Altec Lansing BXR1220 2.0 Speaker System

Other products by Altec Lansing

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 8 x 3.5 inches ; 1.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0025VKUPW
• Item model number: BXR1220
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank

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  Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Computer Speakers > 2.0 Speakers

• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 21, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Enjoy your digital music and media to the fullest extent possible with the Altec Lansing BXR1220 Two-Piece Stereo Speaker System. Ideal for desktops and laptops alike, this compact speaker system delivers clear highs and lows while helping to keep your workspace free from clutter. The speakers connect easily to any computer -- just plug them into a USB port and you're ready to go. Thanks to Altec Lansing's Audio Alignment technology, the system's drivers, enclosure, and electronics are perfectly balanced, giving you the full, high-quality stereo sound your digital life demands.

Audio Alignment technology ensures optimal sound. View larger.

Volume control is conveniently located on the top of the speaker. View larger.

One-Cord Connection for Added Convenience
The BXR1220 speakers draw power from your computer via its USB port, so you don't need to free up an outlet. The speakers are a perfect way to improve the sound quality of your laptop's speakers, with no extra power cord to pack when you want great sound on the go.

Audio Alignment Technology for Superb Accuracy and Alignment
The BXR1220 relies on Altec Lansing's proprietary Audio Alignment technology to make sure all of the speakers' components work together to deliver your music the way it is meant to be heard. Audio Alignment technology offers the perfect balance of the three elements of the speaker system -- the drivers, enclosure, and electronics -- to ensure a natural, uncolored, and rich sound from your speaker system. The system's two-inch, full-range drivers and separate satellite speakers provide stereo imaging for more realistic sound when you're gaming or watching movies and videos.

Designed to Fit Any Computer System
The speakers’ elegant black enclosures and cloth grills complement your computer and peripherals. The speakers' small size -- each speaker measures only 3.7 inches in height -- saves valuable room on your desk and makes it easy to carry them along with your laptop.

The BXR1220 components are also shielded, so you can place them close to your monitor or phone without interference. Conveniently placed power and volume buttons put sound control within easy reach.

About Audio Alignment
Whether it’s the tiniest of ear buds or the most imposing of subwoofers, Altec Lansing has refined every detail of its speakers to provide you with the most accurate sound reproduction and quality. Audio Alignment ensures that your components work together to deliver your music the way it is meant to be heard, offering the perfect balance of your speaker system's drivers, enclosure, and electronics. For 70 years Altec Lansing has been refining this process, bringing your speakers to life with advanced technologies that make them sing.

The BXR1220 speaker system is covered by a one-year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Altec Lansing BXR1220 stereo speakers, user's guide, and quick connect guide.

The BXR1220 is simple to set up and eliminates the need for a power outlet.

Product Description

The BXR1220 computer audio system delivers quality stereo sound at an extremely affordable price. Features built in controls for convenience

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Altec Lansing BXR1220 - Affordable USB Powered Bare Bones 2.0 Speakers, But Still Not Travel Friendly, July 13, 2009

By	Mark "Technology, Music and Movies" (East Coast) - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)

(What's this?)

Altec Lansing's BXR1220s are not designed for those who want audiophile quality sound. So far, the sound has not really improved much over the past few weeks after breaking these in for long stretches. Considering the price it's hard to get too demanding in the sound department. Relative to many similarly priced speakers these are a small step up, and they will more than suffice for an extra computer in a guest bedroom. Yet in many ways these are a new take on basic 2.0 speakers. For starters, these are powered by your USB port instead of via an AC outlet. For those starved for outlets, that's a welcome convenience. For those running out of USB ports, that's either a possible turn-off or a reason to buy a USB hub.

If style is a major factor for you, these might win over other models on looks alone. These speakers are small and just look cool. They are about the size of 2 soda cans, turned on their sides with silver stands holding them up at about a 15 degree angle. The right speaker has a turn switch in the back of it to power them on, and there is a volume dial on the top.

My set didn't really have instructions, but instead had simple pictures on the top inside flap explaining how to connect them. Installation was very simple, but I could see some people tearing the box apart looking for the "quick connect guide" referenced on the side of the box.

THE GOOD

+ The fact that these are USB powered means you don't have to worry about heavy power adapters or outlets. This is a definite plus.

+ The speakers themselves are VERY light and compact, making them a possible choice when travelling with your laptop.

+ The pricing is definitely attractive; even though these are not the least expensive USB powered speakers, they are in the ball-park.

+ The styling of this unit is definitely cool. They are compact and do not appear to be as inexpensive as they are.

THE CONCERNS

- The sound quality is very hollow and doesn't respond well to being broken-in. Most speakers soften after extended playing, but these seem like they might take weeks of non-stop play before they would sound better.

- The volume dial doesn't provide granular adjustment. Volume seems to go from "low" to "moderate." They never really got loud and there were few levels in between. That's a sign of low-efficiency wires typical of this price range.

- All the connections are hard-wired, which partly negates their potential use as travel speakers. Travelling wreaks havoc on cheap speaker wires. I have had many a portable speaker system bite the dust during a business trip. You are going to have to really pack these up carefully if you're travelling with them to preserve those wired connections. Once they break, this set is toast.

- These don't use USB audio. The awkward way they have tethered the audio input to the USB power cable makes these speakers less comfortable for laptops. Many newer laptops have USB ports on the side and audio outputs on the front. HERE'S A TIP: You can pull the two wires apart as far down as you want, but then you will have messy wires to deal with.

- Using a USB port means those who don't have a USB hub yet may have to look to buy one. For many home PCs USB ports are at more of a premium than power outlets.

- Perhaps the biggest con for some is going to be that there is NO auxiliary input to connect an MP3 player to these. Many other compact speakers do include an auxiliary input. In their desire to keep costs and prices down, they have limited the potential market for these speakers.

THE CHOICE

The fact that these don't come with a subwoofer may prompt some to look into the Altec Lansing 1221 2.1 Speaker System. I wouldn't recommend that. Those sound slightly better, but adding extra bass cannot improve this model's features and tone. The only way to get that is with a better set. And if you just want to save money, there are less expensive models out there.

If you want to stick to entry level units at the lowest end of the price range you should consider the Logitech S120 2.0 Speakers, keeping in mind that those are not USB powered. The Logitech S150s are USB powered and offer USB audio as well, meaning no extra cables. Each of those speakers come with their own flaws, but if low-cost is your primary objective they should be considered.

If you want to add a sub you should look at the Logitech X-240 2.1 Speakers, Logitech S220 2.1 Speakers, the Logitech LS21 2.1 Speakers or the Creative Labs Inspire A200 2.1 Speakers. And if you don't want a sub but are willing to spend more the extra $8-10, the Altec Lansing VS2620 2.0 Speakers are well worth it. They sound pretty good for a budget pair of speakers. They are about 50% more than these but still in the affordable price category. Once again, some might be tempted to step up to the Altec Lansing VS2621 2.1 Speakers that include a subwoofer. In that case it might be worth the expense, but then you are in a price range that includes many other good options.

CONCLUSION

Even with all of that, there is still a market for these. If compact size and style are key factors for you, these might win out over other models based on those things alone. These speakers are small and just look cool. The fact that these are USB powered is nice, but the hard wired connections and lack of an auxiliary port limit their flexibility. If outlets are at a premium for you and you have an extra desktop at home (like in your kid's room or a spare computer in the guest bedroom) these will do the trick for light use as long as you don't plan on moving them too much.

Enjoy.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good, basic speakers, July 7, 2009

By	TropicalMinnesota - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

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These speakers will never make my computer sound like my expensive stereo with Bose surround sound, but for the money they work great. I especially like that they do not require a separate power source but can run off the USB port on my notebook. I didn't expect that they also need to be connected through the headset jack. This cable sticks out on the front of my computer and gets in my way. Not a huge problem and one that desktop users won't have, but I thought the USB would be the only attachment I needed.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For $20 this is a steal!!!, June 25, 2009

By	memoiai (USA) - See all my reviews

(What's this?)

Design:

I have a laptop desk, that's maybe, 2 laptops in width (a big Dell 15" laptop, that is). So this seemed like a nice addition. These speakers are quite small, professionaly designed, and literally the size of a 16oz soda pop can, no bigger, no smaller, maybe just a tad wider at the audio end, but that's it. Hence, they fit perfectly on my small laptop desk! Also, a great feature is that there's no need to plug into an outlet!!! Saves a few tangles, not bad, and you can take them wherever your computer is, as long as it has a good battery life! Finally, the speakers sit very steadily and comfortably on my desk, the chances of them falling over without being knocked on purposes are virtually nill.

Sound:

I also, at first, have had only my laptop speakers to rely on (which, as you could imagine, are terrible since I have the most basic soundcard and speakers on it). So, a couple years ago I bought a nice $70 headset from Logitech. The headphones were/are amazing, producing rich, clear, deep sounds that my computer speakers wouldn't even come close to reproducing! They are really great headphones! It was nice to get these speakers and avoid the inevitable matted hair I get with headphones.

So, how do these speakers compare? As I'm writing this, I'm listening to The Stamps Quartet. Those of you familiar with them will know that many songs have counter-tenor notes being sung, and JD Sumner provides a rich basso profondo. Hence, a whole range of notes are being hit. While the sound is obviously not like those of $70 headsets, there's a nice ambience to them, and they handle the high and low notes very well. For $20 ladies and gentlemen, this is a really nice buy. Those that like listening to more punk/rock, I listened to some Gogoll Bordello, and the speakers once again handled the very rich nature of instruments and vocals very well.

Summary: If you need cost effective, quality, space saving, and easily portable speakers, then get this! Only time will tell how well they do in the long run.

P.S. Unlike a pair of speakers I had on my desktop, these have strong shielding that makes sure there is ZERO feedback due to electromagnetic mingeling. Nice and crisp sound. Again, for $20, these are good enough.