should opt for a cable like the NorStone CL150 Classic, as it has a gauge of 1.5mm² and will fit easily into the speaker terminals. Once the speakers are connected, all you have to do is connect the source (RCA or USB) and turn the system on. For wireless listening, simply press the Bluetooth button on the remote control, go into the source’s Bluetooth settings and select the “Klipsch PMH 2.1 BT” speakers as the receiver.
Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT: listening impressions
Music test
The subwoofer of the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT systems had tremendous energy. It was necessary to carefully adjust its volume to avoid a lack of texture or overbearing bass. After a few tweaks, the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT kit delivered a fairly balanced reproduction. The lows were responsive and had a nice impact. The bass sometimes lacked depth, but it was powerful enough to add heft and substance to the sound. It was well controlled and there was no delay, even at high volume.
The Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT speaker pack had a very dynamic and lively character. As usual, the horn-loaded tweeter provided great clarity in the highs. It reproduced each detail with vividness and a brightness that optimized the legibility of information in the upper end of the spectrum. On Eric Clapton’s Tears in Heaven, the plucking of the acoustic guitar strings was reproduced with naturalness and was correctly delineated. The singer’s voice was embodied with softness and sincerity in the center of the stage. Overall, the different nuances of the music were accurate, although the low-mids were often subdued. The Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT system has a V-shaped curve, with a focus on the bass and treble.
Cinema test
Connected to an LG OLED TV via the headphone output, the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT speaker pack provided much better immersion than with the TV’s built-in speakers. Despite the absence of a virtual surround sound mode, the soundstage was wide enough to hear sound effects far beyond the limits of the screen. Both the width and depth were improved. With the movie Ready Player One, the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT speakers provided powerful and lively bass, making the action scenes more credible. During the introductory chase scene, the motors roared throughout the room and every hit to the body of the vehicles was very realistic. The effects were projected more effectively to improve their perception at low volume. The dialogues were clearer and remained intelligible, even when the soundtrack was at its climax and sound effects were coming from all directions.
Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT: compared to…
Klipsch R-41PM: sold for €399, the Klipsch R-41PM speakers have the same clarity and transparency in the highs; while improving the reproduction of the mids. This frequency range is richer and is delivered with more confidence. The tonal balance allows for more accurate nuances. The absence of a subwoofer, however, means that the bass is less powerful and energetic than with the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 BT system. On the other hand, the subwoofer output of the Klipsch R-41PM makes up for this lack. Finally, the Klipsch R-41PM speaker has added versatility with a line-level or phono RCA input, a 3.5mm mini-jack stereo line input, an optical S/PDIF input and a USB-B port for use as a USB DAC with a computer. Nevertheless, it is more imposing and cannot compete with the discretion of the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 BT speakers.
Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT: who are they for?
The Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT multimedia speakers are designed for users looking for a compact, elegant and discreet system to listen to music via Bluetooth. The main advantage of the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT system is the small size and retro design of the satellite speakers, which makes them easy to integrate into any interior. The Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT system is therefore able to provide more immersion with movies and video games, but also a better musical reproduction, without cluttering the living room or home office. It is therefore a great alternative for design enthusiasts and fans of the Klipsch sound who aren’t able to install larger speakers.
Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT: conclusion
With the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT system, the American manufacturer has reused the design of its iconic speakers in a smaller and very discreet format. Our listening test of this Klipsch system revealed many qualities, with great dynamics, powerful and well controlled bass, as well as a bright and transparent soundstage. Overall, the tonal balance was accurate, except with the mids, which were too subtle compared to the other frequencies. Despite this, the Klipsch ProMedia Heritage 2.1 BT speakers are one of the most stylish and compact systems available to enjoy a 2.1 stereo system with a computer or TV and with music.
We liked
- The vintage design
- The speakers’ small size
- The ease of use
We would have liked
- An HDMI ARC and/or optical input
- Even deeper bass
- More presence in the mids
