Logan Booker has 2.1 ears. This makes him perfect for speaker reviews.
Apart from the two 40W thin profile speakers and an impressive 50W sub, the MX5021 resembles your average 2.1 setup. The sleek, wood-encased 6.5-inch woofer is massive for this type of speaker combination and each has what Altec Lansing describes as a 'piano-quality' finish, otherwise known as 'glossy black plastic'. It must be noted that although the finish and design of the speakers are somewhat funky, they do feel a little cheap, and because of their thin profile they never quite sit 'flat'. Sturdier bases would have been a plus.
The package itself comes with all necessary cabling, including stripped speaker wires and a control unit. As with other speaker-sets, if you lose the control unit, you'll have no way of adjusting the bass, treble or volume other than through software so it's important to keep it safe. In addition, there's a basic, functional IR remote that works rather well thanks to its refreshing lack of uperfluousness.
Audio clarity is where the MX5021 shines. Bass tones, while not exactly warm, are distinct and impressive. The speakers are by far the best we've heard in a 2.1 unit, and require minimal amounts of fluffing around to position. Regardless of the output - music, games or the calming metallic twang of softcore porn - the speakers and sub can handle most sound sources admirably, although there was some slight distortion with high frequencies.
Altec Lansing's MX5021 is god's gift to the mid-range 2.1 audiophile, with its clear tones and thumping sub. The only let down is the $350 price tag, but otherwise, you can't get much better.
Issue: 107 | December, 2009