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39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Once again - fantastic sound, but still not perfect., July 20, 2009
This review is from: Altec Lansing Expressionist-PLUS FX3021 2.1 Speaker System (Electronics)
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
As with all the Altec Lansing speakers I've owned, these have fantastic sound. And as with all of them, they didn't QUITE have the design to warrant a perfect score.
I also have the BASS-fanatical speakers, Altec Lansing FX3022 Expressionist BASS 2-Way Speaker for PC and MP3 (Black), and while they don't take up as much space as 2 speakers + sub, their versatility is somewhat limited by the amount of bass that you may not always want (and it's not adjustable.) For this 3 piece set, the bass IS adjustable, which makes a profound difference depending on the range of music you listen to. (There's nothing really wrong with the bass-heavy ones...they sound great, but there are times when that much bass isn't wanted.)
So, between the two, I'd go with this set.
Also, an older set, Altec Lansing VS4121 2.1 Computer Speaker System, 3 piece, I would say sound roughly equivalent to these. But they're kind of an eye-sore.
Again, between this set and the older set, these win out.
With their great sound, adjustable bass, stylish looks, there are few reasons I wouldn't recommend buying these...but there are a couple reasons.
1. There is no headphone pass-through. I'm not sure if this is an impossible option to add despite sounding so simple, but Altec Lansing sure doesn't think it's an important option.
2. The hard-wired connection between the satellites isn't a delight...but what's more frustrating for me is that the cable between them is REALLY long... but the cable you hook to your audio device/computer connects to the subwoofer...and it's pretty short, which is odd (see #3.)
3. I'm not sure when seeing a subwoofer became stylish (this one certainly looks nice), but most people kind of stuff it away, out of sight, out of mind. You can't do that with this set. The POWER button is on top of the subwoofer (along with bass-control), and if you put the subwoofer under your desk...there's a good chance the included cable won't make it to your computer's audio out jack.
4. The satellites nor the sub are magnetically shielded. The satellites probably don't matter much (most people don't use CRT anymore, and even so, the strength of the magnet is pretty low. The sub may pose a problem if you want to put it by your computer - I would assume it's a good sized magnet that you wouldn't want constantly next to your computer.
Despite this, I personally feel speakers should be judged on how well the sound as the major factor...and these sound awesome.
Recommended...as close to the perfect computer speakers that you'll find on the market.
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UPDATE 8/16/2009: I've been using these speakers for a while now, and I wouldn't change my review of them based on sound quality. However, the power button (not-so-conveniently placed on top of the sub-woofer) doesn't power these up 100% of the time. Sometimes I need to click the button 4-5 times before the light (on the satellite speaker) comes on, denoting they're actually getting power. Not sure if others have had this problem, but it's pretty annoying.
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UPDATE 1/08/2010:
Despite the annoying "press the power button 5-10 times" problem I've had with my speakers, I've continued to use them for the simple fact that they sound great: the bass, highs, lows and overall power. I have a couple extra sets of computer speakers, but I've been amply impressed with these to keep them as my main speakers.
Yesterday, the right satellite speaker died. It's still getting power, but the only noise coming from it is the soft hiss. From looking at a couple reviews here, it sounds like these kinds of problems may not be isolated to my set. Once I original set these up, I never moved them so it couldn't be a case of a cable wearing out or anything - it just stopped working.
With that said, as much as I loved these, I can't really recommend them...kind of fragile.
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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Even My Wife Exclaimed "Wow!", July 17, 2009
This review is from: Altec Lansing Expressionist-PLUS FX3021 2.1 Speaker System (Electronics)
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
I have to say that these are really superior amplified speakers. The full range they produce, including LOTS of bass should that be desired, is all for which one could ask. They are in fact far better in sound reproduction than the Altec Lansing Expressionist CLASSIC FX2020 amplified speakers which I had gotten from Amazon previously and which themselves are no slouches in overall sound quality.
The majority of the music I play is classical music and I am a fan of good sound. I do not use such superior speakers as these for computer sound, preferring to use them with much better sound sources. Of course, others may enjoy using them with their computers and MP3 players and they will be assured of top-notch sound, as good as can be gotten from those sources.
However I myself will use these with the best possible sound sources; they are that good.
I started the music and my cat walked in to hear what was going on followed by my wife who was astounded. Normally she is not interested at all in my hi-fi equipment but, on hearing these, she expressed her astonishment that such "big" sound was coming from such small speakers.
I think that anyone who buys these speakers will be pleasantly astounded as well.
Is there a fly in the ointment? Well yes, a small one; the two satellite speakers are hard-wired together. Now I am no fan of any electronic equipment being hard-wired but I suppose that this is Altec-Lansing's design philosophy.
In view of the absolutely amazing sound this small system produces, I can forgive this small lapse.
If you're reading this review, you're interested in these speakers. Buy them. You'll never regret the purchase - and, as you all know, Amazon stands in back of its offerings and better than that you cannot get!
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Update: July 18, 2009
I have continued to use these speakers today and the more I use them the more impressed I am.
I recommend that users set the bass volume control to about one o'clock - no higher - for best overall reproduction. Too much bass will overwhelm the midrange. Note too that these speakers can play VERY loudly but, if one attempts to play them at very high levels, some distortion will be heard. Playing them at "sane" levels produces superior, very smooth, sound quality which will fill any normal room in one's home.
I really do wish that the satellite speakers were not hard-wired; I would have liked to separate them even more as their imaging appears to be very good.
Several favorite recordings (see my review of the Altec Lansing FX2020 Expressionist Classic Speakers for PC and MP3 Players (Black) for a list of them) confirm, to my ears, that these speakers are absolutely excellent in performance, design, and quality. If one were somewhat cash-strapped (not uncommon in these times!), one could purchase these amplified speakers and a small switcher box (with appropriate cables) and, after adding sound sources (CD player, cassette deck, phonograph [incorporating a phono preamp section], or computer), that person would have one terrific audio system which would cost very little and whose sound quality would definitely belie its small price tag.
I did try it with my computer (after all, they ARE marketed as computer speakers); as expected, the sound quality was first-rate.
I REALLY recommend this item to all.
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Update: August 11, 2009
I bought a SilverLake 22 inch multi-pocket duffel bag #F6022 ($15.99 at Marshall's) in which to store/carry these speakers. They are odd-shaped overall and I like to use them in various rooms about the house. This bag is perfect - it holds the speakers and other accessories perfectly and makes it easy to carry everything around. I find myself using these speakers more and more, sometimes even in preference to my "regular" speakers (Klipschorns and Mordaunt-Short Pageant Series II) and systems because it is so easy to set these up anyplace. An advantage is that a system such as this (portable CD player or portable cassette tape player along with these speakers) draws much less electric current than my main systems. What is really most important, however, is the overall sound quality - and, as I have stated, in my opinion, the sound quality these speakers provide is positively first-class.
I see that Amazon has lowered its price to a level which should make these irresistible. I believe that anyone desiring good portable speakers at a good price can do no better than these.
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Update: October 6, 2009
Today I hooked up these speakers to a spare turntable - a Technics Quartz Direct Drive Automatic Turntable System SL-Q200 and this Behringer Ultra-Compact Phono Preamp PP400. (And by the way, you can safely disregard any comments that this preamp causes hum; it does not. I believe that the people so commenting in their reviews do not have their connections correct or it is even possible that their home wiring is not properly grounded. In any case this unit produces absolutely NO hum whatsoever in my system.)
Last night I had tried this turntable/phono preamp combination with my Logitech Speaker System Z320 (Black); if you are interested, I recommend that you read my review of that product, which is an excellent one.
But playing a turntable and vinyl LP records through this Altec-Lansing speaker system -- well, all I can do is repeat: WOW!
As I'm writing this, I am listening to ELGAR & WALTON MARCHES with Sir Adrian Boult conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra [Angel S-37436]. I think that if you were in my room listening to this with me, you'd exclaim "WOW!" too!
These speakers are somewhat large and a bit clumsy; nonetheless, the sound they produce is positively first-rate. In my opinion, they are almost wasted as computer speakers. They deserve MUCH better sound sources, such as CD or, and most especially, a good turntable along with a good phono preamp. Really they do!
These speakers can form the nucleus of a really excellent and really inexpensive sound system. While on the large side, you CAN travel with them and they can be carried about the house with ease. In my opinion, and especially at their low price, these represent an astonishingly good value for money and I positively continue to highly recommend them.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good 2.1 Choice, if you don't mind a little hiss., July 21, 2009
This review is from: Altec Lansing Expressionist-PLUS FX3021 2.1 Speaker System (Electronics)
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
I was pleasantly surprised by this set of stereo speakers with subwoofer. The sound is crisp, with decent mid-range and suitably potent lows. The cone shape is very basic, but works well. Even though they don't specifically say you can do so, I was able to easily mount mine on the wall on either side of my computer screen thanks to the metal stands being small-yet-durable. That means I was able to dedicate desk space to the subwoofer, which has controls for power and separate subwoofer volume. If I want more bass, I need only twist the dial.
The right speaker has master volume controls on it, allowing you to adjust up or down with the push of a button; No dials here. I was impressed by how loud these speakers could get with no distortion. The amber LED power indicator is dim enough not to be a bother when you have the speakers in your bedroom and want to get some sleep.
The subwoofer is a little bigger than I expected, but sounds great; It's a worthy trade-off. The connections for everything are in the back of the subwoofer, and there's even a jack for an additional audio device, such as an MP3 player.
I have a lot of different sets of stereo speakers, and so far this is the one that impresses me most. I was formerly very happy with Altec Lansing's cheaper BXR1221, but the difference between those and the Expressionist is clear. You get a noticeable boost in quality and power when you spend the extra sixty bucks. It's also pretty easy to set up, and looks great on your desktop.
One negative is that the satellites are hard-wired. It's no big deal if you're using them for a PC, like I am, but I'd imagine some people might want more separation and that's not possible with these.
Final verdict? This ain't a bad way to spend ninety-nine bucks if you want some decent sounds. Impressive for the size and price.
UPDATE: Not being an audiophile, I didn't notice it at first but these speakers have a very clear hiss. When all sources are muted, you can still hear it, too. Frankly, I find it a bit disappointing considering the price-range these speakers are aimed at. It's unusual for Altec Lansing speakers to have such noise, but I can't deny it's there, and once noticed, you can't ignore it. Of course, your mileage may vary. I can deal with it, as it's not all that loud, but it is there and I'd expect better of a $100 speaker system, especially when the $30 speakers I own don't have this issue.
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