Well worth the $, if you care
Written: Sep 28 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Sounds great for the money
Cons: None
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| SomeNYCGuy's Full Review: Labtec LCS 2414i |
Why I purchased these speakers? A question my wife is also asking. You see, I just received a new DELL PC that came with a brand new Altec Lansing ACS340 subwoofer speaker system with specs very similiar to those of the 2414. But, while in our local Staples, looking for any additional add-ons that I may have forgotten when I ordered the PC, I came across the speaker display that let you sample various speakers.
My real intent was to get smaller speakers, without giving up any sound quality. Perhaps back to 2 medium sized speakers, instead of the 3 speaker satellite/subwoofer setup. But as, I switched between the speaker system, I was surprised to hear the difference between the 2414 and my ACS340 which was also in the Staples demo line up. Surprised, because visually and price-wise, they could be clones except for the color.
I even had my wife switch back and forth between the speakers (2414 vs. ACS340) while I stood there with my eyes closed, and every time I picked the 2414s. I made sure that the volume settings were as similiar as I could make them.
Since audio appreciation is hard to quantify in terms of accurate measurements, I am afraid I will need to apply some terms to describing these speakers that won't make sense unless your actually into audio equipment. I would describe these speakers as an accurate and crisp system, leaning to a slightly warmer tone. The vocals of music sounded like human voices, and musical instruments could be isolated with good clarity when you tried.
Once home with the new speakers, the real fun began. I listened to several CDs (Tchaikovsky's 1812 overture - Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Art of Noise, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Quincy Jones, Paula Abdul) that I selected based on the quality of the recording. They all sounded great.
The only problem I have with persistant hi-fi use on a PC, is that if you play your music or games loud, then inevitably there will come a day where you forget to turn down the volume and you will get a Windows Messagebox 'Beep' that will rattle the windows. Speaking of volume, it may just be my age, but these speakers go more than loud enough without a strain. I wouldn't want to throw an outdoor party with them, but in your average room, yeah, more than plenty.
I'm partial to the color, and I think for the price, they are a great deal.
There are a few very nit-picky things I would mention: There is a little line noise (hiss) from the speakers when the volume is up high but the PC isn't generating any audio but this is typical. I would have liked to have seen a seperate volume control on the subwoofer, and while they are more than practical, the wiring could have been a bit more flexible in terms of length.
For what its worth, my home stereo system is comprised of a set of Mirage M-3si speakers, Yamaha R-V905 received, and a Yamaha CD565 CD player.
Now, if anyone is willing to pony up the $250 to buy me a set of Klipsch ProMedia V.2 speakers, I would be MORE than happy to give my opinions on that.
My opinion is really this: These speakers sound great. I could spend more to get better sound, but I would rather spend it on my stereo and tv system, so that the entire family could enjoy it. There comes a practical limit to the audio quality a PC deserves (next year, I would expect technology, not extra $, to raise that limit).
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
SomeNYCGuy
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Member: Mario G
Location: New York
Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 3 members
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