Rating: 
Summary: MyMac.com Product Review
Review: 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
Rating: 
Summary: Altec Lansing still the best
Review: Before buying these speakers I read just about every review on every speaker on Amazon. You have to be very skeptical about reviews because some are shills (from the competing manufacturers). My first set of Altec Lansing speakers for my home stereo system I bought 14 years ago with 15" subwoofers. I haven't purchased a pair of Altec Lansing since so I wasn't sure if they retained their standard of perfection. But I can see that my worries were unfounded. The sound is absolutely crisp and as clear as you'll get for computer speakers. I listen to everything from classical to hard rock to Ottmar Leibert (except rap, which I refuse to de-genius myself by doing) and the sound quality is consistent. I was considering Klipsch speakers, but after hearing them at the store there was no doubt that Altec Lansing was the clear winner for my ear.
Rating:
Summary: Great value and sound for the price
Review: For the money this is probably the best sounding system right now. When buying speakers most people look at how loud and "clear" they sound. They forget about soundstage, detail and sound coloration. I did a few listening tests comparing this set agaist my old Altec ACS48 set (20W satellites with 3" mid & .75" Tweeter, 40W 6.5" Sub). 2 years ago those speakers seemed amazing but in direct comparison, the MX5021 excel in most categories. The sound is MUCH more neutral (as opposed to the ACS48 which now seem to sound muffled), highs have better definition thanks to the 1" tweeter. The subwoofer is much more natural sounding and goes lower but lacks in punch when compared with the ACS48s. In the old set, the crossover allowed a greater amount of Low Mid & Upper Bass frequencies to play in the satellites resulting in loss of clarity. The 3" paper drivers with foam surrounds were loud but colored the sound. The MX5021 satellites have dual 3" mid drivers with plastic cones and rubber surrounds & thanks to the better crossover, cleaner sound. The downside is a slight gap between the satellited & the sub. The remote control is a nice addition although I found it to be too small (3" x 1"). These speakers excel in terms of build quality, from the smartly designed control pod, upgreadable speakers wires to the glossy finish. The only fault I found with these speakers is the hish amout of static (hiss). I'm using them with an Audigy2 sound card & it's probably the low quality amp. The old set had it too but that's a chronic problem with cheap speakers. Bottom line, if you want a stylish & great sounding speaker set, get these. If you're willing to sacrifice some detail & soundstage for more bass go with the Logitech z2200.
Rating:
Summary: Great value and sound for the price
Review: For the money this is probably the best sounding system right now. When buying speakers most people look at how loud and "clear" they sound. They forget about soundstage, detail and sound coloration. I did a few listening tests comparing this set agaist my old Altec ACS48 set (20W satellites with 3" mid & .75" Tweeter, 40W 6.5" Sub). 2 years ago those speakers seemed amazing but in direct comparison, the MX5021 excel in most categories. The sound is MUCH more neutral (as opposed to the ACS48 which now seem to sound muffled), highs have better definition thanks to the 1" tweeter. The subwoofer is much more natural sounding and goes lower but lacks in punch when compared with the ACS48s. In the old set, the crossover allowed a greater amount of Low Mid & Upper Bass frequencies to play in the satellites resulting in loss of clarity. The 3" paper drivers with foam surrounds were loud but colored the sound. The MX5021 satellites have dual 3" mid drivers with plastic cones and rubber surrounds & thanks to the better crossover, cleaner sound. The downside is a slight gap between the satellited & the sub. The remote control is a nice addition although I found it to be too small (3" x 1"). These speakers excel in terms of build quality, from the smartly designed control pod, upgreadable speakers wires to the glossy finish. The only fault I found with these speakers is the hish amout of static (hiss). I'm using them with an Audigy2 sound card & it's probably the low quality amp. The old set had it too but that's a chronic problem with cheap speakers. Bottom line, if you want a stylish & great sounding speaker set, get these. If you're willing to sacrifice some detail & soundstage for more bass go with the Logitech z2200.
Rating:
Summary: My speakers are excellent
Review: From reading the other reviews, I guess most of us have gotten very fine speakers, but there may be some defective or otherwise not well-performing samples out there. I received mine from Amazon on July 22, 2004 only three days after ordering them. It looks like Amazon is no longer selling them direct, and you will probably get hit with an expensive delivery charge now. They sound terrific on everything I've thrown at them, mostly quality vocals by Mario Lanza, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, The Eagles, Steely Dan, and numerous others. I don't play computer games and I haven't yet hooked them up to my TV. My sound card is a seven-years-old SoundBlaster AWE64, in an equally old Dell Dimension XPS 233 and I have been very pleasantly surprised that this old system is providing a very good source to these speakers. Also, I've replaced the speaker wire with Monster XP wire, and the cable with a Monster 4' cable plus a new Belkin PureAV 6' extension cable. These have improved the sound significantly. I find the speakers extremely efficient. They play very loud with only 3 of the 5 LED lights on the controller lit up. With no signal, and keeping my ear close to a satelitte speaker, I hear an extremely slight hiss and have to turn high to the upper range with 3 lights on before hiss increases slightly and a "beat" that is about 3 per second appears. I would be driven out of the house with source playing at this setting. A couple of reviewers have mentioned hiss as a problem but mine don't have it at any reasonable listening level. I have the balance adjusted with the satelittes slightly down, but still at 3 lights, and the subwoofer slightly up at 4 lights. Voices sound great, and so do the wide-ranging instumentals, from strings and brass down to a pretty tight low end. If these speakers prove to be reliable they are a great buy.
Rating:
Summary: Best audiophile speakers for the price
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Husband loved them
Review: I bought these for my husband to go with his new Sony media center computer and we love them! We record our favorite TV programs to replay and watch. The THX feature makes it sound like we are in a theater. We also don't have to turn the volume way up (although you can) to get big sound. Plus the high gloss finish looks beautiful.
Rating:
Summary: Best audio experience I've had!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Computer speakers...Are you kidding me?
Review: I love these speakers! I spent years listening to speakers for my main system, until I found what I wanted. These speakers are nearly as good as speakers that cost more than $1000 and are hooked up to a very good amp and preamp. Quite simply, I have never heard a better computer speaker. You can't afford not to get these if you are in the market for computer speakers and the Amazon price is the best I have found, most places sell this system for $199. I loved them right out of the box, I'm used to having to "burn in" speakers for days, and I love them even more today. I think what sets these speakers apart from the rest is the mid range. These speakers not only have one but it is very clean. A few other people have said they find distortion at high volume, that may be true but personally, I can't turn them more than half way up before they're blowing me back from the computer, so I have never encountered distortion. I primarily use WMP and I find adjusting the graphic equalizer thru the program is much better than trying to make adjustments with the speakers' bass and treble control. Buy these speakers and you'll never regret spending the money.
Rating:
Summary: Best speakers hands down...
Review: 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.
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