Altec Lansing AVS300: Definitely worth your 40 bucks!
Written: Dec 01 '01 (Updated Dec 01 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great sound. Great price.
Cons: Can't think of one yet.
The Bottom Line: Crank it up and let the good times roll!
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| Shampoo-Girl's Full Review: Altec Lansing AVS300 2 Speakers |
I was doing an online search for a new speaker system to replace my old ACS22 when I came across this particular model priced below $35. I was initially eyeing that rather impressive looking ATP3 system at the local Best Buy store but was disappointed after discovering it wasn't part of last week's post-Thanksgiving sale. I decided to purchase the AVS300 anyway after hearing strong recommendations from a friend of mine in the computer business and I'd like to point out that I'm not the least disappointed. In terms of sheer performance & sound quality, the 3-unit AVS300 blows away every one of my older speaker models, including the 2-unit ACS22 which I bought for only $10. While I'm not exactly a nitpicker of an audiophile, I am however able to tell a good speaker deal when I see one and AVS300 is clearly one of the best in its class, priced below $35.
The speakers run on a total of a mere 17 watts, a somewhat humble figure compared to some other well-known behemoth home theatre systems, which are known to possess a 3 figure power rating. Though it may not exactly blow down or even shatter the walls of your living room, the AVS300 offers an incredible value for such a low price. It's able to stand up to the test of delivering crisp, clear sound quality with minimal static & distortion on every one of my 550 plus audio files ranging from bass powered Crystal Method tracks to the high vocal intensive J-Pop ballads. For those of you who had always wanted to hear what a game like Street Fighter 2 would sound like other than being on the usual sub-par arcade speakers, this system would probably have you all shaking your heads in disbelief. All you need is a 21-inch monitor and a Playstation-like gamepad to create the ultimate gaming experience right on your PC. The unit comes in a milky gray-white shade, making it less sleek compared to the higher rated ATP3. So it isn't much of a looker next to its older sibling; not that anyone cares anyway.
The AVS300 comprises of 2 smaller satellite speakers, each rated at 7 watts and a larger central subwoofer unit rated at 10. The compact-looking satellites & medium-large subwoofer are powered by 3 & 5.25 inch drivers respectively. Given Altec Lansing's impressive track record, it's no surprise that they're able to make a rather modest looking 17 watt speaker system sound like more the powerful ( & expensive ) varieties offered by other leading makers. With the exception of its subwoofer unit, the twin satellite speakers take up a minimal amount desk space and can be place alongside monitors or video displays without threat of distortion due to their magnetically shielded nature. The subwoofer however, is not magnetically shielded and should be placed away from any VDU to avoid an image distortion.
The user is able to adjust volume levels using the master volume control located on the main satellite speaker. There is also an additional knob located on the bottom left side of the subwoofer for bass adjustment. The instructions indicate that the speakers are compatible with both the PS1 & PS2 gaming systems as well as most other portable MP3 players though I am unable to confirm this as I have sold my old PSX. I will however attempt to plug this into a PS2 system, which I may be purchasing or renting over the Christmas holidays. Needless to say, I'm extremely happy with my new speakers & would recommend the AVS300 to anyone looking for an upgrade to replace their comparatively crummy 2-unit systems. Overall Grade: A
Recommended:
Yes
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Shampoo-Girl
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Member: The Big Shampoo
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Tomoko Kawase rocks my world
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