A Great Quality Set
Written: Mar 19 '00 (Updated May 20 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good sound quality, easy cabling, seperate subwoofer volume
Cons: Small hiss, volume can be hard to adjust, high price.
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| akuhn's Full Review: Altec Lansing ACS 44 |
The ACS44's are a huge improvement over the tin-can speakers most of us are used to. There was nothing better than hooking these up to my computer and blaring my music and games. Good quality speakers for the price at which I got them.
The wiring is quite easy on the speakers, although I wish the cable that goes from the soundcard to the sub would have been a little longer. The Satellites main cable is a nice distance that should allow easy placement of the speakers. The subwoofer throws out very nice bass, and as promised is quite "non directional". I have mine under a bed and it works quite well still. The subwoofer volume adjustment (although on the back of the subwoofer - a really dumb place) is a very good idea. Sometimes I want that window-shaking bass, other times a mere rumble would be nice.
However, these speakers don't go without some gripes of mine. After owning these for about 2 months I noticed they had developed (or maybe I had just noticed) a small hiss when on. I can't really hear it unless I listen for it, but it's sort of annoying. I realize you can't expect perfection from "mid-range" PC audio equipment but just for fun I called up Altec Lansing and asked them about this and see how their support was. After calling the phone number I found, I was told there were currently no technicians availible but they would call me back. While this would normally anger me, they were very courteous and I received a call back later in the day by a very compotent and friendly tech. He said to move my power cable off the power strip I'm using onto a wall outlet. Well, I don't think so guys. That suggestion really didn't help (equal amount of hiss) and the speakers wouldn't have had a chance of being saved should a surge come through my power lines. When playing at normal volume the hiss isn't a problem, but if I load up some softer passages of music it can be irritating. Then again - I doubt you'll be listening to Bach on these things. They truly rock for games and general music (hear your MP3's in a whole different light!).
The volume adjustment knob for the satellites/sub is on the right satellite. I have another small complaint about this. The satellites reside on a pivot base where they basically slide back and forward adjusting themselves so they point upwards more. Good idea, but it sort of gets in the way of the volume knob if you have large fingers. When pushed forward at the angle you simply can't reach the knob for volume because the bottom of the speaker gets in your way. This can be solved my pushing the speaker back a little, but it is a design flaw that shouldn't have been overlooked.
The sound quality however I can't complain about. No problem in that department - Altec Lansing's known for quality audio products. These are great speakers for the price when compared to some of the other offerings of lower-quality speakers on the market. If you're looking for great sound at a good price, these are the way to go.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
akuhn
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Location: Hatboro, PA
Reviews written: 20
Trusted by: 9 members
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