A Budget Price for More Than Budget Sound
Written: Oct 25 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great sound for price, nice design.
Cons: Not top notch sound, but more than adequate for this price range.
The Bottom Line: These aren't top of the line, but they weren't meant to be. Excellent sound for price. If you are on a low budget, these are recommended.
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| link21886's Full Review: Labtec spin™ 60 2 Speakers |
Product
Note:
Last year I purchased a new computer. When I received my high-end(at the time) computer it came with a Labtec speaker set. These were those speakers. Currently I am running my system with Klipsch speakers and an Audigy sound card. It would be completely unfair to compare the Labtecs to a high end system since they are essentially not even in the same category. So, be aware that this review, in an attempt to be as objective as possible, will focus on the speakers' sound quality based on its price range and targeted audience.
Contents:
Your labtec speaker system comes with two satellite speakers which send the audio signal through a single cable to your sound card. Each satellite is the classic beige coloring with a light grey clothe over the woofer(non-removable.)
Features
Inputs:
One speaker features no inputs or controls. The other one, usually used as the right channel, has both a microphone and a headphone input jack. The included headphone jack is very helpful because it allows you to connect headphones to your audio system without stretching the cord all the way to the sound card.
Controls:
There are three controls on the speaker set.
On/Off volume:
This is done using a classic knob style control. After turning the knob slightly from its off position it turns on the speakers. From that point on, turning the control increases or decreases the volume based on direction.
Surround button:
Any system containing fewer than four speakers is not true surround. Since this speaker set has two, it is not. However, some of the benefits of surround sound can be achieved by widening the field at which sound is projected. The labtec's surround button accomplishes this. In my use, I have found it to sound better without the surround but this is personal preference and very individually defined.
Bass/Treble:
The third control is for bass and treble. Again, using a knob type control the top position is evenly balanced and turning it to the left or the right can be used to focus more sound into either the bass or treble portions of the speaker.
Physical Features:
The LCW's utilize a bass port. For those of you who don't know, moving bass drivers can create a lot of movement of air. If the air has no where to go it can cause problems with the production of bass sounds. Having a path for air to escape helps this.
The main speaker has two cables, one to the sound card and a power cable. Each speaker has a grey clothe mesh that is attached over the speakers.
Sound
While they are certainly not the best of the best by any means. The little logitechs produce a respectable amount and quality of sound for their size and price. The sound is nothing immersive, but the overall quality of the music is much more than adequate for someone looking for introductory level speakers. Since the speakers combine all sound frequency ranges into two satellites, the bass is inevitably almost nonexistant. If you are looking for heavy bass than do not get these, you will be disappointed.
Even with the mixer control on the right channel turned to full bass, the bass sound is not very powerful.
Durability
These speakers, although colored the stereotypical beige, are solidly made. As long as you do notincur any substantial wear and tear on them, ie: dropping, hitting, smashing etc, they should never give you any durability problems in the shell casing of the speakers.
However, the controls are a different story. After using the system for a few months the volume knob began to produce a highly annoying hissing sound when adjusting volume levels.
Service
Labtec does offer a warranty on these speakers. It is included in a certificate with each system. They define it as follows:
"A limited warranty statement will be included with each product shipped to Customer. Labtec, Inc. reserves the right to modify its warranty statement at any time, in its sole discretion. Labtec, Inc. will be obligated to honor any such warranty only upon Labtec, Inc.'s receipt of payment in full for the product to be warranted."
Pros
-Very low price
-Good sound for target range
-Durable
-Nice design
-Not as 'tinny' as many budget speakers, richer sound than normal.
Cons
-Almost nonexistant bass
-Voume adjustment static
Note:
While the lack of more channels and a subwoofer is detrimental to the performance of this speaker system, it is only fair to review it in its category. Therefore, those aspects of not been listed as faults.
Ratings
Value-{10}-Very good price for the overall quality.
Sound-{8}-More than adequate sound for the price range, however very little bass.
Durability-{7}-Except for the on/off/volume knob, the speakers are very well made.
Setup/Ease of installation-{7}-No problems except the length of wires. The attached cables are very short which can become extremely annoying depending on your computer's setup.
Conclusion
Very nice speakers for the price range. You will be satisfied with these speakers if you are looking for a relatively good sound quality and are on a tight budget or are not willing to spend much. However, if you are looking for high end speakers definitely, surely, and absolutely do not buy these.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
link21886
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Reviews written: 13
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