26 years later, this legendary computer speaker system is finally getting an update

Computer speakers are one of those PC products that see very slow development, with products sometimes hanging around for decades. There's hardly a finer example of that than the Klipsch ProMedia. The first iteration of this 2.1 speaker design - the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX - launched all the way back in 1999. While a drastically different-looking ProMedia 2.1 Heritage version was released a few years ago, it's only now, with the release of the brand new Klipsch ProMedia Lumina, that the set is getting a true successor.

This new 2.1 speaker set combines a 6.5-inch subwoofer and two satellite speakers, each containing a 3-inch mid-range driver and a 1-inch tweeter. Klipsch doesn't mention a combined power output for the combo, but we'd guess the term "loud" would cover it. Not many of the current options in our best computer speaker guide are going to be more powerful.

As you might expect, this isn't an ultra-compact speaker system with a subwoofer the size of a shoebox and satellites the size of a Rubik's cube. The subwoofer here measures 14 x 6 x 13 7/8 inches (35.6 x 15.3 x 35.4cm) and weighs 11lbs (4.99kg), while each satellite is nearly ten inches (25cm) tall with a footprint of 6.5 x 4 inches (16.5 x 10.2cm). This is a serious speaker system for people who want some serious audio, and with Klipsch's reputation for powerful bass, you won't be left wanting in that department either.

That said, this new version of the Promedia isn't quite as powerful as its predecessor. Klipsch rates the system as delivering up to 98dB SPL with a frequency range of 40-20,000Hz, while the older system could hit 118dB SPL with a frequency range of 35-22,000Hz. Instead, the big changes here are in the design of the system and its connection convenience.

The subwoofer has changed from a bulky cube-like shape to a slimmer but taller cuboid that will be much easier to tuck in under your desk. Meanwhile, the satellites have a much cleaner design, devoid of knobs and dials (power and volume is now controlled via buttons on top of the right speaker) and with an exposed set of drivers - no speaker grilles this time.

Meanwhile, on the connections front, the old set was a simple analog system with a single 3.5mm jack input. The new system, though, does still have an analog input but also includes a USB-C connection, which means you can plug these speakers directly into your PC without needing to rely on having a sound card, USB audio interface, or high-quality onboard audio.

Bluetooth is also included, so you can easily connect your phone or other mobile devices, and inevitably this means there's an app that lets you tweak the EQ of the speakers and control their lighting…

Yes, Klipsch has embraced 2010 and added some RGB lights to the back of each satellite. Klipsch describes the lighting as including a night mode, music react mode, and three color-changing options, suggesting that integration with RGB lighting systems from Razer, Corsair, and others isn't included.

Still, it's just great to see a new set of computer speakers hit the market, with new options being so vanishingly rare these days - I'm still mourning the loss of the Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 (my set stopped working just a few weeks ago). Arriving priced at $379.99, the Klipsch ProMedia Lumina should be available to buy immediately.