4. Klipsch ProMedia Ultra 2.0

Klipsch, a company that has become somewhat of a specialist in the multimedia sector, offers a very reasonably sized stereo system in its ProMedia Ultra 2.0. The kit comprises two trapezoidal column-type speaker systems of fairly small volume. The esthetics and finish are very classic - all black with no frills - and not particularly attractive.

As with the Creative system, the power supply is external, so there are more wires to mess with, and the controls and connectors are on the right-hand satellite. The connectivity is identical as well: two line inputs (one on the front, the other on the rear) and a headphone jack. As for the controls, however, there's only a volume knob that also serves as an on/off switch and bass adjustment.