Altec Lansing ACS22: Good Music for your Money?
Written: Nov 05 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cheap but still has good sound quality
Cons: Limited features
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| DrDad's Full Review: Altec Lansing ACS 22 Computer Speakers |
This review describes the features of the Altec Lansing ACS22 speaker system, and makes purchase recommendations based on your buying needs.
When I buy a computer, whether for my home or for the psychology lab at my university, I downgrade the peripherals (mouse, keyboard, and speaker) to the cheapest options possible so that I can save as much money as possible. Occasionally, I splurge and buy a more expensive item (like an optical mouse) but rarely do I splurge with speakers. Because I usually don't even turn the computer speakers on, I see no need to spend a lot of money on a three-piece, surround sound system. My stinginess resulted in my owning the Altec Lansing ACS22 two-piece speaker system, which came with a computer system I purchased for my school. Here's the low-down on these low-cost speakers
Altec ACS22 Appearance
Altec claims that the ACS22 "Maintains a small footprint..." suggesting that these speakers won't take up much space on your desk area. In reality, they are not the smallest speakers available. The base of the speakers is about four square inches and I have seen speakers with smaller bases. They are about 4 inches wide and over 10 inches tall, as you can see in the picture on this review page. The come in the same off-white/gray color that represents the color of 99% of all computer products. On the front of one of the speakers is an on/off push button, a volume dial, and a small green on/off light indicator.
Altec ACS22 Features
Unfortunately, I've already described the essential features of these speakers. Specifically, they have an on/off switch and a volume dial. You will not find a Treble dial, a Bass dial, nor a jack for a subwoofer. Personally, I don't consider the lack of those features important. These speakers are made for the "value-oriented consumer" who is willing to sacrifice features for price.
Additional features that should be mentioned include the fact that these speakers have a built-in power adapter, which means the power plug (the two-pronged plug that you plug into your power strip or outlet) is the standard size. Many speaker put the power adapter on the plug itself, so you have this monsterous plug-in box that takes up a lot of space on your power strip. Also, the on/off button is located on the front of the speaker instead of at the back. My speakers at home have the power button in the back which is annoying because you have to reach around behind the speakers to turn them off (am I lazy or what?). Finally, the speakers do have a headphone jack, located on the right side of the main speaker.
Altec ACS22 Quality
At least one reviewer of these speakers reported experiencing static when listening. My speakers have fortunately not given me any static problems at all. Keeping in mind that I am not an audiophile, I have found the quality of these speakers to be satisfactory. When I do pop in a CD (once a year or so) I am not distracted by any lack of quality in the output. The volume dial works well, turning both clockwise and counter clockwise, accompanied by the appropriate corresponding changes in amplitude. When cranked up as loud as they will go, I find no decrease in the sound quality, but I do find the output to be loud enough to offend my co-workers in nearby offices. Overall, I have no complaints about the sound quality of these speakers, but remember that I don't really have high expectations for them either.
Altec ACS22 "Bang for your Buck"
I went to Staples to see how much these speakers would cost if purchased separately (as opposed to coming packaged with a computer system). Staples was selling them for $29.95 and they were the cheapest speakers at that particular store. What I noticed that is important, however, is that Staples was also selling, for the same price, a set of Labtec speakers that had the same wattage (5 Watts), but also included a treble/bass dial and a jack for both a headphone and a microphone. I was able to listen to the quality of these Labtec speakers in the store and found the quality to be as good as the Altec ACS22 (although the maximum volume wasn't as strong as the Altec's). The point I am trying to make is that it appears you can get more bang for your buck (or should I say "music for your money"?) by looking into other two-piece speaker systems, especially the Labtec Spin-60.
Altec ACS22 Buying Advice
As the above paragraph indicates, other speakers are available that offer more features with equal or better quality for the same price. Therefore, if you are out buying just a set of speakers I do not recommend you buy these speakers, even though I have found the sound quality to be more than acceptable. However, if no other speaker options are available to you, then I don't think you will be disappointed with the Altec ACS22, provided you can be satisfied with an on/off button and a volume dial.
There is a circumstance where I do recommend you choose these speakers and that is when they are the cheapest option for speakers that come with your new computer. Specifically, if you are trying to save money when buying a computer AND if you don't need a high-end sound system to go with it, then obviously you should downgrade to the cheapest speakers possible. You might hesitate to do that for fear of getting speakers of an unacceptable quality (static, popping, cutting in and out). However, my experience with the Altec ACS22 suggests that you need not worry about these speakers. I find that they do indeed "serve the needs of the value-conscience consumer without sacrificing quality output."
In sum, these low end speakers have provided good sound quality, but speakers with more features are available for the same price.
As always, I hope my review has helped you with your purchase decision.
Bret
DrDad
Recommended:
Yes
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