Home > Consumer Reviews > Altec Lansing XA3021 2.1 Speakers (3-Speaker, Black & Silver)

For those of us that want better sound but don't want the hassle of mounting a 5.1 system this is ideal. Plugs right into my TV's audio jacks and *Presto* GREAT SOUND. This gives new life to Halo and my favorite DVD's. If you want great sound at a great price these are your best option. Plus they look great paired with my XBOX!

Warning: These speakers are marketed as speakers for your TV, PlayStation, or DVD player -- not your computer. They have RCA inputs; they want you to use the enclosed RCA cable to connect the audio outputs from your TV/PlayStation/DVD directly to the speakers. This would be great in a dorm room or bedroom setting where you may not already have a stereo receiver and want better sound than what your TV is giving you.

If your computer is anything like mine, you will need to get a different cord, in a "Y" shape, where the "top" of the "Y" are 2 RCA male connectors (these plug into the speakers), and the "bottom" of the "Y" is a single male headphone jack connector (this plugs into your computer). You can get one of these cable at just about any electronics store for a few bucks, but it would have been nice to have had it included out-of-the-box. I was bummed to open the box and realize that I couldn't enjoy the speakers right away. :-(

All that being said, the speakers have good sound quality. I am using them in my office, and they generally sound good. However, since I am in an office, I normally keep them at a pretty low volume, and at low volumes, they sound a little weak. Once I turn up the volume a touch, they sound really good. I'm not sure that any speakers could offer me high fidelity at very low volumes, though.

These are cool speakers. I bought them for my kids' computer (you will need to purchase a cable to connect these speakers to your computer). Here's the lowdown:
Pros:
*Sound great.
*Inexpensive.
*Funky looking - cool.
*Wired volume control has two headphone ports.
*Comes with cables to connect to TV or video game console.
Cons:
Does not come with a cable to connect to computer - NOT a big deal though (for a couple of bucks you can buy one and connect these speakers to a MP3 player, computer, portable CD, radio etc.)
Very impressed!

I bought these a few months back to amplify sound on my TV. I hooked them up to a switcher and use them with my cable, DVD player, Xbox, PS2, and Gamecube. They sound really really good. I like them a lot and am not disappointed in the slightest. Apparently, the volume can go louder than I think, because my roommate can sometimes tell what I'm watching all the way from the living room. I'm very glad that there is a bass volume on the subwoofer so that I can adjust the strength (I like some bass, but not a lot).

One little gripe. These speakers have 3 sound schemes: TV, gaming, and max bass. I find little difference between the TV and gaming settings, and would expect a bit more bass from the gaming setting. Max bass is really good for watching movies or listening to music TV channels or for playing an audio CD through your gaming console. These speakers have surprisingly good sound quality.

The little wired remote is a great plus. Some people would prefer a wireless remote, but I don't care either way. With a wired remote, I don't have to worry about losing it or buying batteries. I stuck a hook in the wall and stuck it up there so it's just within hand's reach. I couldn't do that with a wireless! Also, in my room I have one of those light switches that turns the electrical outlet on and off. I plugged the speakers into that outlet, so I just flip a switch to turn them off when I leave the room.

To summarize, this was a good investment. Great quality for the affordable price. I can only imagince how nice the 4.1 set would sound. If you can afford those ones, get 'em! If you want a good surround sound, bass effect for watching movies, get the 4.1 set. The 2.1 don't have quite enough oomph for a really immersive movie experience. But you will be more than happy with the 2.1 set for just casual gaming and movie watching.

Before Altec Lansing PC speakers were available, people buying a computer would almost always get a pair of white unknown boxes that was packaged with their PCs labeled or marketed as "multi-media stereo speakers", which (I'm sure everyone would agree with me) sounds like a tin can with a chord.

Altec Lansing did everyone a favor by targeting the PC market and creating real multi-media speakers, I have been a big fan eversince. I probably have bought over 4 Altec Lansing speakers and this model the XA3021 is by far the best I've had. Nothing in the same price range can offer you crystal clear audio with a heavy thumping deep bass range. Whether you're listening to Jazz, Classical or Rock, playing explosive heart stopping games, or simply enjoying your favorite DVD movie, you will surely enjoy the experience and I bet at one point you'll smile and say.. "XA3021, I love you!"

The somewhat unexpected, retro design reminds you of microphones from the early days of radio, but at the same time, the green graphics gives you that high-tech feel that seems to scream "I'm from the future! now where is your leader!". The sub-woofer is menacing and looks like an atomic bomb waiting to explode at your command!

Now what are you gonna do ? I thought so, don't forget to get one for your Dad too!