Altec Lansing ADA 305: A High-Tech, Powerful System
Written: Oct 26 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great Sound; Easy and Intuitive to Set Up and Use; Cool Software
Cons: Not True Surround Sound
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| Big_Brother_79's Full Review: Altec Lansing ADA 305 2 Speakers |
I was looking for a speaker system for my new computer (this was about 2 years ago) that would sound great when playing games, but more importantly have accurate output when playing music. I think I found the best set for my money with the ADA-305.
Sound
These speakers have good output when in normal stereo mode. The treble is clear and undistorted, even when you turn the volume up. The subwoofer gives off tight, loud bass. When turned up very loud, it begins to distort because it is only rated at 20 watts or so. I found that if you are playing a lot of movies, you might want to opt for something that is bigger and has a higher wattage rating. The sound from these speakers, though, is very clear.
Setup
Setting up these speakers was easy and intuitive. Just plug in a few wires and you are done with the install. The software that the system comes with simply allows you to see volume control on the monitor and allows for easier adjustment of bass and treble levels as well as channels. The USB connection is used for communication with the software. Without the USB connected, the speakers work exactly the same except that you have to do all of the adjustments manually with the buttons on the right satellite speaker. It's not too difficult, and a USB is certainly not necessary to use these speakers. In fact, I never really have the USB plugged in.
Surround Sound Features
To tell you the truth, I love these speakers. But, if you are looking for surround sound, don't bet that these are the answer. They provide great sound, but will not give you the true surround sound you seek. To do that, you need four speakers. Many companies are selling sets of four surround speakers and a sub that at this point will provide more realistic surround sound than the ADA-305s. These speakers, though, do offer great sound. I am using them as the front speakers along with my Sound Blaster Live! Value and my Logitech SoundMan X2 Speakers in the rear.
Here are my opinions on those other products:
Creative Sound Blaster Live! Value - http://www.epinions.com/cmd-review-6E9F-272AA802-39EA83EE-prod6
Logitech SoundMan X2s - http://www.epinions.com/cmd-review-DF8-4B951EB-39F91FA9-prod1
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Big_Brother_79
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 18
Trusted by: 3 members
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