While there’s still a place for dedicated hi-fi audio and home theater setups in the home, it’s hard to ignore how for many, the desktop computer has become a major (if not exclusive) source of entertainment consumption in the home. And Klipsch certainly hasn’t with the release of the ProMedia Lumina system.
The Legacy of the ProMedia System
It’s worth noting that this isn’t Klipsch’s entrance into the desktop audio space, as the ProMedia system has been around since 1999, when Klipsch first introduced the product line. Of course, that was back when Apple was just beginning to have its big comeback in the form of the iMac.
A lot has changed since then, with personal computers becoming far more common and widespread while specific media formats—like streaming and gaming—have risen to turn what were once largely productivity tools into their own entertainment hubs. And in that time, how people interact with forms of entertainment have changed drastically as well.
We’re getting ahead of ourselves, though.
ProMedia Lumina Hardware Features
While every refresh entails a new set of features, the main consistency here is the brand’s iconic horn-loaded tweeter, which goes into each of the Lumina satellites. However, unlike the earlier ProMedia system, the Lumina horn is wider, and it’s paired with a 3-inch midrange driver.
According to Klipsch, this geometry enhances clarity and dispersion while preserving the low distortion and efficiency that made the ProMedia family distinctive in the first place.
A slim, upright 6.5-inch side-firing subwoofer is also included, with a built-in low-noise amplifier providing additional power to the system. According to Klipsch, this avoids the need for an external amp, while providing clean, powerful bass even in tight spaces.
There’s also gain knob on the sub for user control as well as built-in cable management to keep a desktop tidy.
Connectivity and Controls
When it comes to connections, the system offers connectivity via Bluetooth 5.3, plug in over USB-C, or a 3.5 mm analog input. A tactile three-button control pod is also included for manual adjustments.
More advanced tuning comes via Klipsch’s Connect Plus mobile app, which provides EQ, Night Mode, and various other sound modes. Also, in a first for the ProMedia line, Windows users can control their speakers through a desktop app that mirrors the mobile one in both presentation and functionality.
The desktop app also unlocks two lighting features:
- Screen React, which samples the colors in the four corners of a display and projects those hues onto the satellite LEDs.
- And Dynamic Lighting, which, syncs the Lumina’s LEDs with other RGB peripherals for a unified lighting experience (only on Windows 11 and up, however).
Is Desktop Audio Something You Should be Looking Into?
As mentioned earlier, a lot has changed in the realm of personal computers, but just as much has changed in the realm of how consumers engage with entertainment.
You wouldn’t have figured looking at the bulky Macintosh computers back in the day, but in modern times, personal desktops play host to unique, customizable and flashy builds in much the same way that hi-fi setups tend to do, though in the case of computers, these more custom builds often relate to the intended uses of the computer. People who are seriously into gaming and content creation–such as video editing, 3D modeling and even music creation–often have specialized rigs that cater to these functions. And the rise of work from home (WFH) setups are playing into this as well.
In fact, that WFH comment is worth lingering on. While studies on music and productivity have been going on for a while, the reality is a substantial number of people—specifically in the younger generations—engage with music as much during productivity hours as they do for relaxation. Whether it’s working from home as part of a 9-to-5 or engaging in personal hobby work, the engagement with music tends to dance around the functions at the desktop. And the convenience and availability of streaming has made the ability to engage with music on the desktop easier than ever before.
Pricing and Availability
At a $379.99 MSRP, the Lumina sits above many budget PC speaker systems but below larger hi-fi or dedicated studio speaker packages, potentially carving out a sweet spot for integrators working with clients who have either a passion for desktop gaming or want to complete their WFH setup without it being complete overkill.
