It may be time, my Klipsch Promedia 5.1 sub has issues for the 5th time...

I have these http://www.klipsch.com/products/promedia-ultra-5-1-computer-speaker-system and now the center front speaker doesn't work any more. It seems that there is either another resistor or another cap that has finally gone, and yet there I don't see anything physical or smell anything off on the board itself.

As the title says, it's happened before. The first 2 times, I had a local guy fix it, and there after it was tinkering with stuff, replacing caps, etc. However, I think that it may be about time to finally replace the system as this time, it may be in the actual connections to the speakers. So, I have turned to you all to see what you would suggest.

The external speakers all seem to work well, and the idea of an inexpensive receiver to replace the amp in the sub makes sense, but then I would need to also add in another sub, OR I can try yet again to see if I can find someone to get this working for another year or 2. I don't want to spend too much, no more than to say $400-$500, but I want decent sound.

Currently in the PC I still have the old Creative Z that I was using with this set, but if I go the receiver route, I know that also opens a lot of other doors. After all, I admit this speaker set was used from 2002 to this year, so I feel I did get my $ worth.

Suggestions and thoughts?

Cliffs:
1. Klipsch sub/amp combo having issues again
2. Is it finally time to replace it, and if so, with what?
3. Smallish budget

Get a 5.1 receiver and replace the sub. The Klipsch speakers are pretty good on their own so I think the avr idea is solid. You can get 5.1 avr's cheap and will have plenty of money to throw at any sub.

Nothing made me more sad than when my own PM 5.1s gave up the ghost I was lucky to pick up the absolute last set that was at college's local Best Buy back in 2006. They were transferred to that store originally for another customer who called to hold them. They weren't going to originally sell them to me...until I said "well..did the person pay for them already?" "...well no..." "I have here in my hands cash money and if you let me buy them I'll get the geeksquak warranty.." *SOLD* hahahaha.....I walked 3/4 of a mile lugging that big ass heavy box back to my dorm it was so worth the resulting rubber limbs and broken spine. They will still hold a place in my heart of hearts lol. I've since downgraded to 2.1 (corsair sp2500) and been happy enough.

dukie said:

Nothing made me more sad than when my own PM 5.1s gave up the ghost I was lucky to pick up the absolute last set that was at college's local Best Buy back in 2006. They were transferred to that store originally for another customer who called to hold them. They weren't going to originally sell them to me...until I said "well..did the person pay for them already?" "...well no..." "I have here in my hands cash money and if you let me buy them I'll get the geeksquak warranty.." *SOLD* hahahaha.....I walked 3/4 of a mile lugging that big ass heavy box back to my dorm it was so worth the resulting rubber limbs and broken spine. They will still hold a place in my heart of hearts lol. I've since downgraded to 2.1 (corsair sp2500) and been happy enough.

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LOL awesome story. I still have my Pro Media 5.1's . . . kind of. Much like the OP, I had the sub blow out twice and after the second time, I gave up on them and got some Logitech Z-5500's. The PM's sat in the garage unused for awhile but then I ended up connecting the PM's speakers to my Logitech sub and have been using this combo for the last several years. I still think the PM 5.1's are some of the best computer speakers ever made minus the issues with the sub/amp.

If you just need a receiver or a sub, craigslist hunting for older model receivers should work for you, there should be plenty floating around for $30-50. If you have a bigger budget and want better speakers in the same form factor/design, the Klipsch RSX series is a pretty good step up from the Promedia satellites, and were featured in the Klipsch iFi 2.1 system in the mid 2000s. RSX satellites (3, 4, and 5) can usually be picked up on ebay at pretty good discounts.

I might have a lead on a receiver, and I also have an older one that is using some other set of Klipsch room speakers. I just didn't want to throw what I had away due to one speaker not working on the original set that appears to be internal to the woofer. I'm still thinking and not doing much about it, as I have an under monitor set and the new Skyrim came out... LOL But yes, I will see what I can come up with... and I will share it.

BTW, Best Buy usually runs a Black Friday week sale every year on the Klipsch Quintet speakers for like half price. Might want to keep your eyes open for it. That's where I got mine years ago. Still going strong. Also, if the Pro Media sub still works, you could use it as a standalone off a receiver since the Quintets don't come with a sub.


EDIT: On sale at Newegg right now for $240.

Ok, I just wanted to update those who replied way back when... I was able to finally get the free Sony receiver I was promised like 2 months ago, and I set it up tonight with the replacement remote from Amazon... so I ended up with a Sony STR-DH500 for $13.50. I still don't have the sub, but it sounds fine with the digital cable from the Sound Blaster Z. Yes, it took THIS long, but I also had an under monitor one that fit on my Dell monitor from work, which was NOT the same. Just spent the last hour or 2 enjoying the difference and upsetting the wife who is trying to sleep.

So for those who recommended the receiver, thank you. Astral, just FYI, the sub was what died, in a way, as that had the components for the speakers inside it... so no go. Now I am going to be looking for an inexpensive yet decent sub.