Altec Lansing VS2620 2.0 Speaker System (Black)
From Altec Lansing Technologies
The versatile VS2620 stereo speaker system boldly breaks the mold with striking contemporary design and crystal-clear sound for music, movies and games. The unique angled shape directs the full-spectrum audio toward you for improved sound imaging and their compact size is ideal for desktop use. All the controls are right at hand. As an added convenience, the handy secondary input jack lets you connect your MP3 or CD player while still linked to your computer.
- Color: Black
- Brand: Altec Lansing
- Model: VS2620
- Dimensions: 7.50" h x 5.60" w x 10.30" l, 3.50 pounds
Offering a bold and striking design, the Altec Lansing VS2620 speaker system delivers enhanced stereo sound, giving your games, movies, and music added depth and realistic sound. Optimized for computers and MP3 players, these speakers also give you the ability to expand your listening options through a front auxiliary input. Each stereo satellite features dual three-inch speakers matched with dual-tuned three-inch passive radiators for deeper low notes and sharper highs and mids. Thanks to Altec Lansing's Audio Alignment technology, the system's drivers, enclosure, and electronics are perfectly balanced, giving you the full, high-quality stereo sound your digital life demands.
 Audio Alignment technology ensures optimal sound quality. View larger. |
 Controls are conveniently located for easy access. View larger. |
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With its striking, contemporary design, the VS2620 offers a bold visual statement, and the system's well-rounded sound grabs your ears. Each angled enclosure houses two three-inch speakers -- one active driver for the highs and mids and one passive speaker for improved bass response. The compact package gives you improved clarity and quality over integrated laptop speakers as well as striking looks that will complement any desktop setup.
Front Controls Within Easy Reach
With separate front-mounted knobs for power, volume, and tone, you have quick access for dialing in the perfect sound to match your music. The auxiliary input jack lets you use the VS2620 system to listen to your CD player, MP3 player, or digital music device without unplugging the speakers from your computer.
Audio Alignment Technology for Superb Accuracy and Alignment
The VS2620 relies on Altec Lansing's proprietary Audio Alignment technology to ensure that the speakers' components work together to deliver your music the way it is meant to be heard. Audio Alignment technology offers the perfect balance of the three elements of the speaker system -- the drivers, enclosure, and electronics -- to ensure a natural, uncolored, and rich sound from your speaker system. The VS2620 system is optimized for computers and digital media, giving new life to your music and multi-media files.
About Audio Alignment
Whether it’s the tiniest of ear buds or the most imposing of subwoofers, Altec Lansing has refined every detail of its speakers to provide you with the most accurate sound reproduction and quality. Audio Alignment ensures that your components work together to deliver your music the way it is meant to be heard, offering the perfect balance of your speaker system's drivers, enclosure, and electronics. For 70 years Altec Lansing has been refining this process, bringing your speakers to life with advanced technologies that make them sing.
The VS2620 speaker system is covered by a one-year limited warranty.
What's in the Box
Altec Lansing VS2620 speaker system (two satellite speakers) and quick connect guide.
Inexpensive Speaker Throwdown
I had the opportunity to evaluate both these speakers and the Altec Lansing Three-Piece Speaker System for Computer and MP3 Players with Convenient Space Saving Design (Black) This set differs from the 3-speaker set in that it has angular satellite speakers and no separate subwoofer. Both speakers are within $5 in price of each other (at this writing). I tested both sets with my laptop, tv, and iPod.
I found these speakers to have fairly decent sound and very clear tone separation at lower volume levels which would be good in a workplace setting. The sound will distort if you crank up the volume too much, though. It has a combination on/off volume control and a separate tone control on the front of one of the units.
The other set I evaluated, Altec Lansing Three-Piece Speaker System for Computer and MP3 Players with Convenient Space Saving Design (Black)has worse sound quality, in spite of having a separate subwoofer. It also features a rather inconveniently placed on/off switch (the volume control is a better placed on the top of one of the units) on the back of one of the speaker satellites.
Here's a list of the features of both speaker sets and which set I preferred for each category (I refer to them as "3-speaker" and "2-speaker"):
| Price: Both speakers are within $5 of each other at this writing = DRAW
| Controls: 2-speaker set
| Styling: I prefer the 2-speaker set, but I realize that this is very subjective and others may like the 3-speaker set. If you're looking for compactness, consider that fact that the subwoofer in the 3-speaker is pretty ineffective and thus takes up unnecessary space.
I preferred the 2-speaker set, but I encourage you to check out the 3-speaker set that I evaluated and see what others have written about them and make the choice for yourself.
The best small speakers I've ever used
Wow, what an experience! When they said "Crystal Clear", they really mean it - the sound definition is remarkable considering there's no sub-woofer. I previously had a pair of $10 basic speakers that were frankly terrible and made crackly sounds in the background all the time. I'm pleased to report than even with the computer and speaker volume turned up to maximum, there is no interference or distortion.
I tested these with several pieces of film music (Emiliana Torrini's "Gollum's Song", John Murphy's "In the House In a Heartbeat" and Batman Begins), which all have subtle musical details you normally only pick up on a reasonable home theater system, and I was greatly impressed with the quality. I also used Skype, and it was so good that the other person could have been in the room with me.
The footprint is slightly larger than I'd hoped for, and that was my first impression out of the box. I have a narrow desk for my computer (and a 22" monitor which takes up most of the space), but I was happy to make room once I'd heard the sound. The controls are located conveniently at the front of the right speaker and Altec Lansing are gracious enough to provide a power cord that's more than 3 feet long (many of my electronics seem to presume I have sockets available within six inches of the appliance). Overall, the set-up took under a minute from unpacking the box to hearing sound.
I received this on the Vine program so I didn't know what they cost; I was amazed to see the retail price is only $27 on Amazon. If you're planning on buying a new computer, I would strongly suggest getting these instead of the ones bundled with manufacturers. And if you want to vastly improve the sound on your existing computer, look no further. I didn't really expect much from these speakers and I have to say that I'm surprised to the point of planning to show them off to visitors.
Clear and Open sound, but modest bass
These are decent speakers, but not great. If you just wanted a speaker upgrade for your PC or Mac, this might fill the bill, but don't expect super hi-fi sound.
Pros:
1. Easy set up.
2. Front panel controls
3. The power brick is not so huge that it crowds your power strip.
4. Front panel plug for mp3 that cuts around primary sound source.
5. Non-distorted, clear sound. Good for jazz, classical, most pop.
Cons:
1. None of the parts detach from each other, so you can only place the speakers the distance of the existing cord, which is about 3'.
2. The nice design takes up a bit more desk space than I like, and there is no wall mount hole on the back.
3. There is only a "tone control" not a separate bass and treble. SO you only get one, or the other.
4. Bass is too weak for rock or R&B, etc.
Conclusion:
When you take the $27.39 price into account (current Amazon price) these are really good value speakers. They sound good, set up easily and don't look as cheap as other speakers in the category. However, if you expect these to blow away some Bose PC speakers, you will be disappointed. Your wallet, however, will be happier. You can also get part way there by upgrading to the Altec BXR 1221 three piece set for $29.95. For the extra $2, you get bass and a "little" freer speaker placement.
