Altec Lansing MX5020 2-piece PC Speaker System

by Altec Lansing

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 5.2 x 10.2 inches ; 4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002XJ7S6
• Item model number: MX5020
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 5, 2004

Product Description

Those who prefer to live without added wires and bulk, or who need space, the MX5020 is the perfect choice. Featuring a polished, piano-quality black finish, the MX5020 is a great sounding 2.0 powered audio system that gives the phrase "less is more" new meaning. Two custom-designed woofers produce extremely responsive sound, while horn-loaded tweeters offer extra-wide, crystal-clear dispersion of the high frequencies. Surprisingly deep bass thanks to the revolutionary MaxxBass technology round out the sound.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Too much bass, unnatural sound, October 3, 2005

By 

M. Woinoski (New Paltz, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Altec Lansing MX5020 2-piece PC Speaker System (Personal Computers)

I was hoping these would be a replacement for my beloved 10-year-old Altec-Lansing ACS40's. Unfortunately, Altec seems to have engineered the MX5020 to satisfy the hip-hopists' craving for bass, bass, and more bass, at the cost of the remainder of the sonic spectrum. These speakers have very little mid-range response and the treble is somewhat harsh and edgy. Acoustic instruments sound terrible (except for acoustic bass, which is ear-splitting), and vocals are thin.

If you want a big bass sound in a small package, these babies deliver. However, if you looking for a more balanced sound, check out the JBL Duet 12-watt speaker. The JBL's are much more accurate and are only half the price of the MX5020.

Pros:

1. They have LOTS of bass, and somehow manage to handle even really low frequencies, such as the low string of a 5-string bass guitar. At high volumes, you can actually feel the bass in your giblets. You won't miss not having a sub-woofer.

2. They are LOUD. They produce an impressive quantity of sound for 12 watts.

3. They feel solid and well-made.

4. They look good. Black monoliths about 11" high, cool blue power light. Sleek and stylish.

Cons:

1. They have LOTS of bass. The bass completely overpowers everything else in the mix. You may like it if you listen mostly to hip-hop or reggae, or if you'll use these speakers mostly for gaming. For any other types of music, the sound is unbalanced and unnatural. Turning down the speaker's bass knob doesn't help because it completely cuts out what little mid-range the speakers produce. Even tweaking the EQ with WinAmp couldn't even out the sound.

2. They only sound good when they're turned up. The sweet spot is with the volume between 2/3 and 3/4 of maximum. At less than 2/3, they sound thin and flat. At more than 3/4, they sound harsh (although you probably won't need to turn them past 3/4 unless you're in a really big room.)

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great sound, lasts through almost anything, November 26, 2005

By 

Benjamin M. Bethel "Owner/General Manager - T... (Phoenix, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Altec Lansing MX5020 2-piece PC Speaker System (Personal Computers)

i use two sets of these in my hotel - one at the lobby, where they've lasted quite some time and still sound fantastic and another set out by the pool... where they've been exposed to rain as well as tons of dust and 115 degree days, where the speakers have probably hit 160 degrees or so since they're black. after a year, one of the outside speakers went out and the other is still sounding fantastic. seriously, these are great speakers - buy them and you won't regret it - at home i have the logitech 560s which is a 5.1 system, and it's just waaaay too many wires and controls and the harmon kardon sound sticks with subwoofer, which never sound more than mediocre....

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sounds like a 2.1 speaker system, August 20, 2005

By 

Hattori Hanpei - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Altec Lansing MX5020 2-piece PC Speaker System (Personal Computers)

These Altec Lansing speakers produce clear highs, better than average midrange, and deep lows. The music played doesn't sound like it is coming from a pair of plastic cases. MaxxBass technology greatly enhances drum beats and explosions, while the tweeters prevent muddy sounds. This is definitely the best or second best pair of 2.0 desktop speakers on the market today.