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Computers have now evolved into a media centre in which you can listen to music, watch movies, and even play games. With this is mind, having a good set of speakers can make the difference in your media centre experience. Decent-sounding speakers can make music much more enjoyable as well as games more immersive. Today, I will be reviewing Altec Lansing's MX5021 multimedia speakers. This is a 2.1 speaker configuration (2 satellite speakers and a subwoofer) aimed at users looking for full and accurate sound. Since these speakers are also THX certified, you can probably expect that these speakers will sound just as great when watching movies. |
Packaging/Contents
The MX5021 came in the usual black Altec Lansing box. The front of the box shows a nice large picture of one of the satellite speakers. The back of the box has a lot of text which describes the specifications of the system. When opening the top of the box, the flaps show directions in how to assemble the speakers.
The package included two satellite speakers and a subwoofer. Everything else needed has been provided so you have all that you need to set up the speaker set. There are two sets of conventional speaker wire to be used for the left and right satellite speakers. There is also a wire which allows you to connect the speakers to your sound card. In addition, there are two wall mounting pieces if for some reason you would rather save desk space. In order to control the volume of the speakers, a wired remote controller as well as small remote controller (with battery) has been provided. Of course, there is an instruction guide if you ever get lost setting up the speaker set. Lastly, there was a soft black cloth provided used to keep the speaker clean.
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A Closer Look at the MX5021
The satellite speakers have a rather flat and thin profile design, except they are rather large. The satellite speaker stands on a small base held in place by 4 very small rubber grips. You have to be very careful with these speakers when they are on your desk because they can topple over easily with a nudge.
The front of the speaker is covered with black-clothed grille with completely covers the front. With the grille in place, you can sort of see the silver-coned drivers as well as the Altec Lansing and THX logos.
The back of the speaker contains the plugs where you will put the speaker wire. As mentioned before, these speakers use conventional wire. This means that the wire can be replaced or even upgraded if needed. Also the back of the speaker is labeled accordingly so that you know which speaker goes on the left and which goes on the right.
Once the grilles of the satellite speakers are taken off, the beauty of the speakers are exposed. It reveals a polished and shiny black speaker and you get to fully see the tweeter, and the two midrange drivers. I suspect that most people will choose to leave the grilles off because the speakers just look plain with the grilles on.
The subwoofer is the largest piece of the speaker set. When compared with a Logitech Z-2200 subwoofer, there are almost proportionally the same. The main difference is that the MX5021 subwoofer stands considerable taller and and a longer length. The subwoofer houses a 6.5" driver, which is a bit smaller than Logitech's 8" driver. The back of the subwoofer contains the connections for the left and right satellite speakers as well as the connection to the wired remote control station. To power the subwoofer, there is an AC cord integrated with the subwoofer.
This speaker set contains both a wired and unwired remote controller. The wired remote controller is also black and allows you to control the main volume control as well as the treble and the bass. On the right side of the controller are headphone and auxiliary connectors. There is an addition small remote controller if you ever need to control the volume at a distance. The remote sits in a pocket right behind the wired remote station so you don't lose it. When the speakers are active, the wired remote station contains blue LED's which light up to give it a nice look.
Installation
There are few wires needed to plug in since this is only a 2.1 speaker system. You plug the speaker wire to the subwoofer and to the satellite speakers. Since the satellite speakers are labeled in the back, there shouldn't be a problem determining which speaker goes in what direction. The remote controller station plugs into the "Controller" plug. Then you plug the provide wire from the input of the subwoofer to the sound card on your computer. Once all the wires are in place, you just plug the AC adapter to an outlet and you're ready. To turn on the speakers, you just press the power button on the wired remote controller. Overall, these speakers were very easy to setup.
Sound Quality/Testing
While this speaker set is THX-certified, I knew that I could expect a certain quality from these speakers. I tested these speakers by listening to music, watching movies, and playing games. When compared with Logitech speakers, I noticed that the satellite speakers have a slightly higher fidelity. As a result, the speakers have a brighter sound. The clarity of the mid's and high's were detailed and rather precise. When watching movies, I noticed that the higher fidelity made voices much easier to hear and sounded clearer. When playing games, sound is heard directionally well for just a 2.1 speaker system.
The bass of the system may only be the weakness of the system. Although the bass excels in the upper low frequencies, it has a hard time producing the very low frequencies. Those expecting a thumping bass like a Logitech subwoofer may be a bit disappointed. On the other hand, I have to admit that the bass is well balanced with the satellite speakers, therefore, the sound is rather even.
My overall impression of the sound of these speakers is that these sound exceptional for music such as classical and jazz. For other categories, they also do sound good.
Conclusion
Altec Lansing's MX5021 is an excellent speaker system overall. If you are a jazz or classic music enthusiast, you will find these speakers to definitely meet your needs. If you are an individual expecting loud thumps or deep bass, you will have to consider another speaker set. Although this speaker set retails for $199, this speaker set has been out for a while and you can easily find it for much less these days. If Altec Lansing can improve their subwoofers to provide deeper and stronger bass as well as more power, they will definitely gain even more attention.
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