Multimedia hardware

Altec Lansing 5100
Designing speakers is an intricate balancing act, where each element plays a critical role in ensuring that the end result doesn't sound appalling. As such, speakers that abandon conventional designs in favour of something more glamorous generally come at the expense of sound quality. Altec Lansing's 2100, which appeared in our December issue stereo speaker group test was an exception though, and at 65 romped home to victory. Altec's 5100 system employs the same design, but in a 5.1 surround format. Is it equally worthy of an award - and your cash?
RATING: 4 stars PRICE: 128 (150) COMPANY: Altec Lansing ISSUE: 142 DATE: Mar 03
Where most style-conscious computer products inspire loveit-or-hate-it reactions, few could object to the minimalist sophistication of this system. A matching wired remote keeps all the controls to hand with a small smattering of lights and buttons, plus a headphone socket - so often this essential feature is omitted. Our only small grumble is that the design prohibits wall mounting of the rear satellites. With identical satellites and a slightly bigger subwoofer than the excellent 2100 system, it was no surprise that the 5100s made some decent noises. Bass was a little heavy at its default setting, but a tweak of the controls gave rise to a solid, balanced low end. Meanwhile, high frequencies were certainly bright and reasonably clear, but left me wanting a little more in the midrange. This made the system more suited to pop and dance music, where the lack of warmth was less of a problem than with rock and classical tracks. Game and DVD soundtracks fared reasonably well, but reckless types won't be satisfied by the fairly polite maximum volume. There's not much wrong with these speakers, but while the 2100s easily outperformed other low-cost stereo systems, at 150 the 5100s have some considerably tougher competition. If discreet good looks are as much a priority as sound quality, then go for it. Otherwise, we'd recommend Creative's Inspire 6700 set, which delivers superior surround sounds for a bargain 75 (88). Alternatively, go for Logitech's Z560, which lacks a centre speaker but adds stonking sound quality (and volume) for 128 (150). Ben Pitt SPECIFICATIONS: 5.1 surround speakers, 3x analogue inputs, 5x5W satellites, 25W subwoofer.