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After getting your computer all set up, one of the most disappointing things can be turning on a monitor and hearing the atrocious built-in speakers. While it’s often not the first computer accessory that most think of, a pair of speakers is essential for your desktop.
Unless you want to drop as much as your entire desktop setup on an audio rig, you’ve probably stuck your head in some all-in-one solutions that give a set of speakers, as well as a sub.
Klipsch, on one hand, is known for high-quality, audiophile speakers while Logitech is known for computer peripherals. With both having hands at the ends of the spectrum, we dive in to see which has the better middle ground.
Bottom Line up Front: As an audiophile, I much prefer the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speakers.
The Logitech’s z623’s are still a great value for the money, ideal as computer speakers, whereas the Promedia 2.1’s are better as movie speakers. If the price difference is MORE than $30, I’d recommend the Logitech z623’s .
Main Differences Between the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 vs Logitech z623
The main differences between the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 and Logitech z623 are:
- The Logitech z623 supports RCA input, whereas Klipsch Promedia 2.1 does not support RCA inputs
- The Logitech z623’s are generally less expensive by about $30 compared to the Promedia 2.1’s
- The Logitech z623 has a slightly higher frequency response range up to 35Hz, whereas the Promedia 2.1 only goes up to 31Hz
- The Klipsch Promedia 2.1 has better bass reflex with compared to the Logitech z623
Continue reading for the full take…
Quick Compare Promedia vs Logitech
Klipsch Promedia THX 2.1
While clocking in at a slightly higher cost, the Klipsch Promedia system proves to be an excellent all-in-one solution at a great price. Klipsch’s experience in the field of high quality speakers shines through in a lesser way, but still shines nonetheless
Features
While simple enough to set up, this set packs in plenty of features to make the price justified. A lack of tuning controls is disappointing, but these speakers need little honing at the price.
The standout feature is the THX certification. THX is a standard developed by Lucasfilm Ltd., the studio behind films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. The certification means that products must undergo quality and performance tests in order to gain it.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a remote here which would be nice to see. However, controls are sat on the front of the speaker, making them easy enough to access.
The control panel on the bottom of the speaker can also be slid out if you need a different placement. Sitting right under the speaker will clean up desk space, but the option is there if you need it.
As opposed to a 3.5mm jack on the sub to wire everything up, Klipsch opted for 22 gauge speaker wire. While this won’t do much in terms of quality, it does allow you to easily trim the wire to your needs without having to undergo some soldering.
While we’re speaking about the wired variant here, Klipsch also has a Bluetooth option up for only $20 more. If you’re looking to clean up some cables, this is a solid contender.
The two-way satellites’ 3” midrange drivers blend perfectly with the ProMedia THX Certified solid, 6.5” side-firing, ported subwoofer for full bandwidth bass response you can actually feel.
Design
If there is anything Klipsch is known for, outside of incredible sounding speakers, it’s beautiful looking speakers. While this small set can’t hold a find to the larger ones in the lineup, Klipsch still managed to make what would otherwise be a mundane pair of speakers into something nice.
The front of the speakers are flat black, but still has the unique Klipsch flare that makes them look special. The cone, in this case, is slightly golden. The color won’t distract from the look, you probably wouldn’t notice it from some distance, but it provides just enough up close aesthetic to make the set look good.
As mentioned before, the right speaker comes with the control pod underneath. This detachable unit serves all as the control hub of the set. On the front, you’ll find volume controls for the satellites as well as the sub, and on the side, you have two 3.5mm inputs.
It’s a small thing, but the option to detach this under and move it around your desk is a nice one to have. This unit serves also as a preamp, so there is a separate cord running from it to the sub.
Even in this limited category, Klipsch manages a design that is both practical and beautiful. The detachable control pod is a smart and useful innovation, and the sleek look still earns a few points over competitors offerings in this price bracket.
Sound Quality
Even with all of that, the star of the show with this set of speakers is the sound. Klipsch’s heritage of great sounding speakers carries over into this compact package that are a joy to listen to.
The 6 ½-inch downfire subwoofer is something special. It’s not the best sounding subwoofer, but it’s very impressive considering the cost. The volume can be separately controlled from the speakers via the control pod, so you can dial in the perfect amount of low-end.
This, in particular, separates this speaker set from others. Many subwoofers in this price range sound overinflated with no true low-end coming out. Instead, there is a mess of bass that doesn’t ever hit.
Thankfully, that’s not the case with this one. The bass is tight and responsive, with no awkward crossover or any mess like that. Klipsch really did a fantastic job with the sub in this package.
The satellites carry that theme. The 3-inch driver is clear without being too brash. Even without the sub, these speakers sound great, with a solid low-end response, clear midrange, and crisp highs.
While the Promedia 2.1 speaker set won’t replace a nice pair of desktop or bookshelf speakers, this all-in-one kit provides some seriously great audio. Klipsch doesn’t make many computer peripherals, but this one is a good one.
Klipsch Promedia 2.1 Overall
Klipsch isn’t known for computer accessories, but this set of speakers proves that they don’t need to be. It’s expensive, sleek, easy to use, and, above all, sounds incredible. If you are a stickler for sound but don’t want to go full audiophile, then this is the set to look at.
Logitech z623
Logitech is a titan in the world of computer peripherals, making multiple sets of speakers like the z623. From the inexpensive Z313 to the top of the line Z625, this set sits near the higher end of the spectrum. However, can much be expected when $100 is considered high-end?
Features
The z623 set is very similar to the Promedia 2.1 set in terms of features. You’re going to find just about everything you find prior, but with a couple of bumps.
Of course, THX certification is here as well and the logo sat in front of each satellite will remind you of that. THX tests to home theater standards, so the speakers handle dialogue and ambient noise, while the sub gives all of the earth-shattering lows.
In compliance with THX standards, the subwoofer extends down to 20Hz at -6dB. This doesn’t fit in the normal -3dB frequency response standards, so that’s why the discrepancy is there, Rest assured, the sub does hit 20Hz at -6dB.
Controls are found on the front of the speaker, but cannot be detached like on the Klipsch set. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s pretty disappointing considering Klipsch could put up this small, but important innovation.
However, like the Klipsch set, you have the option for Bluetooth. It’s $20 more, like the Klipsch, but it can be purchased separately. This comes with some pros and some cons, though.
While the Bluetooth adapter doesn’t need to be purchased with the speakers, you’ll still have a mess of wires running to the Bluetooth box. It’s not horrible, but it should be considered.
Speaking of wires, Logitech opted for 3.5mm male jacks as opposed to exposed speaker wire. While this is helpful for setting everything up, it can leave a lot of cable slack. With exposed speaker, like you see on the Klipsch set, trimming is easy, a process that becomes much more convoluted as plugs are pre-soldered.
2 satellite speakers and a powerful subwoofer deliver sound big enough to fill even large entertainment rooms.
Design
Logitech’s look, for my taste, isn’t the best. While I can appreciate the metal grilles and the protection they offer, the look simply isn’t as pleasing as that scene on the Klipsch.
The satellites clock in slightly smaller and the subwoofer slightly larger. This really doesn’t make sense to me. Desk space is generous with smaller and smaller computers, while a fat sub can cause issues on the floor.
It’s not a major size difference, but I would have liked to see Logitech beef up the satellites a bit. The controls are found on the right speaker, with volume, power, bass, and inputs. Essentially, it operates the same as the control pod but is attached to the speaker instead.
However, Logitech offers something that Klipsch doesn’t. The z623 offers RCA and 3.5mm input, but the z625 (which is the exact same set of speakers) offers optical input as well. If you’re hooking up to a modern TV, this is essential.
While the look isn’t for me, it doesn’t mean it’s bad. Logitech manages a decent looking set that, while a little inconvenient in size, definitely isn’t an eyesore.
Sound Quality
Here is where Klipsch really differs from Logitech. While the z623 system doesn’t sound bad, it doesn’t stack up against the titan of audio.
This is really seen in the subwoofer response. The bass isn’t as tight and defined as it is on the former set. Instead, the low-end hits, but comes off a bit too muddy. It will shake your floor but in a mess of bass instead of tight hit.
The speakers are far better. Mids are recessed, but smooth, giving an unnatural but still pleasing sound. Highs are very present, but almost to a fault. While the speakers aren’t shrill, they can be a little much at extreme volumes.
Still, the set doesn’t sound bad considering the price. My experience with low-end Logitech speakers doesn’t carry over here, thankfully. The sound is clear and responsive from the satellites, while an overinflated low-end blemish just a hair.
Logitech z623 Overall
Logitech manages a set of speakers that sound great considering the price and compared to other PC speakers in this range. The options for Bluetooth and optical input take it a step above the Klipsch set, if you’re willing to pay the price. However, the flubby subwoofer still hurts it overall.
Conclusion: Which Desktop Speakers Are Best?
Finding a decent set of speakers for your computer without break the bank can be a chore. However, options from both Klipsch and Logitech provide consumer-friendly options at a great price.
The Klipsch set is best suited for those who demand excellent audio quality. While the price is slightly higher, it’s easily justified with the tight bass response and clear satellites.
However, the Logitech set isn’t bad considering the cost. If you can deal with a slightly looser low-end and the so-so look of this set, then the extra $40 off is worth it.
Bottom Line: As an audiophile, I much prefer the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speakers. The Logitech’s z623’s are still a great value for the money, ideal as computer speakers, whereas the Promedia 2.1’s are better as movie speakers. If the price difference is MORE than $30, I’d recommend the Logitech z623’s .
The two-way satellites’ 3” midrange drivers blend perfectly with the ProMedia THX Certified solid, 6.5” side-firing, ported subwoofer for full bandwidth bass response you can actually feel.
Which one do you want? Let us know in the comments below and, as always, thanks for reading.
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I have both the Klipsch & Logitech speakers featured in the review, I prefer the Klipsch in all respects. I ended up using the Logitech set on the TV set where there is little to no music involved and they are just fine for that. I use the Klipsch set up on my computer as they are much better for playing music, they are better in all ways but the bass is the real standout.
Buck Burton