Two Towers of Sound

Five or six speaker setups with an external active subwoofer are all the rage now. This is not surprising considering the multitude of applications out there which take advantage of them (such as Digital Dolby movies, EAX surround sound gaming and multi-channel music tracks).

However, in the midst of this, one should not ignore the humble 2.1 speaker setup (typically a two speakers system with an external subwoofer). They are highly effective for CDs (compact disc) and MP3 / WMA compressed data files - usually encoded with two channels of sound. Additionally, they are usually compact enough to be placed on the desktop (5.1 speakers systems typically require more space for rear speaker stands).

As such, we now come to the introduction of the Altec Lansing 621. It is a 2.1 speaker setup with one of the highest RMS (root-mean-square) power in the market now, standing at 143 watts of total continuous power (2 x 45 W / Satellites + 53 W / Sub).

Does a higher wattage rating guarantees a superior listening experience? Or are they nothing but numbers? Please read the specifications list first and then proceed to find out more.

 

The Package

Inside the box, you'll find the following :-
1) Front Satellite Speakers x 2
2) Subwoofer x 1
3) Wired Remote Control x 1
4) Audio Cables (AAC1 Y-adapter and 5m phono cable)

With the recent consumer focus on innovative product design, and usability (thanks in part to the hugely popular Apple iMacs), Altec Lansing has diverted their attention towards achieving that edge as well.

Looking at the 621, you will understand why it is marketed under the "Ultimate" (Premium) range. Featuring two relatively large satellites (5" x 5.4" x 8.5"), a "huge" wooden subwoofer (looks like a mid-sized computer casing), and a stylish wired remote controller, they collectively exude an aura of strength - further enhanced with a dark blue finish and silver braces.

Here is the 621 in all its visual glory.

The subwoofer is one of the strongest aspect about the 621.

The 621 features dual ports for bass, this is the one at the back.

The dual ported subwoofer (wooden cabinet), features a 6.5" front-firing, long-throw woofer with a ferrite magnet and a bass port at the back. This augurs well in terms of bass response (we shall see if this is true in the audio test section). However, it is not magnetically shielded. Thus, we recommend that the user place the subwoofer on the floor – away from sensitive equipment like CRT monitors, for example. This will not affect the listening experience significantly because the subwoofer is inherently non-directional to begin with.

Looking at the bottom of the subwoofer, you will find four rubber feet, which enhances stability. However, those whom are fastidious about dust accumulation beneath the subwoofer can unscrew them.

Each of the satellite speaker features a tweeter and a mid-range driver.

The two satellites (enclosed in plastic material) are clearly marked at the back, whether intended for left or right. Additionally, the tweeter and speaker cone are hidden from view via a nylon mesh (removable). This renders it aesthetically pleasing.

Altec Lansing has included these nylon mash coverings to hide the "innards" from sight.

A relatively thin co-axial copper cable is hardwired to the back of each speaker. It makes installation easier but disallows one from replacing them with better interconnect cables (cables with better shielding characteristics, for example).

Flip this clip down or retract it to adjust the slanting angels.

The tilting angle of the speakers (horizontal or slanting upwards) can be adjusted by pulling down or retracting a handy plastic clip, found at the bottom of both speakers.

Plug the colored cables to the appropriate similarly colored plugs.

At the back of the subwoofer, you will find various connectors. Besides the usual audio jacks for the speakers, and a main input plug, you will find an auxilliary input (useful for CD players, game consoles, etc.). Correspondingly, there is a DIN plug for the wired controller. Finally, you will also find a fuse integrated into the unit, effectively protecting the speaker from any sudden surges of electricity.

Please note that the power supply is not auto-switch, however, the fuse will come in handy in case of sudden electrical spikes.

The Altec Lansing 621 does not need an external power adapter because it is integrated into the speakers. However, one potential caveat is that the power supply is not auto-switching. Thus, please make sure that the unit you buy is compatible with the power voltage system of your country.

The wired remote is generally responsive and the buttons are incredibly useful.

The wired controller (dark blue), features three silver coated buttons (volume up / down and a power button). A green LED indicates whether the unit is turned on or off. The buttons are generally responsive to the touch with a tactile click and feel.

All the audio cables and corresponding plugs are color coded for easy installation.

Altec Lansing products are popular with many consumers because of its ease of installation and this is the case here as well. Just plug the color-coded cables into the appropriate color plugs, turn on the power and you are done!

 

Analysis of Audio Performance - CD Audio Test

The ratings for the satellites and subwoofer are quite impressive. With the two satellites rated at 45W per channel and the subwoofer coming in at 53W, the total continuous power is 143W. We shall see how this translates to in terms of performance.

A series of tests was conducted on the Altec Lansing 621. They consist of listening to a series of music tracks (both CD-Audio and MP3), a DTS movie sample disk, a brief run through of the "EAX" Advanced HD game "Serious Sam: The Second Encounter" to gauge its performance in games. The soundcard used is a Sound Blaster Audigy. Your results might differ depending on your soundcard. However, the results generated should be representative of what this set of speakers can do.

The subwoofer was placed on the floor, with the back bass port facing the wall. The floor is carpeted. Additionally, the front speakers are placed on a common rectangular table.

CD-Audio Test:-

When we auditioned the speakers using a sample CD containing several orchestral and vocal tracks, we noticed the following:-

1. The bass performance is relatively accurate and room shaking.

We can not only hear the bass, but we can feel it too. This is evident in tracks like "Anakin’s Pod Race", where we can feel the revving of engines and the guttural roar of the T-Rex in another related soundtrack. Additionally, timpani rolls and bass drums sounded perfect – almost like being there.

2. Mid-tone and hi-tone frequencies are not clearly defined.

High to mid tones like trumpets, horns and cymbals, in instrumental tracks like the ending theme to "Jurassic Park" are not bright enough – slightly muddied. We find the same phenomenon in the reproduction of bells in the "Apollo 13" soundtrack.

3. The soundfield can be relatively localized

The soundfield is relatively localized within a certain fixed area. As such, there exists a sweet spot, where the user can experience an optimal listening experience. A side effect of this - to accommodate more listeners (or for a wider soundfield), you would need to place the speakers further apart.

4. Vocals can get muddied

In lyrical tracks, where there is the presence of bass instruments (for example, the double bass), the main vocals can get muddied; not as clear as it should be. This might be due to problems in frequency crossovers or the bass produced by the subwoofer is too strong. Turning down the bass level at the subwoofer did help but vocals are still not as bright as one would like.

5. Guitar Solos and Ensembles

Guitar solos and ensembles sounded perfect. Each string plucked and musical tone were reproduced clearly. We can even hear the guitar frets that typify most real-life performances.

6. Sound positioning

Audio cues located in the left and right channels can be clearly differentiated. This is evident in tracks like "Anakin's Pod Race", where there are many racers whizzing from left to right.

MP3 Audio Test:-

Bass line response remain as strong as the results we gathered from the CD-audio tests. However, the mid and high tones are relatively muddied. As a result, vocals and bright instruments like trumpets and horns can suffer from a lack of clarity.

Summary:-

By looking through the data gathered from the test, we realized that bass responses are good and close to excellent. As such, timpani rolls sound especially sweet. Also, audio cues are accurately positioned. However, mid tones and high tone frequencies are not as clear as one would like. Vocals and bright instruments like trumpets and cymbals can therefore sound relatively muddied.

 

Analysis of Audio Performance - Movie and Game Test

Movie Sound Test:-

Even though the Altec Lansing 621 (2.1 speaker system) is not optimized for movie watching, we decided to just take it for a spin using a DTS sample disc. We reasoned that there might be some users who would use it for playing the occasional DVD movie from time to time. We used Dolby Surround in 2.1 mode (powered by PowerDVD XP 4.0) in the course of our testing.

1. The bass response is relatively strong.

This is especially apparent in the short scene from "Gladiator", where we can hear and feel the pounding from the firing of catapults, galloping of horses and the fire torches.

2. Dialogues can suffer from clarity

It is understandable that dialogue can sound weak due to a lack of a center speaker. Still, in scenes like "Chicken Run", the various dialogues between the main characters could have sounded sharper.

3. Strong positioning of audio cues

We are pleased that audio cues are accurately positioned in the left and right speakers. Additionally, rear sounds (that would normally be reproduced by rear speakers) are virtually created and can be heard coming from the two front speakers as well.

Matrix’s "Lobby Shooting Spree" Scene:-

This scene is popular for the almost superhuman like ability of the main antagonists in evading weapons fire and destroying their enemies. The sounds are positioned correctly and we can easily make out where each sound is coming from.

Additionally, the soundstage is decent and the user would feel immersed in the movie, particularly when one can hear and sense the gunshots and explosions ringing from all direction, thanks to the strong bass provided courtesy of the high performing wooden subwoofer.

Game Test: Serious Sam: The Second Encounter (EAX enabled)

As the ambient music for this game stresses a lot on the bass line and the main weapon of choice is the shotgun, the game benefited enormously from the superior bass response of the 621's subwoofer. As a result, the Altec Lansing 621 will be highly effective in gaming applications.

Overall conclusion for the movie and game test:-

Generally speaking, audio positioning is accurate and can be clearly differentiated (left and right). Additionally, the subwoofer helps in reproducing strong and room-pounding bass. However, this might "drag" down mid and high tones. As a result, dialogue can suffer from clarity.

 

Conclusion

On initial glance, the Altec Lansing 621 looks huge. With two speakers that look like "the two mid-towers" and a subwoofer that look suspiciously like a decent sized computer casing, they look formidable.

With a combined total continuous power of 145W, the speaker system is capable of outputting a lot of volume. By setting the subwoofer to about half of its total strength, we get room-thumping sound. In fact, the sound coming from the speaker should fill a mid-sized hall quite adequately.

We like the wired remote controller. With sleek, silver-coated buttons that are generally responsive, we find ourselves using it often and liking it in the course of our review. However, a wireless remote controller would be better but it's probably not something that you'll find bundled with a 2.1-channel speaker system.

In terms of audio performance, it is especially good in guitar solos and ensembles; music tracks that have a heavy bass line (techno music and game music, for example), with support from timpani and bass drums. Sound effects with a heavy emphasis on the bass tones will benefit enormously from the subwoofer as well.

There are, however some caveats that prevent the 621 from reaching the pinnacle of excellence. Mid and high tone frequencies are relatively muddied - as a result vocals and brass instruments like trumpets and horns do not sound as bright as one would like.

In spite of the shortcomings we have discussed, the Altec Lansing 621 can still be considered a good product. It looks good and should fit handsomely in most contemporary households. It should especially appeal to those who like to hear as well as experience room-thumping bass and occasionally treat themselves to a pulsating gaming experience.