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General discussion

2.1 Speaker systems

Jul 30, 2006 8:25AM PDT

Hi. I apologize in advance for this long post.

I'm going to college in the fall and I needed some speakers to buy for my room. I currently have a Dell 2405FP 24" flat panel monitor. I am going to use this as my computer monitor as well as my TV, since it has various video inputs. Obviously, being a computer monitor, it has no speakers. So, I narrowed my choices to three sets of speaker systems in no preference order.

1. Altec Lansing FX6021 In-Concert 2.1
2. Harman Kardon SoundSticks II
3. Logitch Z2300 2.1

Now, each has its ups and downs. But I'm almost deadlocked between the three. The Logitech system recieved an extremely good rating from CNET and basically all other review sites. The one thing I'm afraid of though is that, from what I've read, the mid-range levels aren't great. I listen to a lot of music and things, and mid-range is important. The Harman Kardon Soundsticks II--it looks like an excellent system, but the downfall is that the power output isn't very high. It's only about 40 watts, whereas the Altec Lansing speakers have 75 watts output. Obviously, the Logitech doesn't have that problem with an astounding 200 watts.

Anyway, I need a great speaker system with which I can listen to music, watch TV, and play my XBOX 360. I was hoping someone could shed some light on this. I really don't know which one to buy!

Discussion is locked

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Carspeakers
Jul 30, 2006 9:01AM PDT

Recently I bought a MX-5021 Altec Lansing 50w system. Replaced the speakers with a pair of 4-way Kenwood car speakers mounted in kitset spkr cabinets. Sure made a huge difference to the sound. I also use a Presonus firewire recorder as a soundcard which also allows me to record/play vinyl. Considering the price for the setup, surprisingly good sound. Recommended !

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Consider JBL Creature II
Jul 30, 2006 11:00AM PDT

I'd consider the JBL Creature II, I got these for my daughter last year for her college dorm/apt. They sound great (360 sound radiation), come in many cool colors, you can currently get them for about $45-$65 from provantage/amazon... We auditioned them side by side with sound sticks....no comparison Creature much cleaner. Power not that big of deal considering the space you're going to fill. But if you want the best 2.1 consider the Klipsh ProMedia 2.1 they are not the coolest looking, just the best sounding, at least listen to them.

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Thanks!
Jul 30, 2006 2:08PM PDT

I'll definitely keep the Klipsh Pro Media 2.1 system in mind as well. Maybe I should go to the store.

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Same boat
Aug 2, 2006 8:14AM PDT

geneliteraj,
I am in the exact same situation as you. I am between the Altec Lansings and the Logitechs. However, lately I've been starting to think that maybe the Logitechs will be the best buy. Yes, I have read that they are missing mid-rangge; however, the Logitech speakers are THX certified. If this is so then I am skeptical that they actually are missing that much mid-range. I think that the staff at CNET would have noticed that before they awarded the set the Editor's Choice award. Also, 200watts is crazy. The only thing that I am concerned about is the size of the sub. Futhermore, I currently have a budget Altec Lansing 2.1 set and I enjoy these speakers a lot. An upgrade would be sure to please. I also like that it has an auxiliary input and a wireless remote.

I think it would be best to hear them in person but I don't think I'll be able to find them at a store. Let me know which one you go with.

One final thing, what school are you going to?

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hi
Aug 2, 2006 11:30AM PDT

I'm going with the Altec Lansing ones that I listed. I went to CompUSA and actually compared both the Logitech system and the AL system side by side with my ipod. The Altec Lansing system sounded much clearer and much smoother.

If I were you, I'd choose the Altec Lansing. The THX certification isn't that important at the 2.1 level--if even at any level. I didn't really like the Logitech ones. It sounded very closed and confined, if you know what I mean, as opposed to the In Concert system which was very clear and crisp.

I'm going to Hopkins.

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And the Winner is....
Aug 2, 2006 11:34AM PDT

Altec Lansing FX6021 In-Concert 2.1

I'm going to end up buying that system. I tested it out in the store and it sounded excellent. I'd suggest to anyone reading this thread, to definitely go to the store and see which one you like better. It's hard to take the word of a review for sound. It depends on your ear, and what you want.