Customer Reviews

Altec Lansing MX5021 90-Watt Powered RMS 3-Piece Speaker Set

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As the resident speaker reviewer here at MyMac.com, I have the opportunity to listen to a bevy of different speakers, but that has far from made me a jaded reviewer. In fact, I absolutely love opening the box FedEx or UPS drops off to find a new pair of speakers ready to be tested.

This time around, it is the MX5021 speaker system from Altec Lansing. This is the third pair of Altec Lansing speakers I have reviewed, the first being the 2100 series back in February 2003, and the other the VS4121 from October of last year. In a direct comparison of all three, for total sound quality, I would have to rate the MX5021 the best sounding.

The MX5021 consist of a 6.5" subwoofer featuring 50 Watts at 4 ohms with 10% THD. The two satellite speakers consist of a 1" horn-loaded tweeter and two 3" full-range drivers, which provide 25 Watts per channel at 5.8 ohms and 10% THD.

The subwoofer is large, but not overly so. The satellite speakers, however, are larger than most desktop speakers, and I found that they simply took up too much space on the desktop. To alleviate the size, they ship with wall-hanging brackets, which I used to mount the speakers on the wall on either side of my monitor.

Sound quality varies. At times, I really liked the sound, and thought them rich and expansive. Then, on my next listening, the sound quality was a little muddy in the mid-tones. What's going on? Turns out, the sound quality actually changes according to the music I am listening to. Harder, base heavy rock such as the tune "Jackson, Mississippi" from Kid Rock sounded muddy in the base, and a wee bit shrilly in the highs. The song, encoded at 256 kbps MP3, sounds much better on the Altec Lansing VS4121s. On the other hand, Silence (The Michael Woods Remix) by Delerium Featuring Sarah McLachlan sounded much better. In fact, that song sounded better on the MX5021's than on any other computer speaker system I have.

The only conclusion I can realistically draw is that these speakers seem to have either a split personality, or they simply don't like some songs at all.

Sound quality was also greatly affected by speaker placement. Sound imaging (Where the music sounds like it is coming from, rather than where the speakers actually are) was greater the further apart I hung the speakers. Imaging was great overall, as the MX5021's sound much more like a large speaker, and less like a simple satellite. From two rooms away, one would never guess the size of these speakers, assuming that the sound would be coming from a good home audio speaker system costing three times as much.

One drawback for some would be that these speakers are not USB, but plug in with a mini-jack audio plug. I personally do not like the USB speakers, and much prefer the mini-jack option instead.

The MX5021's ship with the above listed three speakers, as well as all the cables you will need. Also included are the satellite wall brackets, an infrared remote control (Volume control, base and treble control, and on/off switch), and a desktop control pad that has a nice turning knob, and has all the functions of the remote. (It is also the infrared remote control pick-up.)

Specifications:
Front speakers: 20 watts per channel at 6 ohms; 18,000 Hz 2 channels loaded
Subwoofer: 50 watts at 4 ohms; 150 Hz single channel loaded
System response: 30 Hz; 22 kHz (-10 dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio: Less than 80 dB
Satellite dimensions: 5.2 x 10.2 x 2.5 inches (W x H x D)

Subwoofer dimensions: 8.7 x 15.7 x 12.2 inches (W x H x D)
THX Certified
Shielded Satellites-For use near video monitors.
Auxiliary Input Jack-Connect two different audio sources - your CD player and MP3 Jukebox

The MX5021 speaker system is marketed at the serious audiophile.

There is more to testing a speaker system than listening to music, such as playing a DVD and listening to how well the speakers perform under both quite and loud moments during a movie. In this regard, the MX5021 sounded and performed superbly. Much better, in fact, than any other speaker system I have tested over the past three years.

The one draw back I have found (other than the not liking some songs thing) is that the power output is not quite up to par. They simply do not have enough power to suit my every desire. Or, more simply, they don't go loud enough before distortion kicks in. When the wife and kids are away, I like to kick up the volume and jam! These speakers, while very fine in most situations, simply put, do not rock loud enough.

My overall impression, however, is that the MX5021 are a very nice speaker system. The shortcomings I mention above probably won't be an issue with ninety-five percent of you, but my ear and experience with speaker systems are very trained at this point.

I very much enjoyed my time with the MX5021 speakers, and would highly recommend to anyone wanting to move away from simple computer speakers and move up to a more professional audiophile sound.

MyMac.com Rating: 4.5 out of 5
http://www.mymac.com/showarticle.php?id=1717

From what I have listened to in the computer audio market, there are two kinds of speakers. Those that focus on power with a sacrifice in fidelity (gaming type systems) and those that focus on fidelity while losing power (music type systems). These are a shining example of the latter. They have a wonderfully transparent sound to them, very articulate and airy. These are the most detailed computer speakers I have ever heard. They are better than the vaunted Klipsh Promedia Ultra's IMO. This set also has one of the punchiest subs on the PC market. Of course, it doesn't hold a candle to a true home stereo sub, it is still sharper and tighter than even the Klipsch subs. However, it is not capable of the klipsch's output. The system itself is very elegant and has a wonderful piano finish that is very upscale looking. Bottom line, for $150 street value, these are a steal. If you are an audiophile who values clarity, balance and nuance over output, it is very hard to do better than these.

I just dropped about $2k on an iMac G5 20" 2GHZ with 2G of RAM, which I plan on having a LONG time, so I wanted some top flight speakers as well. I had a PowerMac G4 Cube with Harman Kardon Sound Sticks 1, and they were fantastic, so I decided to get the Sound Sticks 2 for my iMac without looking anywhere else. I don't know how to describe them -- it sounds like the satellite speakers are competing with the subwoofer.

The satellites are clear, but too... twangy, too... much. It's hard to describe. And the subwoofer is totally muddy, just thumps and that's it. It's too clear versus too muddy, they conflict eachother, not compliment eachother. I spent two days adjusting the equalizer in iTunes, and the power dial on the sub, and still couldn't get a sound I like. So I went to CompUSA to listen in person to some other speakers.

The JBL Creature 2's sounded nice, but when I got them home they weren't the same. The subwoofer was much better though. I could distingusih a bow across a bass as opposed to the Sound Sticks 2 thump, but the satellites were a little lacking. I didn't want to spend too much, $150 was my ceiling, so I looked elsewhere, and I'm glad I did.

The Altec Lansing MX5021 is what I ended up with. The Klipsch speakers sounded good, as did the Bose, but Bose can have limp subwoofers, and I wanted the speakers to match my iMac. The A/L 5021 white was perfect. It's a little more than I wanted to spend, but they are THX certified speakers, with a wired and wireless remote that controls volume, treble, and bass, the latter two missing from the Sound Sticks 2. And they sound fantasic!

Setup was pretty easy, but be warned, these speakers are large. The satellites are at least three times the width of the Sound Sticks, and the subwoofer is almost up to my knees. You would think a sub that large would be overpowering, but it's not. As a matter of fact, I was surprised that the size of the sub didn't blow my chair back. It's not weak, I just thought it would be louder. But the sound out of the sub is great, and it compliments the satellites. And speaking of them, wow. Crystal clear sound, excellent midrange, not too tinny tweeters (say that five times fast). Now for the real test.

I chose Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for music, and Jurassic Park for movies. Harry Potter sounded too clear, too twangy on the Sound Sticks 2, but on the A/L 5021 I swear I could hear the keys being depressed as the piano/keyboard was being played. Crystal clear, perfect sound, and the sub played the instrument bass, not just thumped like the Sound Sticks 2. And Jurassic Park sounded good with the Sound Sticks 2, but with the 5021 I thought I was there. Every little crack of twigs in the jungle, and every footstpep of a T-Rex, not just a muddy thump. That was the big difference for me -- being there. The A/L 5021 put me in the studio when the orchestra played Harry Potter, and in the jungle of Jurassic Park. Now for the bad news.

There isn't any. The A/L 5021 are a bit pricey, but not much more than the HK Sound Sticks 2 or comparable 2.1 systems. For my money, in the $150-$180 range, the A/L 5021 were the best soultion for me. Why? They sound fantastic. They are white and match my iMac beautifully. They have a remote with bass, treble, and volume. They are THX certified (dunno if that matters really, but not all the speakers in this price range are), they look nice -- not too plasticy or spacey future looking.

So there you have it. I'm no audiophile, but I know what I like and what I can spend. I spent the last week scouring over Amazon, Outpost, Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, and even Apple's website. The Altec Lansing MX5021 (white) sound fantastic, look fantastic, and have great features. That's not to say the other speakers are bad, and maybe I got a broken sub with my Sound Sticks 2, but overall you really can't beat the 5021 for an iMac G5.

I read the other reviews mentioning the hiss, and thought, "How bad could it be?" The hiss is worse than you can imagine. The reason some people don't notice is probably due to the sound from the PC's fans and hard drives. Turn off your PC and the speakers sound like you're on the ocean, even at minimal volume. Shame, shame Altec Lansing.

The volume control is nearly worthless. It is digital with a noticeable step in volume when turning the knob. Getting a soft sound or fine adjustment is nearly impossible. It is only worse using the remote. Have their engineers heard of hysteresis? What about using a freaking potentiometer! This is what is know as a "solved problem."

It is too bad, because the sound is outstanding for the price. I've been a fan of Altec Lansing for 25 years. The best speakers I've ever heard were a pair of 803B's from Altec's glory days. I don't know how this junk made it past quality control. How the might have fallen.

Considering I bought these mail order returning them would be too much of a hassle, else I would.

First off these sound very good. They are balanced well, that is to say they are not made to blast you with base, but the base comes in as needed to make things sound as they should.

There are problems though. As noted by many other reviewers these speakers have hiss when not in use. This is usually only noticable when you are leaning near to them, but at times it is annoying. For me it really isn't an issue because if the computer is on I have it playing music all the time.

The second problem I had with them is from their controller. Previous altec lansing models (that I was familliar with) had analog knob controls for volume, bass and treble. with these it was easy to achieve the exact setting you want. This system (in order to accomodate the remote - which I like) has digital controls which I have found to be highly segmented especially at low volume. I can achieve whatever volume level I want by using the software volume control, but it shouldn't be nessicary to do that.

If you want these speakers to really sound good crank em up hard. They sound amazing when loud and they carry through a house pretty well(another plus to me).

One thing worth noting is that the bass unit for these does not "punch" the way a lot of people like it to. It is a compliment to the overall sound of the music and not a blaster. I like it better this way, but I know many people that would be dissapointed by it because of that. Of course with the volume turned up loud like I recommended it will shake the room with some snoop.

Overall: These are a little more expensive than they should be, and there are several aspects of the design that are not as good as they should be (hiss, segmented or "jumpy" volume bass and treble controls, and a small amount of humm coming from the amp even when the unit is powered down) BUT - They sound great, nearly as good as you could expect from a 3 piece set without oversize speakers. They carry well through a house, and they look pretty cool.

The sound reproduction which these speakers offer is no doubt impressive. For reference, i'm running off a Chaintech AV-710 soundcard, which has exceptional sound reproduction itself, and lacks discernible noise - I know it lacks noise, because in the course of my ordeal, I tested out various other equipment with the Chaintech as the source. I'll return to the hiss issue in a moment. Now, in regards to the sound...clarity is outstanding, bass reproduction is refined and not boomy, highs are accurate and non-fatiguing... the only issue I have with the sound reproduction, and it's not a major complaint, is that the mids are a bit "honky", or plastic-sounding. This isn't a major issue, and in my experience this isn't uncommon in PC speakers - I'm a borderline audiophile, and I'd imagine that, if it doesn't bother me very much, most people may not even notice it.

Now, on to the hiss... Unless I can rectify this issue, these speakers are going back. That saddens me a fair bit, because I do love them outside of this problem. An important point, however - these speakers, though I paid for them as new, were apparently used beforehand. They were not purchased from amazon, but they came without accessories and the box was in very poor condition. So, with the possibility in mind that I have a defective pair of speakers (though, from reviews and speaking to other individuals with these speakers, a fair degree of hiss should be expected), I will continue on to describe this issue. When room noise is minimized (including, especially, computer noise) the hiss becomes, at least on softer music, an instrument in itself. It is certainly noticeable to all listeners at low to medium volumes on softer music or passages - i'd also imagine this would be a huge problem with DVDs.

So, in conclusion: If you're willing to risk a significant hiss, or can put up with one, then these are a great deal. Otherwise, you may want to do some research first to ensure you don't run into the same problem I have.

I feel for the money, coming from the uk and all, it was a good purchase. I dont know why Eduardo Nietzsche was talking about comparing logitechs to altec, as altec is a different ball game. Eduardo must be sleeping with a logitech directer, as he couldn't diss them, but i can!

I like listening to high voices and operatic stuff as well as rnb etc. Logitech couldnt get over 55% before ringing and distorting as hell. But these altec are a different ball game and are ideal for any classical listeners out there! Especially voice! try them you wont be dissapointed!

I recently purchased a Philips MX5600D 5-Speaker 5-Disc DVD/CD Home Theater with 600 Watts Total Power that was underpowered so I used this 90 Watt speaker system to supplement it and now this 8 speaker system sounds nearly as good as my $5,000 home theatre system (at low volumes). The weak Philips speakers are O.K. as surround speakers.

I am using this setup for my home office where I mainly use it to listen to commercial free satellite music stations from DirectTV and occasionally use it to listen to computer output, DVDs, CDs, and regular radio. My secondary home office uses the Harman Kardon Soundsticks 2 system which has the disadvantage of being too bright sounding and only has connectors for a 3.5mm Mini Stereo Plug while the Altec Lansing system also includes connectors for dual RCA sockets which I needed to connect it to my Philips system. Note that the Harman Kardon Soundsticks 2 have the advantage of looking really cool and are nice sounding for their lower price.

Another reviewer mentioned a hissing problem with this Altec Lansing system. My system has zero hissing and I am a person who can hear the high pitched noises coming from monitors and ceiling lights. Either that reviewer had defective speakers or his system was sending white noise to his speakers.

In conclusion, this 3-speaker set really does sound like it is THX-certified and I heartily recommend it!

I'm a very discerning listener, so I wanted something to hook up to my Bose Wave System, I researched the options available on the market. Since I plug my computer into the Bose unit as well, I wanted a set of speakers that can handle multimedia (music and movies) well.

The first time I hooked up the Altec Lansing MX5021, I was absolutely blown away by the sound. The sound is terrific - nice, clean, high fidelity and faithful reproduction. Plus at this price, it's difficult to beat. I estimate that a set of similar sounding hifi speakers will cost a few thousand dollars... They're THAT good.

The speakers come with 3 drivers and they're powerful too... I got a small room so I listen to the music at 1/5 of the maximum level and it's still enough to fill the room with very rich and powerful sound. Amazing engineering... You can't go wrong with Altec Lansing.

I also like how this product came with many extras not available with other brands - remote, controller, plus a wiping cloth for the speakers... a nice touch.

I've heard and compared this unit to those by Creative, Logitech and also the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks II. But performance wise, this is a clear winner if you want uncolored sound at an unbeatable price. Highly recommended.

I listen to all kinds of music - jazz, rock, folk, classical, reggae (no country or hip-hop) - and they all sound perfectly gorgeous on these speakers. I'm a college student working on a laptop (12" Apple Powerbook G4.) I had previously purchased a 5.1 speaker system (Logitech Z-640) intending to buy an external sound card like the M-Audio Sonica Theater; after some research I concluded that it's money better spent buying a really good pair of 2.1 speakers, which are better for music than surround speakers; as I rarely play games and most movies I watch have more dialogue than action it seemed like the best solution all round.

Most music is in stereo format barring a very few; some surround sound cards can dynamically convert this to surround using your processor and various algorithms, but I'm freaked out by the idea of having something fiddle around with my music and decide what I should hear from where, I'd much rather hear what the artist intended me to hear, even if it is in stereo! If you're a music lover, I would pay for these speakers without hesitation. Right now I'm listening to the Dave Brubeck quartet play "Time Out" and the sounds is fantastic, you can hear every little nuance. Be warned, the speakers are VERY loud, so keep the volume at around 40% unless you want to wake the neighbors!

The speakers are very well designed, except for the tendency towards instability that some have commented on. They have a "real" feeling as they use standard spring-clip attachments like regular home stereo speakers - I think you can even hook them up to stereo if you should wat to. The system is really larger than most of its contemporaries-this goes for both speakers and sub-so be prepared to free up some desktop real estate for them. Another great thing is that you get a lot of "extras" free - remote, cleaning cloth, wall mounts, stereo adapter...

The sub is a little weak, like others have observed, but beyond that I see nothing wrong at all except for the fact that the input wire could be longer (the rest of the cabling is nice and long, so no worries there. Also, the sub is not magnetically shielded, but this isn't too much of an issue unless you live in a closet (2' clearance from monitor/hard disks.) I live in a dorm room and have no problem in keeping it at arm's length away from my laptop.

I had considered the JBL Creatures, HK Sound Sticks and some Creative/Logitech alternatives, but I think this is simply the best choice out there. They are nearly audiophile quality, well-designed, and don't cut corners on any of their features. All in all, one of the best audio options that I know of for a Mac music lover!

Amazon has a great price ($150 approximately), I'd take advantage of this; the Free Super Saver shipping got it to me Thursday when I ordered it late the previous Friday night.