How would you really measure the performance of a speaker system? Well my definition of performance is basically how well the system performs. I tested the ProMedias using various music CDs, wav files, mp3s, and games. Since I don't have $20,000 worth of equipment to fully test the frequency response, decibel output, etc, I'm just relying on my ears for this one. My taste in sound will most likely be different from yours, but I'll try to be as objective as I can. With 400 Watts of power, you know these speakers are loud. The maximum output is rated at 110dB, which is equivalent to your average rock concert. Long exposure to that kind of volume will damage your ears. However, how loud can they get without sacrificing quality? Surprisingly I was able to turn the volume to about 75% on most songs without any distortion at all. The distortion does kick in, but you'll never really need to turn the volume to 100%, as the speakers are loud enough at 50-75%.

If you read the forums on Klipsch's site, you'll notice that some ProMedias have problems with hiss when no sound is being played and the volume is turned up. This hiss is a product of having a high gain preamp and high efficiency tweeters. Although it's only noticeable at high level volume over 50%, you'll always see people complaining about the smallest details. However, Klipsch has heard all the cries for help, and has responded by replacing the old preamp they used originally with a new one that lowers the hiss significantly. The ones I have are new so they have the new preamp. If you have an older model with the original preamp, you can contact Klipsch and have it replaced. Any set of ProMedias bought within the last few months should have the new preamp.

A sure sign that these speakers are high quality is that they will reveal flaws in your audio system. The sound card you use with this system really makes a difference. The latest cards should have good signal to noise ratios and shouldn't be a problem when using the ProMedias. When I tested the ProMedias in my system, I initially had a high level of static and hiss. However, I found out I needed to mute some of the output channels to clear things up. After that the speakers sounded crystal clear. The way the satellites are designed with the MicroTractrix Horn and dome tweeters provide excellent high end output. Couple that with a subwoofer with dual side firing active 6.5" drivers that deliver full, rich bass, and you've got yourself one hell of a system. Some systems might highlight certain frequency ranges and basically change the way you hear the sound. In the ProMedia's case, it reproduces the sounds very accurately and consistently, even the flaws. Some might say that the addition of the tweeters in the satellites highlights the high end too much. In my opinion it enhances the quality, and you can definitely see that when comparing it to other tweeterless systems. In the next sections I'll examine the system's performance in various applications, including listening to music, playing games, and watching DVD movies.