Dan F

There aren't many subs that can keep up with a Cornwall. You should look into the KSW-15, however. If that doesn't do it, your best option then would be TWO KSW-15's. Good luck! -djf

The snaps could be a refrigerator or other motor on the same circuit turning on and off..

That would be right. Yes, both sats would be the same loudness. Do you have the extra sats, or are you planning on using other (non-ProMedia) speakers? While that would be safe, the frequency response (i.e. sound) from each speaker would likely be a little strange. Won't hurt to try, though.

The 230 V version should be generally available by now, but I confess to not knowing the particulars about the distributor for Lebanon. If you can wait a few days, we'll try to get another read on that. The transformer (in the case of the 4.1) is for a switching type power supply, which delivers a voltage off the secondary at something like +/- 40 Volts peak. After regulation and rectification it provides voltage rails of +/- 30 Volts or so, depending on the load. Both the 120 and 230 Volt versions deliver the same output capability. I realize a lot of equipment, including some very good home units use dual power supplies. This is typically a more expensive power supply transformer(or alternately, a performance compromise if the same size transformer is used). Using two different transformers allowed us to optimize each for its respective line voltage. Interestingly, we learned that some Asian countries do not allow dual voltage equipment in this class. So, that was another reason why two different voltage models were desired. Good luck with your class project...I'd be interested in hearing what the prof says about your transformer.

The only problem I see with it is in impedences. If you hook up the extra sats to the same connectors as the left and rights (i.e., "in parallel") it will load down the amplifier and possibly cause overheating and therefore permanent damage. You could wire them up "in series" and it would work safely and effectively, but it will run quieter. You would get probably about 20 Watts into each front speaker (this may be enough..?..). The best way to do this is to get another 4.1 and use one set across the front, and one set in the rear.

It may be a decent transformer, but it doesn't sound large enough for a 500 VA rating. I would be still somewhat wary about it. As you may know, the power supply for audio amplifiers is a particularly sensitive application. Klipsch debated the possibility of providing a dual power supply, but the sacrifice in performance was too great. A dual power supply would have to have an additional set of transformer windings which is a compromise to the original transformer design. Therefore, the decision was made to create two different power supplies, one optimized for 120 V; and one for 230 V. In this case, I continue to recommend that you use the 230V version instead of risking the transformer with the 120 V.

No, this does not seem right. A step down transformer in the 500VA range would be significantly more expensive than $10. This sounds like one of those "hair dryer" converters which is not a true transformer type converter. Make sure you are getting a transformer type with a rating of 500 VA or better. A better option will be to get the 230 Volt version. (Amy, perhaps you can tell fawwaz who the distributor for Lebanon is...). -djf

quote: Originally posted by CatKnight: yes, i do have everything in my room hooked up to 2 outlet. duh! what else am i supposed to do? run a mile long extension cord from the power plant? i think guh not. but the answer is yes That's gotta be the problem then. I don't know much about power conditioners, but that might be something to look into. You may also see a difference if you use two different outlet strips, and move things around on them. Good Luck.

The flicker could be a monitor shadow-mask vibration. Doesn't have anything to do with shielding, but the cure is the same...reposition the speakers.

Yes, you can run it without satellites attached. No, it won't harm the sub. -djf

You are seeing a slight volume control mismatch. For some users, adjusting the volume up higher (and reducing the software volume) clears it up. If that doesn't clear it up, ring Amy in tech support. promediatech@klipsch.com ------------------ Klipsch ProMedia Customer Service # is 1-888-554-5665

Somebody said even some old Neil Diamond sounds good on these. I have a set in my office, and it is sooo hard to keep the volume low. Fortunately, my co-workers are very understanding.

You'll need an external decoder to use these speakers with an AC-3 source.

Yeah, back off a little on the soundcard volume and raise the speaker volume.

FWIW, there is still the 6.2 option for 5 channel playback, using a ProMedia 2.1 and the v.2-400. To do this, spread the left and right sats apart, and place a 2.1 system sats on either side (or on top) of the monitor. -djf

There are hundreds of thousands of 4 channel cards out there right now, rol1. Plus, these speakers are still the best option for five channel cards (operated, of course, in 4 channel mode). The fifth channel is desireable only in the case where the listeners are away from the keyboard. If you want a digital decoder that matches the sound quality of these speakers, you're going to have to spend over $100 more, unfortunately. -djf

The picture is of the v.2-400, but everything else is right. The 4.1 differs slightly in that it has a speaker off switch, a headphone jack, and an input jack, and the internal crossovers in the speakers are upgraded. You may still be able to find the v.2-400 out there, but it will be replaced by the 4.1 in the next few weeks. -djf

You got me. Speakers don't normally get louder by splitting the signal. It's possible that the stereo receiver shorts the inputs when the PC input is not selected (there are some rare designs where this technique would be applied to reduce noise levels). If this were the case, it could be a bad thing for the sound card. The way to check is to leave the receiver on, and disconnect the plug. If the PC speakers get louder, then you could be dealing with a shorted input situation. In that case, you will not want to leave your sound card plugged into a shorting input. -djf

I always recommend identical subs. Not saying you can't do a decent job with two different subs, but there are some problems with the approach. One is if there are two different frequency ranges, even if specified the same, the two subs will have "unmatched mutual phase characteristics", which is a way of saying they'll hate each other some of the time. No damage will result, of course. You'll get some sound cancellations, likely in the deep bass range, which is right where you wouldn't want it to happen. So, I suggest you stick to two of the same type. Two KSW-15's for example. ;-)

I'm with Paragon. It's better not to have too many speakers sharing the upper frequencies, because then the image degrades. In other words, your ability to localize sounds to their respective source is diminished with more than five speakers. Low frequency is a somewhat different matter. Having multiple subs has the (statistical, anyway) potential of minimizing the effects of standing waves, and is generally considered a good thing; especially if the two are identical. My recommendation would be to set up a 5.2 system with two v.2-400's. At some point, someone will do a good sound card that outputs more than five channels (like Surround EX or DTS ES, etc.) and you'll already have the speakers to use.

A couple of things: If you reverse your green and purple plugs, does the crackle now come from the right front? If so, that narrows it down to the sound card or the pre-amp (i.e., sub not affected). Once you have tried this, contact Amy in Tech Support and she'll help from there. ------------------ Klipsch ProMedia Customer Service # is 1-888-554-5665

The v.2-400 is available only while supplies last. The newer 4.1 sounds a little better, has more features, and will cost more. Going out on a limb, I think most users would say either of these is better than 5.1 systems offered in this price range.

Jhat is right. The impedence of the speakers determines the power draw from the various channels. One of the benefits of the unique BASH multichannel configuration is that the voltage is available when and where it is needed. Looks are definitely deceiving, because at one time, you had to have a humongous transformer and capacitor to deliver 400 Watts, and it was always there, generating heat, whether you used it or not. With the Klipsch BASH amplifier, the power is switched on on demand. Look for more and more amplifiers to be designed with this type of technology. Not just in the computer biz.

17, The only thing that comes initially to mind is that you should remember to set up the SB card software for four speaker mode. Enjoy!

Actually, the amplifier is 400 Watts. And the speakers are above average efficiency for their size and type. Let me know if I can provide any additional clarification on this...it seems to be a major misunderstanding on some BB sites. Of course, it is possible to get louder than the ProMedia system, particularly if using larger, i.e., bookshelf speakers. However I don't believe Klipsch has received many complaints saying the speakers are not loud enough.