Customer Reviews

Altec Lansing VS3121W 3PC SPK 12W-WHTBOX

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

 

 

DO NOT buy these speakers if you live near an RF interference source. Bought these for the computer I built for my 11 year old son and the only sound that comes out of them is a loud hum and bleedover from the radio station down the road. Have no problems with the Altec Lansing AVS300 2.1 system on my other son's computer or any of my stereo or electric guitar equip. The AVS300 runs off an AC adapter while this set gets its juice straight from the wall outlet. I expect that's what the problem is...tried different power strips etc but these speakers still suck up any and all RF and turn it into the most awful noise. Shipping them off to my step sister's kids in New England because they are totally unuseable at my house.

I just bought this system and the sound you get for the price is fabulous. True you can spend more and get even greater capability but if you're an average listner and aren't going to blast away at top volume all day long, you can't beat them.
I am thinking of getting another set for my office. Great sound!

I'm using this system with a Dell Dimension 2400 PC. The sound from the tweeters is distorted and the bass can be booming. I'm an electrical engineer so I have a clue. If you have an alternate choice I suggest you take that.

As many have noticed, this system has serious interference issues. There is a constant loud humming sound , and radio interference in both speakers. I have tried putting in multiple RF chokes on all the wires in vain. I spent only $20 on it through rebates, and i am glad that i did not have to shell out 50 bucks for it! Maybe if you live in the middle of nowhere with no radio station around for 100s of miles, it might work well....

I bought these speakers from an electronic's store nearby a few months ago for its looks and price, and after about 3 months, the left speaker blew out! I also found this annoying humming noise that appears whenever i place my cell phone or homephone by them. It really bothers me. Also, when someone calls, it begins humming even before i hear the ring. As i was looking at the other reviews, i believe that its because of the air waves - transmissions. It is a good price, but not worth it for long - term use.

I bought these from a local retail store. They sound great. Except when my downstairs neighbor uses her cell phone. A very loud buzzing/beeping occurs at seemingly random intervals. This happens even when the power is off! I suspect that the cable between the controls and the subwoofer is picking up some kind of interferance...and that the stupid subwoofer is always powered on.

Tired of crawling under the desk a few times a day to unplug these things, I smashed them with a hammer and called it even.

I am using these speakers with an IPOD. The satellite speakers and the subwoofer all give out a white noise hiss, even with the volume turned all the way down and even with the IPOD disconnected from the speakers. By placing the subwoofer under my bed, the hiss is not noticable because it is absorbed before it can be dispersed. With the volume turned up, the hiss is not noticeable. Although they do not produce enough power to shake the room, I find them adequate for use in my bedroom.
I am surprised and a bit disappointed that Altec Lansing would sell a product having such a problem. However, because I ended up paying only $20 for the speakers after two rebates, I have decided to temporarily keep them for now. Just remember that they are definitely not worth the $50 most retailers are asking for them.
Since I enjoy soft music, where the hiss is more evident, I will probably give them away this spring and replace them with a system having no background noise.