Home > Consumer Reviews > Altec Lansing VS2620 2.0 Speaker System (Black)

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.

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.

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.

I paid little of nothing for these speakers and I have to say I love them. They work great with my MP3 player and my computer. I definitely have to order an additional pair for my computer because I use the speakers for my MP3 player and I hate to keep switching them. Thank you!!

I got them hooked them up . Very easy hook up no complicated installation just plug it into the computer's audio jack and it works right away. Has a very good nice sharp crystal clear sound, works very well while listening to mp3s, watching movies and playing computer games etc. the value is good as well.