Home > Consumer Reviews > Altec Lansing 221 2.1 Computer Speakers (3-Speaker, Black & Silver)

What a treat. These little speakers sound great, with bass to spare. I listen to NPR jazz webcast and am amazed at the quality of the sound. The only downside is no subwoofer volume control but onscreen digitizers can handle that. For less than [than expected] plus a mail in rebate direct from Altec, these speakers are a steal.

I found this speaker system on sale (a HUGE sale), so I figured I'd give it a try. For the most part, it sounds great. Very crisp, clean sound. And if I were using this with my computer, they would actually be perfect. But I'm using them with my Diskman as a makeshift home system where I'm very limited in space. As another reviewer said, there is no control over bass, and it needs to be turned DOWN. The middle and treble tones sound great, as I already said, but the bass is so incredibly muffled and out of control. If my Diskman had an equalizer, or if I were using this with my computer, I'd adjust the bass there, as the other reviewer did. But I'm going to have to return these speakers and spend a little bit more for a system with a volume control for the bass channel.

These are some nice sounding speakers, got them for like $12 in an auction probably the best computer investment I ever made. If you are looking for great souding speakers for little money these are defiently something to consider, I would even say they are probably better then the Logitech Z-340. Definetly sound like speakers that you would have to spend at least $100 on.

Although I am kind of disappointed that Altec did not include a bass volume control with these speakers I am satisfied with their performance. If your primary application for using these speakers has an equalizer you should be able to tone down the bass to an acceptable level. If you are not using an equalizer buy the Altec AVS300LA 3PC 10W 220V SPEAKER ( AVS300LA ) which has a bass volume control and sounds good for half the price. The AVS300 satellite design is not as nice and they don't sound quite as crisp, but for inexpensive speakers they are great. (I own both the AVS300 and 221 series). See the cnet review on the 300's for more information. The 221 satellites sound excellent and once you have the bass under control they are perfect if you don't want to spend a lot of money for good quality sound. As for those who say they are unable to get these to sound good with an equalizer they may not be using an application with a good quality equalizer. I have not tried Media Player yet, but Musicmatch works great with these speakers. Also where you place the sub woofer makes a big difference. If you place it in an inclosed area or in a corner of a room you are going to get a lot more bass, if you place it out in an open space it will not be as overpowering. After you figure out the best place to put it you can make the adjustments with your equalizer. One other con is that the sub is unshielded so keep it away from any monitors, hard drives, etc.

I was looking for something to increase my home entertainment center, and for $35.99 @ SAMS CLUB it hit the spot! If you don't have the extra money to purchase a full surround sound set up, or you do have the space to do a proper set up.....Then here is your answer. It has crystal clear highs with great bass for the size of the subwoofer! The only draw back is there is no bass control. I really feel this has kept my desire to get an expensive set up at bay, at least until I don't have to child proof my house anymore!