Klipsch Pro Media Lumina review: slim design falls short on bass

At a glance:

• Klipsch's redesigned ProMedia Lumina 2.1 speakers feature a slimmer subwoofer and angular satellite speakers with customizable LED lighting
• Priced at $380 (currently on sale for $319.99), the system offers good midrange and high frequencies but disappoints with weak bass response
• Available in black only with connections via USB-C, 3.5mm AUX, and Bluetooth 5.3

A legacy redesigned

The Klipsch ProMedia series has been a staple in PC speaker systems since the late 1990s, with the original THX-certified ProMedia v2-400 4.1 system launching in 1999. The company followed up with the ProMedia 2.1 system a couple of years later, which has seen incremental updates over time, including the addition of Bluetooth connectivity. However, the fundamental design remained largely unchanged until now. The new Klipsch ProMedia Lumina 2.1 represents a significant departure from its predecessors, featuring a completely redesigned subwoofer and angular satellite speakers with customizable backlighting and a faux-woodgrain finish. This redesign marks the most substantial update to the ProMedia line in years, aiming to bring the classic speaker system into modern aesthetic and functional territory while maintaining the brand's reputation for quality audio components.

The ProMedia Lumina 2.1 is currently available exclusively in black and carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $380. However, savvy shoppers can find it on sale at Crutchfield for $319.99, making it slightly more accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles. The system has been on the market since November 2023, positioning Klipsch to compete in the premium PC speaker segment against established players like Logitech and Razer, who have also been updating their speaker lines with modern designs and enhanced connectivity options.

Design and features

The most noticeable change in the ProMedia Lumina is the complete redesign of the primary speakers. These satellites are large and rectangular with rounded corners, featuring matte black drivers surrounded by light silver trim. The speakers are wrapped in a black woodgrain-finish vinyl that gives them a refined, premium appearance, suggesting they could fit on a bookshelf rather than just a desk. However, this aesthetic choice comes with some durability concerns, as the reviewer notes that this vinyl finish might not hold up as well as the original ProMedia system's construction, which was known for lasting decades.

Each satellite includes a built-in plastic stand with a non-stick rubber coating on the bottom, allowing users to tilt the speaker back approximately 18 degrees. This tilt feature is particularly useful for desk setups, helping to direct sound toward the listener. The right satellite serves as the primary unit, housing a trio of rubber buttons for volume control and system power. While these buttons are described as not particularly satisfying to use, the system can also be controlled through Klipsch's companion PC and mobile app, providing more convenient options for users who prefer digital control methods.

Connectivity and controls

The ProMedia Lumina offers multiple connection options to accommodate various devices and use cases. The right satellite includes a utility button on the back that allows users to cycle through different connection modes: Bluetooth, AUX, USB-C, and headset passthrough. An indicator LED on the front of the right satellite changes color to correspond with each active connection. Pressing and holding the utility button puts the speakers in Bluetooth pairing mode, making it easy to connect wireless devices.

The left satellite, while lacking physical controls, includes a USB-C charging passthrough port, allowing users to charge their phones or other devices while using the speakers. Both satellites feature 1-inch mylar tweeters stacked on 3-inch midrange drivers and are connected to the subwoofer via thick, 6.5-foot (2m) cables with proprietary DB9 connectors. These cables, while long enough for most setups, present challenges for cable management due to their thickness. The subwoofer does include cable clips at the top for wire routing, but these provide limited assistance in keeping cables organized.

Subwoofer redesign

The subwoofer represents the most significant departure from previous ProMedia models, featuring a slim, side-firing design instead of the traditional cube shape. This new subwoofer measures approximately 14 inches tall by 13.88 inches wide and about 6 inches deep, making it noticeably slimmer than competing flagship gaming PC speakers. It's also relatively lightweight at just 11 pounds, which may be an advantage for users who need to move their setup frequently.

The subwoofer shares the same black woodgrain vinyl finish on its sides, though the top features a standard matte black surface with Klipsch's new logo printed in a shiny black-on-black design. On the back, users will find the two DB9 connectors for the satellite speakers above the AC-in port. Additional connectivity options include a USB-C port and a 3.5mm AUX port, along with a gain adjustment knob for fine-tuning the subwoofer's output. The system package includes the two main speakers, the subwoofer, a 6.5-foot rubber USB-C to USB-C cable, and a 6.5-foot power cable.

Performance evaluation

The ProMedia Lumina delivers solid performance in the midrange frequencies, with mids described as "solid, present, and well-rounded." Songs like K-391's "Lonely World" sound vibrant and dynamic on these speakers, showcasing their strength in reproducing midrange content. The highs are also handled well, without being overly bright, making tracks with potentially painful high frequencies like Britney Spears' "Toxic" comfortable to listen to. This balanced frequency response makes the speakers well-suited for gaming, as gunshots and footsteps are clearer without being so piercing as to cause discomfort.

However, the bass performance is where the ProMedia Lumina falls short. Despite being a 2.1 system with a dedicated subwoofer, the low-frequency response is described as "disappointing" and "lackluster." Even when the subwoofer is turned up to maximum volume, it fails to provide the power and "oomph" expected from a 2.1 system, particularly one marketed toward gamers. The reviewer notes that the strong lower midrange helps most media still sound acceptable, but questions the necessity of the included subwoofer given its minimal contribution to the overall sound profile. Additionally, the proprietary connectors prevent users from upgrading to a third-party subwoofer, limiting customization options.

Software and customization

Klipsch provides the Klipsch Control software for PC users, which offers several additional features beyond what's accessible through the physical controls on the speakers. The software allows for further customization of the built-in lighting presets, though the reviewer notes that the customization options are somewhat limited compared to other PC speakers on the market. One notable feature is the "screen react" function, which attempts to reflect the screen's colors for a more immersive experience, though it may not provide the precise color matching or real-time reaction that some users might expect.

Beyond lighting customization, Klipsch Control includes virtual surround processing, a 6-band EQ with several built-in presets, and settings not accessible through the on-speaker controls. These additional features include a "night mode" that reduces bass output by 50%, as well as options for adjusting auto standby and function sounds. While these software features enhance the user experience, they don't fully compensate for the system's shortcomings in bass performance, particularly at the premium price point.

Value and alternatives

With a retail price of $380, the ProMedia Lumina 2.1 occupies a premium position in the PC speaker market. While it's currently available at a discount for $319.99 at Crutchfield, this still places it above many competing systems. The reviewer suggests that a cheaper 2.0 system might offer better value, especially since users could potentially add a third-party subwoofer for improved bass response—something that's not possible with the ProMedia Lumina due to its proprietary connectors.

When compared directly to alternatives, the ProMedia Lumina finds itself in an awkward position. While systems like Razer's Nommo V2 Pro are even more expensive, the standard Razer Nommo V2 offers a closer equivalent at $299.99. The reviewer notes that while the ProMedia Lumina has some aesthetic appeal with its woodgrain finish and LED lighting, these features don't justify the premium price given the subpar bass performance. For users specifically seeking the Klipsch brand name or the particular design elements of the ProMedia Lumina, it might be worth considering at the discounted price, but for most buyers, there appear to be better options available in the same price range.