AMPLIFIER for Klipsch 2.1 ProMedia Upgrade Subwoofer Speaker Amp Replacement

  
This listing is for a replacement Promedia 2.1 THX computer speaker AMPLIFIER for a Klipsch 2.1 system. This plate amplifier mounts to the back of a ProMedia 2.1 subwoofer enclosure. The amplifier works great, has upgraded quality parts, and runs cooler, especially if you select the cooled version that has a Noctua fan mounted. The fan is internal once the amplfier is installed into your enclosure. You reuse your 2.1 subwoofer enclosure. This amplifier has better performance than the ProMedia 2.1 systems produced since 2012. Side by side with a 2023 ProMedia 2.1 THX, the original version with this new LF board has a stronger bass foundation and better presence in the midrange. The newest version sounds hollow.

There is a reason the newer versions are less expensive, especially when you account for inflation since this first generation was produced in 2000. Short of using a ProMedia 5.1 system (I have upgrades for them, too), this version of ProMedia 2.1 is the best performing 2.1 computer speaker system. Short answer: you get what you pay for. Detailed answer is in paragraphs below. There is that much less content and power in the newer systems.

This first generation version uses a pair of individual power transistors (MOSFETs) for each satellite channel, while the latest ProMedia 2.1 uses a single amplifier-on-a-chip for both channels (TDA7265). The first generation was rated for 35 watts per channel. He second generation ProMedia (2012 to mid-2018) uses a single TDA7265B chip for both satellite channels, rated for 25 W/channel at 1% distortion, or 30 watts at 10% distortion (which is audible). He current generation uses a less expensive TDA7265 chip, rated for just 20 watts/channel at 1% total harmonic distortion (THD), or 25 watts at 10% THD.

So each generation has marked a decrease in cost and performance. For comparison, Klipsch's ProMedia 5.1 system of the same, early 2000s era uses four MOSFETs per channel, 24 in all, for 60 watts per channel to the satellites. Upgraded parts: This has a designed-in-2020 (made in 2024) low frequency (LF) amplifier board with 57 new components. It produces less heat and has better quality Japanese, U. A pair of 1000 uF low ESR capacitors have ten times Klipsch's original design capacitance, to address a class D design weakness of bus pumping. The original capacitors were next to a hot resistor, so they usually have lost even the original capacitance. The new design has five improvements: 1 a pair of power resistors waste less energy and produce less heat, 2 are far from the capacitors, 3 the capacitors are much better quality, and two are far larger, 4 the board itself is much better quality, and if selected, 5 a fan keeps heat from cooking components. The power supply has eight new components. Optional : a Noctua 150,000 hour internal cooling fan is recommended to even out internal temperatures, speed removal of heat by the aluminum plate and the enclosure, and extend component life in the power supply and LF amplifier.

The subwoofer is not included. This unit is intended to replace a non-working amplifier.

Photos show original, charred amplifier boards without cooling and show the new (red or blue) circuit board sitting next to the old, and show the new board after installation. Caution: Not every problem with the popular ProMedia 2.1 system is due to an amplifier problem.

Some systems break from damage to the control pod cable; often noticeable by the system working intermittently as the cable is flexed near its plug, or if you can see one of the pins in the plug is bent over. Others have a failing 6.5 speaker.

You can remove the metal grill, and touch the foam surround. If it is brittle or sticky or even has holes and tears in it, you know it is time to replace it. Avoid a mismatched 8 ohm or 4 ohm generic replacement. 4 ohm replacements can damage the amplifier. 8 ohm replacements reduce performance by 25%.

Both of the versions made until mid 2018 use the same control pod with a round, 6-pin mini-DIN plug, fit the same enclosure, and connect to the same satellite speakers. (A control pod, needed for operation, is not included here). The newest ProMedia 2.1 systems use a serial-type plug with parallel rows of pins. This earlier, first generation version uses a heavier, more expensive transformer power supply. The easiest way to recognize it is by its rocker on/off switch for power, located next to the power cord.

This system draws 0 watts when turned off. The original design draws 18-20 watts when turned on (no volume), or 24 VA.

With the improved LF board, the amplifier draws 15-16 watts when turned on. The panels weigh nearly 8 pounds.

Fed Ex Ground return label. Just drop the box off at a Fed Ex Office.

Version, I recommend re-using my boxes and packaging. Total System Frequency Range: 32Hz-20kHZ. Peak Amplifier Headroom: 2 X 35 watts-satellites 1 X 130 watts-subwoofer. Satellite Impedance: 4 ohms minimum.

Amplifier: Digital linear hybrid amplifier; discrete MOSFET output power section. Subwoofer Limiter: Protective limiter function protects the driver and amplifier from extremely high volume playback.

(2012 data for new versions). Amplifier: High-efficiency power supply and linear amplifiers designed for uncompressed full power sound.

ProMedia 2.1 BT (Bluetooth) Specs (2017). Total System Power: 100 watts continuous/200 watts peak at.

260 watts short-term peak power. Satellites: 18 watts/channel continuous at. 26 watts/channel short-term power at. Subwoofer: 65 watts continuous at. ProMedia 2.1 THX (2023) Data not from Klipsch, but based on components used.

Satellites are driven by a TDA7265 chip rated for 20 watts/channel at 1% THD, or 25 watts/channel at 10% THD. Subwoofer is driven by a TDA7294 chip rated for up to 100 watts THD is specified at. 1% at up to 50 watts.