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Altec Lansing VS. Bose Computer Speakers

C

chocolate632

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 27, 2007
310
0
I just bought these speakers for my computer for $100.00 CAN

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3296569&csid=ITD&body=MAIN

and their good, but im not completely satisfied with them if you know what i mean, and they looked a bit nicer in the photos than in real life :p

I was also looking into these speakers from Bose:

http://store.apple.com/ca/product/TK200VC/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0MA&mco=MjE1MTU5OQ

but whats really turning me off from them is that they have no power button!
I read some reviews that said they were amazing speakers and some that said they were overpriced and garabage.

my questions are:

1. What do you guys think of the Altec Lansing speakers vs the Bose?
2. Has anyone tried the Bose? Does not having a power button really make a difference?
3. Do they make any sort of humming noise?
4. Do they have too much bass? (reviews said they had high bass at high volume)
5. What is your overall impression of the Bose?

I haven't got a chance to look at the Bose, but i will go soon.

Can someone please help me?
 
I have the Bose® Companion® 3 Series II and the Bose® Companion® 2 Series II speakers. When I listened to them next to the Altec Lansing the Bose seemed to sound better. When I got them home the Bose actually sounded better. I've been happy with the Bose.
I was looking for a speaker system that had a very small foot print but still sounded good. I did not need the best nor anything that shakes the room, just speakers that sound nice.

They don't hum and having a power on/off makes no difference to me. My system remains on 24/7 anyway.

Hope that helps a little bit.
 
spaceballl said:
I don't mean to thread-hijack, but as long as we're talking about good computer speakers, has anyone had experience with the new Altec Lansing Expressionist Bass speakers? I'm loving the look...
Click to expand...

Please don't hijack this thread lol:D jks!

Anyways, thanks, but I read some reviews that is has really good bass for such small speakers. And what do you think of the design of the speakers? Cuz im not sure if pictures do them justice (I hated the new alu iMacs until i saw them in person).

Anyones else? Every comment is appreciated

thanks
 
My experience with other Bose systems would negate me EVER consider Bose speakers for anything. Not (just) that they are poor performers, but also overpriced poor quality. Just say no.

I have no experience with the Altecs. Probably best when you buy speakers to spend some time actually listening to them. Your ears are different from mine, and what you want/expect is different, too.

I went into a local store that sells Macs for one thing or another, and they had some speakers out. So I just tried them, just for the heck of it. I was REALLY impressed with these, and bought them then and there, even though I was not even loking for speakers.

Logitech Z-4 2.1 3pc 40 Watt Speakers with Remote

Certianly not the best you can get, but great bang for the buck.

Trust me... stay away from Bose.There is a reason "Friends don't let friends buy Bose".
 
chocolate632 said:
http://store.apple.com/ca/product/TK200VC/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0MA&mco=MjE1MTU5OQ

1. What do you guys think of the Altec Lansing speakers vs the Bose?
2. Has anyone tried the Bose? Does not having a power button really make a difference?
3. Do they make any sort of humming noise?
4. Do they have too much bass? (reviews said they had high bass at high volume)
5. What is your overall impression of the Bose?
Click to expand...

I have those same Bose speakers and I compared them to Soundsticks and another Altec model before purchasing so for what it's worth, here's my twopenneth!

1 To my ears there wasn't too much in it but the Bose just pipped them; as other posters have said though, you may well disagree depending on a number of factors so give them a thorough listen if you're going to make a purchase.

2 No power button hasn't been a problem for me.

3 Mine don't hum... they are in the bedroom so I would hear them if they did!

4 I haven't had a problem with bass but I don't tend to max the volume.

5 I am really impressed with them, they work perfectly for my needs (mainly music whilst working at the iMac and DVDs now and again). I think what other people have said is spot on though, give a few speakers a listen and let your ears be the judge!

I just realised that I tried the Expressionist Bass listed above... for me, there was too much bass so it wasn't really suited for the types of music I tend to favour but for such a small package, they have a lotof bass wallop!
 
Consultant said:
Altec Lansing = low quality computer speakers

Boss = overpriced speakers, but > Altec Lansing

I would get one of these if you can find them.
http://www.acoustic-energy.co.uk/Product_range/Aego_series/index.asp

Btw there are dozens, if not hundreds of threads on computer speakers on MR. You might want to search "speakers".
Click to expand...

While I agree heavily with Consultant says. You aren't going to find a whole lot of love for Bose. Most people, like myself, seem to think that they might not be total "crap," yet, are extremely overpriced. Springing for the Logitechs or some lower-end monitors is really the way to go.
 
Consultant said:
Altec Lansing = low quality computer speakers

Boss = overpriced speakers, but > Altec Lansing

I would get one of these if you can find them.
http://www.acoustic-energy.co.uk/Product_range/Aego_series/index.asp

Btw there are dozens, if not hundreds of threads on computer speakers on MR. You might want to search "speakers".
Click to expand...

Sorry, but I never really had to buy good speakers before, I've just been using the ones that come with the iMac.

Anyone else have any opinion? Has anyone heard of the Logitech Z2300?

Thanks, all opinions are greatly appreciated
 
BOSE v Altec Lansing

BOSE means buy other sound equipment, incredibly overpriced for what are really poor speakers, Altec Lansing make some reasonable speakers, they are made by the same company that makes JBL and Harmon Kardon. The Logitech are very good value, probably better than the above mentioned triumvirate. But if you want really great speakers check out AudioEngine A2. You can find them on Amazon. They are probably the only computer speakers that even merit a review in HiFi Magazines. Hope this helps!
 
kaldezar said:
But if you want really great speakers check out AudioEngine A2. You can find them on Amazon.
Click to expand...
Question about the A2s... What is the surface on the bottom of the speakers made of? Weird question, i know. But the reason why I ask is because my Klipsch Promedia 2.1s come default w/ a metal stand. When the bass gets heavy, the metal stand can vibrate on my desk, making a very annoying sound. I'm guessing that if these had a more rubbery bottom, then they wouldn't vibrate. I'm thinking about moving to the A2s (also would like to get rid of the subwoofer that the 2.1s have). But on a glass table, are the A2s going to vibrate?
 
At that price range, look for swan m10's or edifier s330d's

I have the edifier because I can't find the swans (Canada...) but they sound phenomenal and have optical in from my MP :)
 
If you dont mind looks.....

If you don't care to much about looks there is an older pair of altec lansings that I love and to my ears sound better then the Bose. The down side is that you would have to find them used maybe off of ebay and they are off white which looks ok on my black desk next to my ole whitey imac but may not look good with your setup. This particular speaker set has good reasonably crisp highs and tight bass. The Amp I suspect is pretty big because one the sub weighs a lot for its size and two to my ears very few computer speakers seem able to keep their punch and clarity at higher levels like these do. On the other hand some newer speakers have a little brighter highs. Over all these little guys have a warm balanced sound. If that interests you let me know and I will look up the model number for you.
Jim
 
I have the companion 3 series II, I compared them to my friends altect lansings and they blew them away.
 
To some people paying for Bose is going to put a bias on it from the start. Something so pricey could never be enjoyed.

If your not of those people, then buy the Bose, I own them and they produce a great quality sound.
 
I know all the arguments against Bose, at the end of the day a person should listen with their own ears and then decide. Bose uses paper cones which might be cheaper, yet also have their own sound signature which might be preferable to some.

I used to own these Bose Companion speakers, until I switched to a iPod docking speaker system. I liked the Bose myself-

1. They apply a little DSP to give a 'live' sound. It doesn't sound overly processed IMO, it just sounds more 3-dimensional- I actually rather like the effect.
2. They have little low bass, and very accentuated mid/high bass. I think this is why some say it has lots of bass, others say the bass sucks.

If you want audio fidelity, both of these are bad, especially #2. But...if you want a pair of computer speakers that sit on your desk at sound pretty good at low to moderate volumes typical for say an office setting, I think these hit the spot. They are obviously designed for a specific application, and evaluated in this setting I like them. At moderate volumes, they're not going to rattle the person's teeth over in the next cubicle (they won't at high volumes either!)

I actually prefer these speakers to the iPod speakers I currently use (Logitech AudioStation), at least for listening at my desk. I think these Bose are probably much better for near-field listening.
 
madmaxmedia said:
I know all the arguments against Bose, at the end of the day a person should listen with their own ears and then decide.
Click to expand...

Exactly.

Years ago I went to an audio store and the guy said to bring a few of the CDs I listen to.

He then outputted the sound over all these pairs of speakers. We didn't look at the models. My friend and I both agreed on the best sound and it was from this no-name brand and about $200 less than others in the room.

So the moral is, get speakers that sound good to you and use the music you listen to most to get the best response.
 
I've been very happy with Bose speakers, including the Companion 2. They sound great and last a long time. Well worth the money!
 
Has anyone heard of the Logitech Z2300?
Click to expand...
Yes, I've had Z-2300 and I'm currently on Z-5500. If your into like, mid-volume listening, this set will be for you. The sub is great and the speakers are okay, but they can't handle constant 60%-70% volume blasting. Within' two weeks I blew them, but note I like my music loud (I listened to ambient, instrumental, metal, rock/alternative, and nu-metal). But the sub is a beast, and can most likely handle anything.

So for a modern user, you'll be pleased, and check on Amazon since you can get some $$$ off.
 
majordude said:
I've had Bose, Altec-Lansing and Harman/Kardons. The Soundsticks II blow them all out of the water for around $100.
Click to expand...

I second that!!

The Bose are great, but missing the mid range. They do have heavier Bass.

The HK Soundsticks, though have a much more complete, balanced sound.
 
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If I had a dollar for every time I heard Bose means Buy Other Sound Equipment I would be a rich man. It seems trendy to bash Bose and there are millions of Internet opinions floating around from people who have never even used the product. Bose is more of a lifestyle product then an audiophile product. I love Bose sound, however that doesn't mean the next person will. You have to test out different products and see which one you like the best. I owned a set of Bose MediaMates, the older 2.0 system from them and I thought they were excellent. I owned a set of Companion 2 Series II and they were ok, but I thought the MediaMates sounded better. I was unhappy enough with the Companion 2 II's that I sold them, however I still wanted a 2.0 speaker solution. It was then I decided on the Bose Computer MusicMonitors. I will admit they were $400, but they are built out of aluminum. Fit and finish is perfect and the clarity, realism, and bass is outstanding for a 2.0 system that is so small. I'd put them up against any speaker in the world at the same size and price for sound quality. Of course, it is all my opinion and yours might be different.

Personally if you need a good 2.0 speaker system for not a lot of money I would try to find a good used Bose MediaMate set on eBay. They are not very stylish, but I think the sound quality is much better then the Companion 2. If you have money to burn and want to buy a set that will last for years then I would recommend the Computer MusicMonitors.

There is not a lot of middle ground with Bose. Most people either love it or hate it. They do play a lot on the whole psychoacoustics of the human ear and they make things sound better by tricking the human ear. Audiophiles that want the material to be reproduced exactly like it was supposed to be don't like this. People who like a small speaker that can fill a room with colorful sounds do. Pricing is high, however they are a private company that invests much of their profit into research both in and out of the audio field. I also find their customer service to be outstanding. When you call you are greeted by a real human right away that knows the product and actually cares about your satisfaction. It is not uncommon for them to fix their products even outside of the warranty period or for them to send you free product improvement updates. Many of the companies that make consumer electronics anymore don't even have a customer service
department and if they do it is such a pain that you will end up throwing away the product and just buying another one.

This is just my opinion of Bose. Others might have a different opinion, but I have always been happy with my Bose products.
 
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