Klipsch ProMedia Ultra 5.1
This 5.1-channel speaker system has a powerful subwoofer.
Greg Adler
Klipsch's sleek ProMedia Ultra 5.1 sounded better than its 5.1-channel competitors in our latest round of testing.
In our audio-quality tests, the Ultra 5.1 ranked first. Its two 8-inch subwoofers produced loud, clear bass; I could hear every hit of the drum when I listened to a DVD-Audio sample of "White Rabbit" on Blue Man Group's album The Complex. Surround-sound details in the speakers were clear, too. I felt like I was a part of the opening battle in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, as Jedi starfighters flew from right to left.
The Ultra 5.1 looks as good as it sounds. Each of the system's five speakers has small rubber grips on the bottom to help prevent the speaker from rattling against whatever it's sitting on. To help you get the most out of DVDs, the center speaker has a small adjustable post in the rear that lets you tilt the speaker to your listening sweet spot.
The set's controller allows you to change the master volume as well as independently adjust the volume of the subwoofer, rear, and center speakers. It leaves the treble, bass, and other EQ adjustments to the software media player on your PC. The controller also has a handy headphone jack and a 0.125-inch stereo input for plugging in gadgets such as your MP3 player.
With a price tag of $350 (as of January 17, 2006), the Ultra 5.1 isn't cheap. But if you're willing to pay, the sound and style of this top-performing product should get you noticed by your neighbors.
Upshot: The Ultra 5.1 lacks the flashy design of gaming speakers, but it has good, classic looks and top-notch sound.
Greg Adler
