Altec Lansing ACS 33 2.1 Speakers

When it comes to computer speakers, everyone has different needs. Personally, I prefer a full 7.1 surround system with good bass for gaming and movies. Others may simply want a good stereo set for listening to music. My mother just wanted to hear, "You got mail" so her needs are very limited when it comes to sound. She was in need of decent speakers with good clarity mainly for voice and regular PC sounds. I talked her into getting the Altec Lansing ASC33 PC speakers with the sub because she does occasionally listen to music on the computer. We picked them up at Best Buy in Springfield, Virginia for about $35 about three years ago. I feel that I should have picked a better speaker set after listening to music on her computer but she seems to be happy with them.


Altec Lansing ASC33 PC Speakers

The speaker set includes two satellite speakers and a sub, I refrain from calling it a subwoofer simply because (to me) it just doesn't woof. The set is black in color and takes very little desk space to set up. The speakers are also available in white as shown on the product information page. The satellite speakers are fairly crisp sounding and clear enough to use for voice communication or listening to music. However, they are not very loud and are easily over powered by the sub.

The sub has substantial volume but is very muddy sounding and does not provide enough bass response. It sounds more like a cheap mid-range speaker that has been mistakenly hooked up to the sub crossover. At low (very low) volume, the speakers give a decent sound for music but when you turn the volume up to (any reasonably loud) listening volume, the satellites will distort badly and the sub sounds like a camel spitting.


Specifications

* Total audio power: 25W
* Satellite power: 5W each
* Sub power: 10W
* Frequency response: 70Hz - 18kHz
* Satellite frequency response: 250Hz – 18kHz
* Sub frequency response: 70Hz – 250Hz
* Signal to noise ratio: 65dB
* Input impedance: 10 kOhms
* Satellite dimensions: Height - 5.7 inches, Width - 3.7 inches, Depth - 3.7 in.
* Sub dimensions: Height - 6.7inches, Width - 7.1 inches, Depth - 10.4 inches
* Power consumption: 50W
* One year limited warranty


Note: The satellite speakers are magnetically shielded, but the sub is not and should not be placed near any video displays.


In the box

* Two 3-inch stereo satellite speakers
* One 4-inch sub speaker (power cable is attached to the sub)
* Stereo cable
* Mini-DIN sub cable
* Users guide
* Set up instructions


Set up

Setting up the speakers takes about two minutes and most of that is unpacking them from the box. You simply plug the mini-DIN (looks similar to a PS/2 mouse or keyboard plug) cable from the satellite speaker into the sub, and then plug the other cable into the stereo output on your PC. Then you plug in the power and you have sound. The right satellite speaker has a green LED that will glow when power is on. This speaker is also the one that sports the volume control. There is no tone or sub volume control on this system, when you turn the volume up or down it turns all the speakers up or down at the same time. You can turn the power off by turning the volume all the way down until it "clicks" off.


Personal use

I have rarely used the speakers. I don't really like them much but mom loves them. They are just powerful enough for her to do what she needs with sound. Her use of speakers is limited to simple midi sounds for web based games and basic stereo audio for voice and limited music listening. She very rarely turns the volume up and never reaches the distortion point.

I, on the other hand, tried to jam out to some good ole' rock and roll and was sorely disappointed. The satellites were distorting at reasonable listening levels and the sub sounded absolutely horrible; hence the reason I very rarely use her speakers at all. They are not intended for audiophiles or even people who like to listen to digital quality music at all. I guess if you just wanted to listen to "books on CD" or use them as a speakerphone on the computer, they may suffice but any use over that and you will want something better.


Conclusion

I do not recommend these speakers to anyone looking for quality sound from their computer. They are just not good enough to faithfully reproduce music, movies or even for gaming. The ASC33 PC speakers may be a good solution for people in an office environment who will mainly be using them for communication; however, a good headset would be even better for this purpose. I would generally recommend skipping over these and getting something with more balls and better quality sound. Even for the price, they just don't cut the mustard.

Thanks for reading,

Gr8ful :-)