User guide

Page 7
REVIEW: Altec Lansing expressionist™ BASS Speakers
By Irv Haas
The Review Guru
W
ant a two-piece speaker system with bass,
but don’t want to clutter your oor or
desktop with a separate subwoofer? Then
consider the Altec Lansing expressionist™ BASS
Speaker System (FX3022).
This revolutionary
speaker system has a 4”
bass speaker built into
the base of each speak-
er to produce robust
sound without the need
for a separate sub.
If you want to add bass
to your Mac speakers,
but don’t want the clut-
ter of extra hardware,
seriously consider this
system. Besides the
sub speakers, the main
speakers are 1-1/2” driv-
ers with startling clarity.
The only controls are a power button at the top of
the right speaker and 2 volume controls (up/down)
adjacent to the power button. Installation is ex-
tremely simple: plug in the external power supply
and the included line-input cord to your Mac. Then
turn on the power and be ready to enjoy big sound!
These Altec Lansing speakers have an MSRP of
129.99, but can be found at a discount online, typi-
cally between $99 and $110. This is a very reason-
able price point for speakers with this technology.
Audio Quality
Besides the hardware features, the most important
consideration is how do they sound? I did an A/B
test with my current Logitech Z-5 speakers and for
most basic audio sources, they sounded comparable.
However, when I played a track with solid bass—
think Bruce Springsteen, for example, they really
performed. Using the Sound app in System Prefer-
ences, I could A/B between the two sets of speak-
ers and truly noticed the dierence. If I listened
to a track with standard
music, it was compa-
rable, but with tracks
with a bass component,
the expressionist™ BASS
speakers boomed.
I’m sure that a premium
computer speaker with a
separate subwoofer would
sound even better than
this Altec Lansing set. But
if you don’t have a need
for powerful bass on your
Mac, these speakers will
not disappoint.
Included Items
1. Altec Lansing expressionist™ BASS speakers
2. 3.5mm audio cable
3. Power adapter
4. User guide (very minimal!)
Dimensions
Size: 5.25” (w) x 5.25” (d) x 10” (h)
Weight: 6 lbs.
Conclusion
The Altec Lansing expressionist™ BASS speaker
system is a generic one, not specic for Macs, but
they sound wonderful when connected to your line
output port. If you want great sound and space is a
consideration, these speakers may be just right for
you!