Best 2.1 sound, fine for small stereo

The basics:

2.1 system with 35 watt satellites with a horn tweeter and a 3" cone midrange. Sub is 6.5" 110 watt. One year parts and labor warranty.

Appearence: The pictures tell all. Simple rectangular satellites and a large black sub. The enclosure for the sub is about a 9" cube. Not the sexiest looking speakers in the world, but they sound great.

Wiring: Connections are a little weird. The standard sound card 1/8" miniplug at the computer is hard-cabled to a the control satellite. A funky DIN (like an S-video connector) is hard-cabled at the control satellite goes back to the sub. From the sub are the 4 standard crimp connectors that lead to two 1/8" mini plugs that go back to the speakers. These wires are probably 24 AWG and are NOT meant for any significant power. They really stink. I dislike several things here. Any hard-cabled connection means that if it fails, you don't just unplug and replace the cable. You probably have to get it serviced by Klipsch. The sub also has the AC cable.

Controls: The right speaker has a sub volume control, a main volume control, an analog miniplug input, a headphone output. I miss having a convenient on/off switch at the satellite as well as separate bass and treble. Granted, the sub control adds bass- but the main volume merely increases overall volume- not adjusting treble. You can always do this in software, such as Winamp.

The common complaint about lacking an on/off switch is resolved by plugging the sub into an inexpensive surge strip. Well worth protecting the sub and turning the system off when not in use.

I auditioned every 2.1 system and came to the conclusion that this was my favorite. I had a difficult time parting with $180 US, but when I spotted an add in Best Buy with a $50 rebate- I could not resist. The speakers they replaced were old Yamaha non-subbed speakers and can't even begin to compare to these things.

Highly recommended.