New Klipsch Speakers


  1. Posts : 4,517
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #1

    New Klipsch Speakers


    So, my 5.1 Logitech PC speakers finally started going out on me (I had the x530s). The sub started shorting out on me, so I decided to go get a replacement set.

    The intention was to get another 5.1 set similar to these, which seems to be the z506 now.

    After looking around at a few other sets, BOSE included, I decided to grab the Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 set.
    They were just a little more expensive than the 5.1 Logitech set, and the 5.1 BOSE was just out of my price range ATM.

    From what Ive read & heard the sound quality itself was far superior on the Klipsch, but I was afraid I would miss the 5.1 surround.

    The guy at Best Buy told me if I didnt like them just bring them back, so I figured Id give it a shot.



    So I get them home and all set up, and started off testing them with some Music.

    I must admit I was impressed right off the bat.

    The overall sound quality was a huge step up. A bit hard to explain but ..
    More clarity, and the bass was more punchy and tighter. Also, more in terms of Mid Range.

    Movies were equally good. Explosions, gunshots etc had a lot more "Boom" to them so to speak. And clean as well. Not rumbling and hollow sounding as compared to my old set. Its hard to explain what I mean, but hopefully you will get what Im trying to describe.


    Games, same as movies. In Fallout for example, theres was a much more noticeable difference between shooting say a Pistol, and a Shotgun.
    I mean, there was always a difference, but not to this extent. The shotgun for example truly sounded like it had a lot more kick to it.


    Overall, Im impressed with them and like them alot. There are occasions that I miss the 5.1 but ...

    My X-Fi card can extend stereo sound into a surround, and although not like a true 5.1 set up, does give a sense of some surround.


    After playing around with these for the evening I have decided to keep them.
    While I do miss 5.1 in ways, I would much rather have the clean,richer, more realisic sound these little guys give than the cheaper 5.1 setup around the same price. They just sound that much better.

    They are THX certified too, for whatever thats worth.


    For a set of PC speakers, these are pretty good. The satalites were a bit bigger than I expected them to be from Pictures.
    They are actually 8.5" tall and 4 1/4" wide.



    >>At any count, the point to all of this is for those in a simliar situation I was.
    5.1 surround? Or higher quality sound from 2.1 in the $100-$125 price bracket

    I say Higher Quality 2.1, but if you watch a lot of Movies on your PC ... It may be worth considering the 5.1.
    For Music, the 2.1 hands down, no contest. (At least in simliar to the 2 Im comparing)
    Games .. Bit of a toss up, but IMHO, the fuller, richer sound wins over the surround effect here.

    Obviously 5.1 is the better of the two, but not in this price range. Some may disgaree, but thats my thoughts.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,517
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #2

    So after some time with these, I really am starting to miss my 5.1 already in Games.

    Which is sad because for Music and even Movies to an extent, the sound quality is leaps and bounds better.

    With Movies, I use Showtime which uses what it calls a Virtual speaker. So theres a sense of surround, but the quality is soo good Im truly not missing the 5.1.


    But Games, although a lot better in quality, they just cant give that Immersive experience in a 5.1 can.

    This effect becomes really appararent in games Dead Space,Bioshock, Battlefield BC for example.
    I mean everything is crystal clear, guns sound amazing etc .. far better than the old set could even hope to produce..
    But its missing that positional. Things that you should here behind just arent there, the enviroment audio surrounding you etc

    Perhaps I had gotten to used to surround sound gaming.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 55
    Windows 7 Pro 64bit
       #3

    Those have been in production forever and I still use a set from 2002 that work as well today as the time I first brought them home. Klipsch knows how to build speakers and I would take them over anything Logitech builds.
    I tried the new Corsair 2500SP system for a new build I did this spring. They are no competition for the Klipsch pro media units and I think they sould like garbage. How these new Corsair units keep getting rave reviews is beyond me plus they cost $100 more than the Klipsch model. The Corsair speakers are sitting on a shelf now and I replaced them with the Klipsch units.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 4,663
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #4

    I agree regarding the audio on games but for my money you can't beat good quality stereo for music.
    For my main rig I have the sound routed through my hi fi into a pair of 3 foot high floor standing domestic monitors. They're old but really good.
    The sound detail is fantastic and the bass tremendous.
    They are pretty good in games too.:)
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3,322
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
       #5

    Just wondering, how long have you had the x-530s? That's the 5.1 set I have, and had them about 8 months now, so want to know when to expect the sub to start shorting :P
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 1,496
    7 Ultimate x64
       #6

    Audio is 50% of the experience. I honestly don't know how you managed to go back to 2.1? Klipsch does make some really nice stuff though... I can see how they hooked you there. :) I have a set of Klipsch HDT 500's (bitstreaming>Denon AVR-1911) and I just can't put into words how amazing TrueHD and DTS-HD MA sounds. When a pack of horses, or any other LFE's hit the screen, we can feel it... literally. It's a deep, rich, crisp sound that you can feel in your bones. I just friggen love them. I have to be careful though... audio can become a really expensive hobby. I was shocked to find out you can spend 30K on a set of speakers. Needless to say, the wife won't let me look at that page anymore.

    I have a set of the X-540's too. I hardly use them anymore because they're on the same floor as the Klipsch. Yeah sure, they're chinsey little things relatively speaking, but they're good enough... and for under $100.00 you really can't beat them. I rely on my ears, and if I went back to 2.1, I'd get knifed in the back too often.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 4,517
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Ive had the x530s for ... I want to say approx 4 1/2 years.

    But honestly, I wouldnt worry too much. They are pretty durable.
    Mine had been through alot, and been treated pretty rough in that time. Sub even dropped once when moving.

    They are good speakers, and hard to beat a 5.1 in that price range.




    But yea, I do love the Klipsch, especially for music. Theres just no comparison.
    The only time Im really missing that 5.1 is gaming.

    But, for someone who is used to 2.1 speakers, Id say for the $120 price tag these carry are certainly the way to go and wont leave you disappointed in the least.

    If used to 5.1, they will impress, but leave you missing something when it comes to gaming, despite the excellent quality in sound.

    But I suppose in the price range these sets are at, you cant have the best of both worlds. Its one or the other.
    So it seems you just need to decide whats more important to you when deciding. Excellent 2 channel, or decent surround.
      My Computer


 

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