I believe an alternative to the mini-plug is a MUST! Let it be USB or digital out, it doesn't matter.
The ProMedias are too good to be brought down by the less-than-acceptable performance of the mini-plugs.
My Pros performs beautifully most of the time. But when the mini-plugs get touched or turned just slightly, the sound from that perticular speaker would die down.
I just think that the pros are SO close to perfection. So close, it's these minor things that is holding the pros back. It's just a shame when you spend so much effert to product such a fine product, but was brought down quality-wise by some 2-cent parts.