Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 speaker system or Home Theater Speakers with Receiver? Which one should i get ?

[DapperDpm]

I'm putting together a new system for the first time with createve labs audigy platinum EX sound card.
I was initially thinking about getting Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 speaker system but now i'm wondering if its possible to get a home theater speaker system
with a receiver for about the same price and use it with the PC sound card. Is it even possible to do that ? If so what would be the Pro's and Con's of using a computer speaker system Vs. a home theather system. I would appreciate your opinions and suggestions.

 

[BD231]

Nothing sounds better than a componet system, provided you have enough cash to throw on it.

 

[HouRman]

The Klipsch promedias are THX certified. If you bought a reciever that was THX certified it would cost you at least $1000.

I'd go with the Klipsch speakers because it's cheaper than buying a home theatre and you'd be getting excellent quality.

It may not produce sound to fill an auditorium but I think it's perfect for computer use. Those speakers are one of my top picks if I had to upgrade mine.

 

[arcas]

Umm. Careful there. Not all "THX certified" products are equal. The Klipsch, Altec and Logitech speakers conform to the "THX Multimedia"
specification. The receivers (and their corresponding speaker systems) of which you speak either conform to the THX Ultra or THX Select
specifications. These are different specifications that are aimed at different markets: The THX Multimedia specification is designed to provide
a good experience while watching movies on your PC. THX Select is aimed at mainstream home theater environments while THX Ultra is for
high end theater and home theater equipment.

I agree with bdog that given money, a component system will ultimately sound better than the Klipsch multimedia speakers. It might cost
you $750 or $1000 to do it though since you have to worry about buying both the speakers and a receiver/amp.

I also agree with HouRman that for the money (Klipsch 5.1's cost what? $350?) you'll be hard-pressed to assemble a receiver and speakers
and achieve comparable sound quality. I would even argue that it can't be done

 

[Legendary]

I have Klipsch 5.1s in front of me right now...and I must say that although I love them to death...my Bose system downstairs owns them...however that cost a lot more than these...so I think these give the best bang for the buck...if you have the money go for the receiver and such.

 

[jaggrey]

Love my Altecs. ADA890 all the way!!!

 

[ThenIsaid]

If you're willing to spend some time auditioning and assembling a quality Home System, go for that. I think you'd find that a solid component system will outperform the Promedias, plus it would be much more flexible/expandable (though probably more initial investment $$). When looking at a receiver, be sure to check the guts (power supply, heat sink, etc). You want high current as well as high "wattage," both with low distortion...any amp can put out 100 watts within a narrow freq band and with horrible distortion. Some speaker brands you may want to check out (good bang for the buck)...Paradigm, PSB, B&W (Specifically, Paradigm Atoms, B&W 302 (?i think?)). Not to crap on other brands, but please don't buy Bose without doing a side-by-side comparison with one of these other brands...I can almost guarantee you'll be amazed. check out Audio Review to make sense of all the gear....

Personally, I made my own sub for ~$150 that rocks about any other commercial sub I've heard below $350. I use a solid, no frills, high current Yamaha Receiver i got for $190. Fronts are Paradigm MiniMonitors ($280/pair...though the Atoms may run about $150 if you find a deal?) I use Atoms for my surrounds. You can connect your sound card to a standard RCA input on the reciever with a mini-stereo to RCA cable (just like what comes with a Discman for patching it into the stereo...costs <$5).
I have yet to hear any other system in this price range that can even compare to my setup, except maybe B&W (bit different tone, but excellent nonetheless). Just for comparisoin, my buddy upstairs asked me what I was playing just now, it had some solid bass up there i guess. He was a bit shocked when I said the sub was off (and I was a bit shocked when I looked at the clock...little late to be playing loud music...

 

[sandorski]

For the price, it would be very difficult to buy a home theater system as good, maybe even impossible. Also it should be noted that HT setups are designed mostly for movie playback, they will likely perform poorly for gaming compared to the Klipsch PM 5.1s.

 

[mdXtreme3d]

<< For the price, it would be very difficult to buy a home theater system as good, maybe even impossible. Also it should be noted that HT setups are designed mostly for movie playback, they will likely perform poorly for gaming compared to the Klipsch PM 5.1s. >>



how are HT setups designed for movie playback, and (let's assume for a minute that is true) how would that result in poor gaming performance, relative to the PM5.1's ?

I had my computer hooked up to my HT (a modest setup - $1k for receiver and speakers) using the 6-channel inputs on my receiver, and no computer 'multimedia' speakers could even come close (nor would I expect them to).

IMO, if you can afford it, get a decent entry-level receiver (pioneer VSX-411/511) and 5 matching speakers + sub (like Energy's Take 5.2, or Paradigm's Cinema setup). This setup is more powerful, more flexible, more upgradable, and you'll be less likely to have the upgrade itch when the "next big thing" arrives 6months after you get it.

all IMO of course

 

[Draco]

<< The Klipsch promedias are THX certified. If you bought a reciever that was THX certified it would cost you at least $1000.

I'd go with the Klipsch speakers because it's cheaper than buying a home theatre and you'd be getting excellent quality.

It may not produce sound to fill an auditorium but I think it's perfect for computer use. Those speakers are one of my top picks if I had to upgrade mine. >>




You can get a good THX receiver for less then a grand. Onkyo 797 comes to mind. I bet BestPriceAudioVideo.com would give you a great price on one.

 

[Howard]

<< Not to crap on other brands, but please don't buy Bose >>


Well I will! Bose is horrible!

 

[Alex]

if ya can FIND the promedia get them but theyre sooo damn rare

 

[Huma]

Only go with the klipsch if you find you really like the klipsch promedia sound. I find it overly bright, too boomy, and lacking in the mids.

Love my paradigms though.

 

[E3Art]

i have the klipsch 2.1 and i love them. from the reviews ive read the 4.1 are pretty much the best

 

[sandorski]

mdextreme: Well, I'd take Energy's over the PMs any day, but I'm talking similar price. Any HT setup priced similar to the PMs is going to almost be gauranteed to be cheap crap.