Speakers Reviews

I've had my SoundSticks for a month now and am very happy with them. They haven't met all my expectations but they are still great.

Setting up the SoundSticks is very easy (subwoofer to USB, satellites to subwoofer, AC adapter to wall socket and subwoofer) and there is no software to install. The only chore you'll have to do is click on the sound icon in System Preferences and select the SoundSticks as the audio output. The glowing blue light in the subwoofer is cool, but dim enough that it hasn't become annoying. And of course, this three-speaker set looks terrific next to my iMac.

Sound wise I'm very impressed. Everything is louder and clearer than it was with the round speakers that came with my iMac. But there is a downside to this. Things are so much louder that even on the iMacs lowest volume setting, I can hear every sound the machine makes perfectly clear. Most users will probably have to adjust volume levels in such programs as iTunes and iMovie to much lower settings so as not to go deaf. I've kept my iMac volume at two or three bars since installing the SoundSticks.

I'm less impressed with the subwoofer. Maybe I had too high of expectations, but the bass never seems to get very heavy. Could be that I'd have to get a more powerful subwoofer to achieve gut rumbling bass. I've tested the subwoofer with 'The Matrix' and was not as impressed as I'd hoped to be even on the subwoofers highest setting. Still the bass it produces is MUCH better than anything the standard iMac speakers produced.

So overall, I'm very happy with my SoundSticks. They look great and are a big improvement over the standard speakers. I'm sure for a bit more money you get a system that sounds even better, but I want to keep my peripherals as in line with the iMac design scheme as possible.

This systems kicks butt! In addition to the great looks and convenience of the USB interface, these speakers speakers can really crank when needed, yet are balanced and neutral in frequency response, making them a good bet for any type of musical tastes. I have gotten many compliments on these, and definitely recommend them.

I'm sure these speakers work great on OS X, but I couldn't resist getting my hands on these puppies after hearing about them working in Win XP. And let me tell you, I don't regret it for a second.

The design is sweet to look at, but completely unobtrusive when compared to blocky Windows speakers. The installation is as easy as they come (plug it in - sheesh, my mom could do this).

The sound was great out of the box, but the real trick for XP users is to maximize their sound output through a combo of the Windows Audio settings in the Control Panel, and through your MP3 software (I find WinAmp3 works best.) Once you've got the finer settings down, the fidelity is UNREAL.

I'm hearing things in some songs that I only hear on my expensive home audio system. Instrumental tracks especially are something to marvel at. And these speakers do it without flinching, even at fairly high volumes.

Can't recommend these bad boys enough. =)

I am now in the market for a new speaker system, my AVS500 system having just shorted out. This is a decent, and only decent 5 speaker system. it's cheap, it works well while it works, and when something stops working its trash, there are no replacements availible should the power supply or the subwoofer or satillites fail. be warned, this is not the speaker system you should expect to live longer than 3 or so years, even with gentle care, rather is a decent budget 5.1 to get you by for now.. and probably over-priced at that.

I am an audiophile with limited funds, so I have to figure out how to get good sound for a low price. When I finally realized good computer audio is within my price range, I decided to throw out my 2 HP/Polkaudio speakers, and find some good speakers, and especially a sub to make the most out of my games and music. Well, at the time, I only had twenty bucks to spend. So I went all over town looking for a decent 2.1 system in my price range. Well low and behold Sams is having a special on Altec Lansing's 2.1 system for half it's normal price. So knowing Altec Lansing's reputation, I grabbed them. Well trust me, they are great. With a decent sound card, they are crisp, clean, and have the sub has pleanty of bass for a 5.25 driver with only 10 watts. They go pretty loud before destortion kicks in, but at loud volumes and high bass audio, the sub quiets, and then reloudens when the bass tones down. That's probably the worse thing about this system. As far as tone controls, I think all sound card software, and windows has built in equalizer. My integrated 5.1 sound card on my new comp has software with a 10 band EQ, so who needs them on the speakers? Another bad thing about these speakers is that they dont have any rubber feet, so they slide around on your desk when you pull a wire or adjust the volume. All in all, a good buy for the price if you want a COMPUTER SYSTEM. If this is where you watch DVDs and play music from all the time, get something better. But for those of us on a budget, and have real external stereos, these are great.

Also, I plugged mine into the srge protector my comp is on, so when I turn it off, it turns off the speakers, and there is no hiss. I don't what the other people are doing wrong. Good Luck!

No complaints here. Have had these for a few months and I am always amazed at how good they sound for their size and price (especially when playing regular 16 bit stereo cds). Sometimes I often forget that they are just simple sats and sub and I think I'm listening to a mid-priced portable table top bedroom or home stereo shelf unit. Albeit these speakers are not for those seeking the ultimate in audiophile perfection. However, you got to remember your using this for a computer set up and not for a full blown hdtv widescreen movie extravaganza in 5.1 or6.1 or 10.1 (you get the picture without any pun)! Altec Lansing so far has me sold on these. Now, they've only wet my aural appetite to see (or hear) what their higher priced and more elaborate set ups are like...

I am now in the market for a new speaker system, my AVS500 system having just shorted out. This is a decent, and only decent 5 speaker system. it's cheap, it works well while it works, and when something stops working its trash, there are no replacements availible should the power supply or the subwoofer or satillites fail. be warned, this is not the speaker system you should expect to live longer than 3 or so years, even with gentle care, rather is a decent budget 5.1 to get you by for now.. and probably over-priced at that.

I am an audiophile with limited funds, so I have to figure out how to get good sound for a low price. When I finally realized good computer audio is within my price range, I decided to throw out my 2 HP/Polkaudio speakers, and find some good speakers, and especially a sub to make the most out of my games and music. Well, at the time, I only had twenty bucks to spend. So I went all over town looking for a decent 2.1 system in my price range. Well low and behold Sams is having a special on Altec Lansing's 2.1 system for half it's normal price. So knowing Altec Lansing's reputation, I grabbed them. Well trust me, they are great. With a decent sound card, they are crisp, clean, and have the sub has pleanty of bass for a 5.25 driver with only 10 watts. They go pretty loud before destortion kicks in, but at loud volumes and high bass audio, the sub quiets, and then reloudens when the bass tones down. That's probably the worse thing about this system. As far as tone controls, I think all sound card software, and windows has built in equalizer. My integrated 5.1 sound card on my new comp has software with a 10 band EQ, so who needs them on the speakers? Another bad thing about these speakers is that they dont have any rubber feet, so they slide around on your desk when you pull a wire or adjust the volume. All in all, a good buy for the price if you want a COMPUTER SYSTEM. If this is where you watch DVDs and play music from all the time, get something better. But for those of us on a budget, and have real external stereos, these are great.

Also, I plugged mine into the srge protector my comp is on, so when I turn it off, it turns off the speakers, and there is no hiss. I don't what the other people are doing wrong. Good Luck!

No complaints here. Have had these for a few months and I am always amazed at how good they sound for their size and price (especially when playing regular 16 bit stereo cds). Sometimes I often forget that they are just simple sats and sub and I think I'm listening to a mid-priced portable table top bedroom or home stereo shelf unit. Albeit these speakers are not for those seeking the ultimate in audiophile perfection. However, you got to remember your using this for a computer set up and not for a full blown hdtv widescreen movie extravaganza in 5.1 or6.1 or 10.1 (you get the picture without any pun)! Altec Lansing so far has me sold on these. Now, they've only wet my aural appetite to see (or hear) what their higher priced and more elaborate set ups are like...

I am now in the market for a new speaker system, my AVS500 system having just shorted out. This is a decent, and only decent 5 speaker system. it's cheap, it works well while it works, and when something stops working its trash, there are no replacements availible should the power supply or the subwoofer or satillites fail. be warned, this is not the speaker system you should expect to live longer than 3 or so years, even with gentle care, rather is a decent budget 5.1 to get you by for now.. and probably over-priced at that.

I am an audiophile with limited funds, so I have to figure out how to get good sound for a low price. When I finally realized good computer audio is within my price range, I decided to throw out my 2 HP/Polkaudio speakers, and find some good speakers, and especially a sub to make the most out of my games and music. Well, at the time, I only had twenty bucks to spend. So I went all over town looking for a decent 2.1 system in my price range. Well low and behold Sams is having a special on Altec Lansing's 2.1 system for half it's normal price. So knowing Altec Lansing's reputation, I grabbed them. Well trust me, they are great. With a decent sound card, they are crisp, clean, and have the sub has pleanty of bass for a 5.25 driver with only 10 watts. They go pretty loud before destortion kicks in, but at loud volumes and high bass audio, the sub quiets, and then reloudens when the bass tones down. That's probably the worse thing about this system. As far as tone controls, I think all sound card software, and windows has built in equalizer. My integrated 5.1 sound card on my new comp has software with a 10 band EQ, so who needs them on the speakers? Another bad thing about these speakers is that they dont have any rubber feet, so they slide around on your desk when you pull a wire or adjust the volume. All in all, a good buy for the price if you want a COMPUTER SYSTEM. If this is where you watch DVDs and play music from all the time, get something better. But for those of us on a budget, and have real external stereos, these are great.

Also, I plugged mine into the srge protector my comp is on, so when I turn it off, it turns off the speakers, and there is no hiss. I don't what the other people are doing wrong. Good Luck!

No complaints here. Have had these for a few months and I am always amazed at how good they sound for their size and price (especially when playing regular 16 bit stereo cds). Sometimes I often forget that they are just simple sats and sub and I think I'm listening to a mid-priced portable table top bedroom or home stereo shelf unit. Albeit these speakers are not for those seeking the ultimate in audiophile perfection. However, you got to remember your using this for a computer set up and not for a full blown hdtv widescreen movie extravaganza in 5.1 or6.1 or 10.1 (you get the picture without any pun)! Altec Lansing so far has me sold on these. Now, they've only wet my aural appetite to see (or hear) what their higher priced and more elaborate set ups are like...

Are you the frequent traveller who likes setting up a small stereo in your hotel room, and not relegate yourself to uncomfortable headphones???

With all the speakers out there, I would have to say that, with regards to the iPod, this pair of speakers is the best!

1. Portability

---- The speakers fold up real nicely and are VERY easy to pack in your carry-on..... I've often had trouble placing speakers in my bags, but these ones fold into a flat surface, which makes it very easy to stick into any little crevice

2. Loudness

---- Some small speakers never quite get loud enough --- while these speakers aren't like a THX sound auditorium, they do produce a pretty loud beat! You'll be putting the volume down more often then turning it up

3. Clarity

---- Like I said, this isn't the perfect clarity, but for the price, the speakers really get the job done....... Very clear and they sound great -- I highly recommend putting your iPod on VOCAL BOOSTER for great sound on this speaker set

4. iPod connection

---- Its so cool how the iPod connects to this thing.... Unless you have the 1/2nd generation iPod (which also works with this system), then the simply put your iPod into the dock and connect no other wires! it plays from there....... unless you use AA batteries, then you will have to plug the AC adapter into the speakers, which is fine, because then the iPod will charge as it sits in the dock

isn't that awesome! you can finally listen to your iPod continuously without having to worry that it'll run outta battery power

so overall, this is a device that you can't live without if you're an iPod lover

great sound, great portability, and great charging

BUY YOURS NOW!!!!

These are really great speakers for the size. Those expecting room blasting sound are looking at the wrong type of sound projection devices. Sure you'll have warped sound if you jack up the sound to max... why would anybody want to do that anyway? For your desk, your room, play or work space at reasonable sound level, these are darn incredible. Hey, I paid $149 for being an Early Adopter gadget freak! For what Amazon is charging, these are a super deal. No bigger than the size of a book, lighter than a book, you unfold it, plug it in (or use AA batteries), plop in your Rev 1 or Rev 2 iPod and you'll be amazed at the quality of sound and bass. Noting the convenience, wow and cool factor, all you iPod owners should have one!

I echo what everyone's said here. This little speaker set is great! <br /> <br /> The sound is amazing for something this size and can be turned up quite loud before distortion. <br /> <br /> The portability is second-to-none! Light, compact, and it runs on 4 AA batteries for a decent amount of time?? Fantastic! <br /> <br /> I use it ALL the time. Sure beats plugging it into my old Aiwa stereo and having it tied to one room! Now I can carry it from room to room, work, whatever! <br /> <br /> VERY happy. :)

So, first, let me get this out of the way: These speakers sound great. The bass is powerful and punchy while the small and very attractive speakers deliver a crisp high end. Mid-range does suffer a bit in larger spaces, but probably only to the very discerning listener. I replaced my clunky Yamaha YST-MS50 system with this one and, as far as the sound goes, I find the 2100's to be very comparable.

OK, so why give it 2 stars? Well, it has everything to do with the design of these things. Altec Lansing has successfully taken a potentially great product and ruined it with terrible controls. The remote, in my opinion, is completely useless. It features a power button and two volume buttons. Now, assuming you have the speakers plugged into the same outlet strip as your computer, most users will shut the speaker system down with the computer system. This makes sense to me. The problem is that whenever you bring power back to the system, you must manually turn on the power button on the remote and re-adjust the volume to a normal level. The default for this system is for it to be OFF and at VERY low volume. The only workaround to this is to keep the speakers powered on all the time. But this, to me, makes very little sense. When I turn my computer on, I expect to hear sound. Well, you don't with the 2100's.

My second gripe has to do with the fact that this system has no headphone jack. This is a major inconvenience when using the computer late at night.

My third gripe has to do with the fact that you have no idea what volume you are listening to. The remote, as I said, features two volume buttons but with no visual display telling you where you are at. This just goes against my natural tendency to want to know what volume I am listening to relative to the system's capabilities.

My last gripe has to do with the design of the speakers. I have no complaint with the subwoofer as it is very slim, compact, and well protected. However, the satellites have fully exposed speaker cones that are barely protected by only a thin vertical strip of metal. I had to move these speakers well above ear-level in order to keep them away from the stray hands of my young child.

So, overall, the system is great sounding, attractive, and completely user-unfriendly. Just not enough, in my opinion.....

Bought this system and hooked it up with my playstation2. Altec included a special cable to easily hook up both ps2 audio jacks into the satillites, while keeping your video jack in the tv. A lot of systems do not provide these cables, so this was a nice extra. Setup is easy. There is plenty of cord for a lot of reach. Slim design fits anywhere and looks PERFECT with the ps2 system, or anything in need of a modern look.

Altec's sound is superb compared to your average tv. You paid $(...) for a gaming system, you might as well take advantage of its high quality sound capability. These speakers are a start.

This system boosts a nice bass sound, while maintaining top quality and clarity. As previously posted, the midrange could use more boost. You can adjust the subwoofer, but unfortunately there is no other knobs to refine the sound to your taste. It's because of this that the system misses a perfect score.

Overall, altec did a wonderful job with the sleek, lightweight design. Best sound for your dollar. Top quality. Buy these speakers!

Buy this and u will love it......no more words.

So, first, let me get this out of the way: These speakers sound great. The bass is powerful and punchy while the small and very attractive speakers deliver a crisp high end. Mid-range does suffer a bit in larger spaces, but probably only to the very discerning listener. I replaced my clunky Yamaha YST-MS50 system with this one and, as far as the sound goes, I find the 2100's to be very comparable.

OK, so why give it 2 stars? Well, it has everything to do with the design of these things. Altec Lansing has successfully taken a potentially great product and ruined it with terrible controls. The remote, in my opinion, is completely useless. It features a power button and two volume buttons. Now, assuming you have the speakers plugged into the same outlet strip as your computer, most users will shut the speaker system down with the computer system. This makes sense to me. The problem is that whenever you bring power back to the system, you must manually turn on the power button on the remote and re-adjust the volume to a normal level. The default for this system is for it to be OFF and at VERY low volume. The only workaround to this is to keep the speakers powered on all the time. But this, to me, makes very little sense. When I turn my computer on, I expect to hear sound. Well, you don't with the 2100's.

My second gripe has to do with the fact that this system has no headphone jack. This is a major inconvenience when using the computer late at night.

My third gripe has to do with the fact that you have no idea what volume you are listening to. The remote, as I said, features two volume buttons but with no visual display telling you where you are at. This just goes against my natural tendency to want to know what volume I am listening to relative to the system's capabilities.

My last gripe has to do with the design of the speakers. I have no complaint with the subwoofer as it is very slim, compact, and well protected. However, the satellites have fully exposed speaker cones that are barely protected by only a thin vertical strip of metal. I had to move these speakers well above ear-level in order to keep them away from the stray hands of my young child.

So, overall, the system is great sounding, attractive, and completely user-unfriendly. Just not enough, in my opinion.....

Bought this system and hooked it up with my playstation2. Altec included a special cable to easily hook up both ps2 audio jacks into the satillites, while keeping your video jack in the tv. A lot of systems do not provide these cables, so this was a nice extra. Setup is easy. There is plenty of cord for a lot of reach. Slim design fits anywhere and looks PERFECT with the ps2 system, or anything in need of a modern look.

Altec's sound is superb compared to your average tv. You paid $(...) for a gaming system, you might as well take advantage of its high quality sound capability. These speakers are a start.

This system boosts a nice bass sound, while maintaining top quality and clarity. As previously posted, the midrange could use more boost. You can adjust the subwoofer, but unfortunately there is no other knobs to refine the sound to your taste. It's because of this that the system misses a perfect score.

Overall, altec did a wonderful job with the sleek, lightweight design. Best sound for your dollar. Top quality. Buy these speakers!

Buy this and u will love it......no more words.

Item was shipped quickly. Worked okay in pseudo "3D surround sound" mode, but in regular stereo mode the left speaker produced nothing but static. Very disappointed.

I've had a couple other brands of speakers, all comparably priced. I don't listen to much music on my speakers, only system sounds and my computer games mostly, and they perfectly suit my needs.

The speakers are weak (not clearly audible) in the extended upper and lower regions. They're pretty powerful for their size, and I've been happy with their range of sound for most of my needs. If I were going to listen to CDs on my computer a lot, I'd pay the little extra for the next series up by Labtec.

The plugs for headphones and microphone at the front of the left speaker have come in handy for me. It's a nice bonus.

If you're looking for inexpensive powered speakers, these are a great buy.

I purchased these speakers with a rebate and got them for next to nothing. They have a volume and treble/bass control on the front of the right speaker as well as a button to simulate 3d sound. The right speaker also has a mic and headphone jack. The overall sound quality is a step up from unpowered standard pc speakers but it is not on par with other pc speaker systems that cost just a little bit more. If you are looking for an inexpensive upgrade from non powered speakers and can get these at a reduced price you shouldn't be dissapointed. If you are looking for good quality sound for say MP3's then look to a Altec Lansing system or other brand with seperate sub-woofer.

Item was shipped quickly. Worked okay in pseudo "3D surround sound" mode, but in regular stereo mode the left speaker produced nothing but static. Very disappointed.

I've had a couple other brands of speakers, all comparably priced. I don't listen to much music on my speakers, only system sounds and my computer games mostly, and they perfectly suit my needs.

The speakers are weak (not clearly audible) in the extended upper and lower regions. They're pretty powerful for their size, and I've been happy with their range of sound for most of my needs. If I were going to listen to CDs on my computer a lot, I'd pay the little extra for the next series up by Labtec.

The plugs for headphones and microphone at the front of the left speaker have come in handy for me. It's a nice bonus.

If you're looking for inexpensive powered speakers, these are a great buy.

I purchased these speakers with a rebate and got them for next to nothing. They have a volume and treble/bass control on the front of the right speaker as well as a button to simulate 3d sound. The right speaker also has a mic and headphone jack. The overall sound quality is a step up from unpowered standard pc speakers but it is not on par with other pc speaker systems that cost just a little bit more. If you are looking for an inexpensive upgrade from non powered speakers and can get these at a reduced price you shouldn't be dissapointed. If you are looking for good quality sound for say MP3's then look to a Altec Lansing system or other brand with seperate sub-woofer.

Item was shipped quickly. Worked okay in pseudo "3D surround sound" mode, but in regular stereo mode the left speaker produced nothing but static. Very disappointed.

I've had a couple other brands of speakers, all comparably priced. I don't listen to much music on my speakers, only system sounds and my computer games mostly, and they perfectly suit my needs.

The speakers are weak (not clearly audible) in the extended upper and lower regions. They're pretty powerful for their size, and I've been happy with their range of sound for most of my needs. If I were going to listen to CDs on my computer a lot, I'd pay the little extra for the next series up by Labtec.

The plugs for headphones and microphone at the front of the left speaker have come in handy for me. It's a nice bonus.

If you're looking for inexpensive powered speakers, these are a great buy.

I purchased these speakers with a rebate and got them for next to nothing. They have a volume and treble/bass control on the front of the right speaker as well as a button to simulate 3d sound. The right speaker also has a mic and headphone jack. The overall sound quality is a step up from unpowered standard pc speakers but it is not on par with other pc speaker systems that cost just a little bit more. If you are looking for an inexpensive upgrade from non powered speakers and can get these at a reduced price you shouldn't be dissapointed. If you are looking for good quality sound for say MP3's then look to a Altec Lansing system or other brand with seperate sub-woofer.