Altec Lansing FX2020 Expressionist Classic Speakers for PC and MP3 Players (Black)
From Altec Lansing Technologies
One of Altec Lansing’s smallest new PC audio systems is also one of its most serious performers. The Expressionist Classic is stylishly designed with unique cylindrical cabinets to house its carefully selected 3-inch drivers. This compact, visually intriguing system is up to the most demanding audio challenges you give it – videos, games, music, movies, webcasts, podcasts and more.
- Color: black
- Brand: Altec Lansing
- Model: FX2020
- Dimensions: 7.40" h x 12.60" w x 7.50" l, 4.40 pounds
Get the most out of your digital audio with the Altec Lansing FX2020 Expressionist Classic Speakers. Made for computers and digital audio players, these compact and powerful stereo speakers fill the room with big sound. The speakers' unique design gives them a distinctive look and a small footprint, which means you'll have plenty of space on your desk or coffee table for your other peripherals.
 The small, attractive speakers provide satisfying full-spectrum audio. View larger. |
 Controls are located directly on the speaker and an AUX IN jack lets you connect portable CD and MP3 players. |
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An included 3.5-milimeter audio cable makes the FX2020 Expressionist speakers easy to add to any computer or digital music player that has an audio output. You can even use the speakers with your CD player or personal DVD player for sound that everyone can enjoy. An added auxiliary input makes it easy to connect a peripheral device without having to unplug the Expressionist Classic speakers from your computer.
Small Size that Packs Big Sound
Each speaker measures just 5.0 x 5.0 x 6.5 inches (HxWxD), but don't let the compact size fool you--these speakers deliver big sound. The three-inch drivers are precision engineered to deliver full-spectrum audio, so your music and soundtracks will have real-life sound. Backing up each speaker are 7.5 watts of continuous power, so you'll be able to clearly hear everything and still have plenty of room left on your volume knob.
A Unique Look to Complement Your System
Every element of these speakers is designed to serve a purpose and to look good doing its job. The speakers have a sleek frame, with round, black cabinets that house the drivers. Encasing each speaker is a clear, square panel that also acts as a support. The final look is elegant without being overstated, so the Expressionist Classic speakers blend in well wherever you decide to use them. And since they are compact, they'll leave plenty of room on your desk, workspace, or in your entertainment center for all of your other gadgets.
Easy-Access Controls for Quick Adjustments
Once you've added the Expressionist Classic speakers to your laptop or desktop system, you can control everything from the convenient power and volume buttons located right on the speakers. Power down the speakers when you need a little quiet for work, or crank up the volume when it's time to unwind.
The FX2020 Expressionist Classic speakers draw power from any home outlet. An AC power adapter is included.
The FX2020 speaker system is covered by a one-year limited warranty.
What's in the Box
Altec Lansing FX2020 Expressionist Classic speaker system, 3.5-milimeter audio cable, power adapter, user's guide, and quick-connect guide
Looks aren't everything
I was a bit skeptical about these speakers right from the start because of their lack of a sub-woofer. But because they are made by Altec Lansing, whose products I've had pretty good luck with in the past, I reserved a bit of hope that the sound would be better than just decent. Well, it turns out that my hopes were a little too high...just like the tone of the sound coming out of these speakers.
The design of these speakers is pretty cool. Definitely not your run of the mill computer/MP3 speakers, which is a plus. That being said, I think these speakers take up way too much space depth-wise for what you get sound-wise. The bottom line is that the tone coming out of these speakers is over the top on the high end. There just isn't much bass at all. With no sub-woofer and single drivers, this comes as no real surprise. I guess I was just hoping for better sound from an Altec Lansing product. There are no tone controls on the speakers, either. So what you hear is what you get, unless you try to manipulate the tone using your computer's sound controls.
Whether hooked up to a computer or MP3 player, the sound you get from these speakers is never going to be anything more than just decent. If you want good bass response, you're going to be out of luck. If you want to play your music at reasonably high volume, you're going to be out of luck. If, on the other hand, you just want to play music at a relatively low volume level--say, maybe for background music--the sound might be good enough for you. But with so many other options out there, including 2.1 speaker systems for around the same price (check out some of the Logitech systems), I'm not sure why you would want to invest in these speakers; unless you're just very enamored with their appearance. Just remember: looks aren't everything.
Spectacular sound
I am so impressed with the power and sound from these little speakers. No subwoofer, but you'd swear there was one in the room. I got these as a replacement for my iMac speakers after my Bose Companion III system bit the dust. I had one of those Gone with the Wind moments... you know, "As God is my witness, I will never spend $300 for speakers that die in 2 years ever again!" Despite the cost, I did enjoy my old Bose speakers, but I'm not spending that kind of money again when their warranty is only good for a year and these little power houses come w/ a two year warranty if you fill out their registration info. Yet I digress. I'm accustomed to having the Bose subwoofer and the two small satellite speakers - but for the money - you can't beat these Altec Lansing FX2020 speakers with a stick.
I turned up iTunes all the way, then the volume on the computer up all the way, then the volume setting on the speakers at maximum - and I got zero rattle - just crisp sound with a dynamic range. No tinny sound - sounds great.
I judged the speakers on appearance - wrongly assuming that the big plastic plates would rattle and buzz on my desk - I was wrong. They help to direct the sound and the sound is like butter. Just awesome.
I listened to both spoken word, pop and rock on my computer... the sound is spectacular.
So - why the less than perfect review? Here are things I would change:
1. the big rectangular plastic/lucite plates should be made out of some material that has no static. These things are fur, dust and hair magnets. I have dogs and dust. Literally within minutes of use, I had a bunch of dog hair sticking to the sides of the speaker and now I have finger prints all over the translucent plates.
2. The power button is in an awkward spot. You've gotta grope to the back of the right speaker to hit the power button, which is nearly flush with the back, so you really have to look at the back of the unit - you can't necessarily find it by feel.
3. The volume settings are in a weird spot. Right behind the translucent plate, you're gonna get your hand grease on there w/ hand and finger prints groping for the volume controls.
4. The speakers are connected to each other permanently, not via an aux. cable - so if you need these further than 3 feet apart, you're out of luck. I had wanted to do some cable management around my desk, but it's not really possible - you can't snake a cable through small gaps in your desk w/ these big speakers attached permanently to the cables.
These shortcomings notwithstanding, these are fabulous sounding speakers at a very reasonable price. I'm of the opinion that you get what you pay for. I also own a pair of Bose Companion II speakers as well as a pair of JBL Duets. The JBL Duets sound fair for the price and are certainly adequate. I am utilizing AirTunes via Apple's Airport Express Base Stations throughout the house, w/ different speaker sets plugged into the different routers. It almost breaks my tongue to say this - but these rival my Bose Companion II speakers in sound quality.
These are a little cumbersome for travel in comparison to my Bose Companion II speakers - but these are the ones I'm using directly connected to my computer, because they are frankly the best sounding ones in the house.
poor sound
I was so excited to get new speakers to go along with my new iMac. I have these great 3 piece Altec speakers from around 1998 that came with my Dell, but I thought "why not get cool looking new Altecs to match my cool iMac" assuming they should also sound better....after all, it's been 10 years of R&D right?
What a disappointment. They sound literally like the sound is coming from tin cans. I've played with equalizers to no avail. No bass. I guess that's what I was most worried about going with a 2 piece system and I guess the concern was valid. But even the mids and highs sound tinny.
I went back to the old Altecs which look dated but sound great ... nice full range top to bottom. Oh well...I should know time doesn't improve everything.
