The Bottom Line: Sound is certainly adequate for an inexpensive 5.1 system. This system met my expectations so I have given this a qualified above average rating.

I bought the 251 system last week to match up with my SB Audigy Gamer sound card. I was using a pair of Koss speakers and an IBM sub - both of which were about 6 years old.

The difference in sound was remarkable. With 5.1 sound, games are just more immersive. Apparently, the sound was loud enough to really annoy my family upstairs. Ha!

I paid about $60 USD (or $89 CDN) and am happy with my purchase. I read the other two reviews on epinions - one lousy and the other raving. I'm in the middle.

Firstly, it was easy to set up. I had 3 plugs from the sub that were to connect to the sound card - yellow, black and green. I had no clue as to which one went where - Altec Lansing did not explain what the 3 colours mean and Sound Blaster does not have colour coded outputs. Well, I just moved them around and got that sorted out in a few minutes.

The centre, front and rear speakers connected easily to the subwoofer. I read in the other reviews that the cables were short - I didn't think so. They're pretty long for my configuration.

I use the speakers for games - not for watching movies or even listening to music. My daughter plays her vast collection of mp3s on the pc - and reports that the sound is an improvement.

I think the system is somewhat underpowered, and the sub is weak. Not really weak, but not loud either. I compensated with the software - pumping up the bass levels, so it is acceptable now. However, I really didn't expect more from these speakers for the price I paid.

My needs are moderate - just good sound for games. I already have a home theatre system for our tv and a fairly new stereo in our living room. I was pleased with the amount I spent on the AL 251s relative to their performance.

If your needs are like mine, I recommend them.