Reading Hardware

Tech Specs:

Channels: 5.1
Wattage: 80 (10x5 satelites/30 bass-unit)
Colour: Black
Price: 105 - newegg.com
Manufacturer: Altec Lansing
Model Number: GT5051

First Impression/Introduction:

I bought this speaker kit mainly for it's freindliness to the desktop. I simply didn't have the capacity to spread a bunch of speakers across my room so I had to look for something that would emulate 5.1. In all honesty, I had intended to buy a 2.1 kit, but that was a bit harder than I'd imagined. Apprently the market has swung towards 5.1. What I really wanted was a 3 peice kit, and this being only 4 for what was advertised as 5.1 sound was too much to resist.

Ordering them from my favourite vendor was easy as usual. On standard shipping I was pleasantly reminded that 1 day shipping was worthless seeing as how the express saver that newegg provides usually delivers in a day or two. When the FedEx lady handed me the box I almost dropped it. This kit is heavy and way bigger than I had ever imagined. In fact, even though I had seen them in action thanks to a review by 3D Game Man, I still was unawares how big this kit really was.

First Use:

Turning them on, I at first felt ripped off. Then I realized that I hadn't had my software set for 5.1 sound. This promptly resolved the issue and proved these speakers true value. I noticed a defininent difference in how well games and music sound. Much louder than my previous creative system. MUCH louder. As in, I keep my speakers on notch 2 and turn my software volume up and I'm still worried that my neighbors are going to call in a complaint.

The setup was painless. In total, 6 chords required being plugin.The chords from the computer sound chip to the bass unit, and the chords to the satellite speakers. The satellite plugins are odd in that they aren't your standard hookups. Fine enough I suppose, but it is a bit different. If this worries you, I'm glad I informed. The center speaker is the only thing that seems problematic for my small setup. Granted with my LCD it imposes less than my giant CRT, but with a CRT, I'd have set it on top of the monitor cabinet. Sadly, the only option I'm comfortable with is setting it in front of my LCD. This makes for less room for my peripherals and is the biggest set back on this kit.

Overall:

The sound is better than I've ever heard and seems to be a solid investment. I can turn it up to volumes I have only but dreamed of without the slightest amount of pain, sadly enough, this is an issue for me but you do get crystal clear sound. You get a good name, a one year warranty and a solid set of 5.1 speakers that steal a relatively small amound of real estate. I recommend for CRT users, but those that have found the joys of LCD's you may find a bit of an issue finding a place for your center unit. :(

The volume control interface, while slick, doesn't provide as intuitive control as I'd like. I'd much rather have a decent a standard knob. I suppose that the nature of the speakers make them more suitable for software based volume control. If anything, I'd suggest using the speaker volume to control the range you'd like to hear at.

Rating: 8/10

For a dissapointing one year warranty, an oversized center speaker, and an inconveneint volume interface.

I should be ashamed of myself.

This post was edited by Aynjell on Apr 13, 2005.