I've had these since I graduated high school in 2008. Tried upgrading them to some Logitech Z series speakers a year ago, and I returned them two hours later. These are still running strong & don't plan on changing them anytime soon.
I've had these for my Mac at the office for 17 years and they still kick butt. I'd be willing to pay 500 bucks for something good but these do the job.
Totally relatable, my uncle had his for years then left it in his basement storage for probally another 10 years. Just took it out today (did not have much hope, to be honest with ya) to use as a pair of reference speakers. It almost outperformed my main studio monitors, blown away by its dynamics. What a great piece of gear.
I got these bad boys, for anyone who has them, put them in an enclosed wooden boc of some sort but leave a LITTLE room for air circulation and cables, it makes the base sound SOOOOOO much better and makes the distortion go away at high volumes
Nostalgic video of a prime sound system. Bought this speaker in 2006, worth each penny of it. great craftsmanship with superb sound technology! My little brother still uses them, the differential resistors are a little buggy now.
Just inherited these from my father. He's had them for over 5 years and they still sound AMAZING! Everyone says that there is no midrange, but i disagree. I was going to buy a set of Klipsch's, but my dad offered me these and i took them! I have a very good ear for audio, and these are better then ANY Bose systems out there today. Bose is just a name these days, but company's like Altec Lasing, and Harmen Kardon acctually provide quality products. I am very happy with these speakers!
I think these speakers like mid-range... It'd be great if there was a control for that. I just picked him up at the Goodwill for $3.99 and they still work. You still sounds great but I prefer my JBL studio monitors.
It's 2021 and I found this system in the trash. All worked except for the one speaker without the controls. I couldn't believe how low the sub goes for a cheap system. The 22hz lower limit is pretty close, it rumbled hard down to about 22h and dropped off pretty hard below that. I'm actually going to remove the amp, cover the hole and use it as a compact sub in my truck.
Bought and kept in a closet for almost year before giving away to my father. Only then found out the system has a noisy bass thumping (sometimes almost constant. like a growl) that occurs randomly, even when the input line is detached. Tried to get AL to fix it and they blame it on 'dirty power source', as if no other sound system has needed to properly filter out power noise before... they also wanted me to pay shipping (almost half what the speakers cost originally) and can't guaranty it will be fixed, if it is like they claim, the fault of local power. After searching online I found mention of the noise / humm form power supply, so I wired a direct DC input from an old laptop power supply. Did seem to help a little, but didn't fix the problem. I actually got a hold of and tried a 2nd bass unit (just the bass, with PSU and amp circuits), and sure enough, it wasn't just my speakers. Both bass units have the same annoying thumping noise, to varying degrees. I now figure the main issue is a problem with the power switch and control knobs, as it's easy to get the thumping started by tapping on the power button. Does any one have a clue what might be the cause? If so, I'd appreciate a heads up.
Did finally figure it was a flaky power switch on the control satellite. I found a cheap set at a resale shop and was able to localize the problem to the controls. A little playing around then made clear that the power switch was the problem. I actually tried to open up the satellite with hopes of replacing the power switch, but they glued these together making it impossible to disassemble these with any hopes of putting them back together afterwards. BTW, my model with the bad power switch was the light grey one with the green power LED. The other version is dark grey (black?) with a red LED.
mine is still going strong across 3 computer changes and 5 OS changes (windows Xp,7,8.1,10 and Debian 10)+ the bass is amazing I don't think they make similar pc speakers anymore
these are about $100. had mine for couple years. sounds awesome. unhooked the woofer and runnin a 15 inch sub in a 15 cubic foot box. lol kinda amazing what it does
I've had these for 5 years running and they still sound fantastic. Freakin love these things. They look like crap now because my dumb ass put stickers on them back in the day but none-the-less, still rockin the place. Wonder if this guy was using the Soniqe player lol. Still use that too.
true man.I have the same speaker system and I still use it for 5-6 years.The sound is very clear.The bass is great.I use it in a 3m/4m room,My dog tryed to cut the big wire but he gave up:P When I move the speaker with controls,my bass sounds strange,but only when I move it.It's the dog's fault.In rest I had no problem with it.I recomand it ;)
yea , this speaker GOD DAMN GREAT and AMAZING !! i put a cup full of water in front of the sub woofer and the water started to SHAKE and SPILL out from the cup when i play techno music !
I just ordered these yesterday. For only $64.57. This review made my decision on what speakers to buy. My only question is can you set the sub on its side?
had this system since they were first released.... cost me $100ish and it was the best money I have ever spent. to this day I can't find a 2.1 system I would replace it with
is there any way to hook these speakers up to a HD tv with perhaps an adaptor? I know it says it only hooks up to MP3 player and Computer, but I was just wondering if there's a loophole around that. The sound is great. I just got it yesterday and I watched a movie with it from my laptop. It's amazing!!!!
My own set already have problem. Also many rats family love to get inside the woofer to sleep. Now i own 2 more set. So maybe i will find more if available.
Any tutorial on how to fix them? the cable is so sensitive to movements. The bas starts buzzing uncontrollably until i find the right position of the cable. What ca i do?
3DGAMEMAN : cud u pls tell me how to take the bottom off the rt. satellite unit without wrecking it.I need to get inside to find an intmt break in one of the wires going to the multi connecter plug.Love these spkrs. TkszuluQ
I have 2 of these units - one purchased new some years ago and I agree about the sound.But it seems the socket for the input cable is very sensitive - if it is touched either the left or right speaker stops until it's jiggled a bit to get it in the right position. Tried several input cables/plugs but all with same result. Anyone have any ideas? The socket is not accessible internally.
Hi im a electronic technician.if you dont mindpls. Do you have a copy of diagram for this model ALTEC AMPLIFIER PLS. THANKS I 😊USED IT FOR TROUBLE SHOOTING AND REPAIR....
@Covexlol I have a similar problem. When I move the wires in the back, I hear this wind tunnel sound effect, the same sound you'd get if you were to blow into a microphone. What is happening? How do I stop it? It's got worse since I purchased the system 2 yrs ago. When I have it on, and no music is playing, I now hear a quiet "wind sound" How do I fix this?
@tworth1953 Well if you didn't take it apart you could have either returned it to the store or Altec.. but since you opened it I don't know if that's still an option. =O
I've had these since I graduated high school in 2008. Tried upgrading them to some Logitech Z series speakers a year ago, and I returned them two hours later. These are still running strong & don't plan on changing them anytime soon.
These speakers are fantastic! Just bought a used pair on eBay. They are absolutely loud, and the sub is perfectly thunderous.
I've had these for my Mac at the office for 17 years and they still kick butt. I'd be willing to pay 500 bucks for something good but these do the job.
Totally relatable, my uncle had his for years then left it in his basement storage for probally another 10 years. Just took it out today (did not have much hope, to be honest with ya) to use as a pair of reference speakers. It almost outperformed my main studio monitors, blown away by its dynamics. What a great piece of gear.
I have IT .u want IT to buy?
Good condition
Got this speaker 12 years ago... N still working fine until today!
Mine finally quit today, July 13th, 2019. I bout this system in 2007. I cant hear the right side. I think its the cable. Oh well.
I got these bad boys, for anyone who has them, put them in an enclosed wooden boc of some sort but leave a LITTLE room for air circulation and cables, it makes the base sound SOOOOOO much better and makes the distortion go away at high volumes
Such an old video.. I love to watch and to remember computers online and the internet back in the early 2000's
I bought this 2006. Today i just found it again after collecting dust in the store. Still kicking 😮. Awesome 💯😎
still using it....7 years loud n kicking!!!
Nostalgic video of a prime sound system. Bought this speaker in 2006, worth each penny of it. great craftsmanship with superb sound technology! My little brother still uses them, the differential resistors are a little buggy now.
Aby way to fix that
Just inherited these from my father. He's had them for over 5 years and they still sound AMAZING! Everyone says that there is no midrange, but i disagree. I was going to buy a set of Klipsch's, but my dad offered me these and i took them! I have a very good ear for audio, and these are better then ANY Bose systems out there today. Bose is just a name these days, but company's like Altec Lasing, and Harmen Kardon acctually provide quality products. I am very happy with these speakers!
My mom bought me this 6years ago and it still sounds good as new.. Great system..
I think these speakers like mid-range... It'd be great if there was a control for that. I just picked him up at the Goodwill for $3.99 and they still work. You still sounds great but I prefer my JBL studio monitors.
It's 2021 and I found this system in the trash. All worked except for the one speaker without the controls. I couldn't believe how low the sub goes for a cheap system. The 22hz lower limit is pretty close, it rumbled hard down to about 22h and dropped off pretty hard below that. I'm actually going to remove the amp, cover the hole and use it as a compact sub in my truck.
That sounds good on the phone,those old speakers are great.
Bought and kept in a closet for almost year before giving away to my father. Only then found out the system has a noisy bass thumping (sometimes almost constant. like a growl) that occurs randomly, even when the input line is detached. Tried to get AL to fix it and they blame it on 'dirty power source', as if no other sound system has needed to properly filter out power noise before... they also wanted me to pay shipping (almost half what the speakers cost originally) and can't guaranty it will be fixed, if it is like they claim, the fault of local power.
After searching online I found mention of the noise / humm form power supply, so I wired a direct DC input from an old laptop power supply. Did seem to help a little, but didn't fix the problem. I actually got a hold of and tried a 2nd bass unit (just the bass, with PSU and amp circuits), and sure enough, it wasn't just my speakers. Both bass units have the same annoying thumping noise, to varying degrees. I now figure the main issue is a problem with the power switch and control knobs, as it's easy to get the thumping started by tapping on the power button. Does any one have a clue what might be the cause? If so, I'd appreciate a heads up.
Did finally figure it was a flaky power switch on the control satellite. I found a cheap set at a resale shop and was able to localize the problem to the controls. A little playing around then made clear that the power switch was the problem. I actually tried to open up the satellite with hopes of replacing the power switch, but they glued these together making it impossible to disassemble these with any hopes of putting them back together afterwards.
BTW, my model with the bad power switch was the light grey one with the green power LED. The other version is dark grey (black?) with a red LED.
I bought this about 5 years ago and I still use it. Best dollar for dollar purchase ever! Use them almost everyday. The sub is badass!! Window shaker.
I bought a vs4121 10 months back to compete with my neighbour's creative inspire... Its awesome... It overpowers creative very easily....
mine is still going strong across 3 computer changes and 5 OS changes (windows Xp,7,8.1,10 and Debian 10)+ the bass is amazing I don't think they make similar pc speakers anymore
This is one of the best altec lansing speaker.. two thumbs up for this amazing 2.1 speaker :) crisp and boom bass + good treble
these are about $100. had mine for couple years. sounds awesome. unhooked the woofer and runnin a 15 inch sub in a 15 cubic foot box. lol kinda amazing what it does
i have had them ever since they came out...great bass.. i made a couple videos with the subwoofer cover off
I still miss these speakers, not available anymore
These things have lasted timeeeeee!!! 12 years and still strong.
I've had these for 5 years running and they still sound fantastic. Freakin love these things. They look like crap now because my dumb ass put stickers on them back in the day but none-the-less, still rockin the place. Wonder if this guy was using the Soniqe player lol. Still use that too.
true man.I have the same speaker system and I still use it for 5-6 years.The sound is very clear.The bass is great.I use it in a 3m/4m room,My dog tryed to cut the big wire but he gave up:P When I move the speaker with controls,my bass sounds strange,but only when I move it.It's the dog's fault.In rest I had no problem with it.I recomand it ;)
I have those and its AMAZING, no joke i love the bass and quality of them. 10/10 for those speakers
These are the dogs bollocks of low cost speakers, absolutely awesome sound !!!!
yea , this speaker GOD DAMN GREAT and AMAZING !!
i put a cup full of water in front of the sub woofer and the water started to SHAKE and SPILL out from the cup when i play techno music !
i hav this set for my pc for almost 4 yrs! its great ! i love it ! it fills my room with wonderful music xd.... 5/5... u never go wrong with them...
Seriously Ive never seen in my entire life such a good review for a Speaker... 10/10! Way to go! Thanks!
Had then for 13 years, still work great.
I have to admit that the sub hits hard on this system.
2017 and my 10 y.o altec lansing still kicking!
I JUST BOUGHT IT! AND ACTUALLY IM USING IT LISTENING TO THIS VID IT ROCKS!! IT HAS A CRYSTAL CLEAR SOUND AND THE SUBS ARE GREAT !
got these speaker on Black Friday 2 years ago. Best $20 i ever spend.
i don't remember this song playing when i watch this review before? is it because of copyright?
I got these free 4 years ago they still sound great.
I was thinking of buying this set to replace my 2100 set,but i changed my mind hearing them in this video..2100 still kicks ass
I'm watching this review, listening to the audio through Altec Lansing ACS21W speakers.
Mine just died today.. :( been rocking with it for almost 9 years now.. Great Product really!!
it sounds very clear
coolest review i think altec lansing should give this gue the best sells award
I have ATP3 altec, which is better this on or ATP3?
hell yea im gonna get some this black friday too
I just ordered these yesterday. For only $64.57. This review made my decision on what speakers to buy. My only question is can you set the sub on its side?
i have those and it has an incredible bass
Very good speaker
Excellent sound
ya the bass for these speakers are very amazing. I'm too scared to turn the volume knob more then halfway with the bass on full lol.
Buying them on Tuesday can't wait even tho their old as me
had this system since they were first released.... cost me $100ish and it was the best money I have ever spent. to this day I can't find a 2.1 system I would replace it with
Even in 2020
The First tech youtuber.
Yes sir 😁 22 years and counting..
@@3DGAMEMAN Why not make some new tech reviews boss? Show the kids how its done.
@@MaheshWalatara I appreciate that, and maybe someday, but no plans.
Still love Altec Speakers
DIDO. HAVE IT FOR 5 YEARS NOW. PAID $50 AND CHANGE. GREAT SPEAKERS.
is there any way to hook these speakers up to a HD tv with perhaps an adaptor? I know it says it only hooks up to MP3 player and Computer, but I was just wondering if there's a loophole around that. The sound is great. I just got it yesterday and I watched a movie with it from my laptop. It's amazing!!!!
Yeah. It doesn't really matter what way you set the sub... But I'd suggest to keep it normal.
You can switch it if you have to.
Any idea where to buy vs2141 pcb board? Thank you!
that's my friend's speaker system
too powerful
it punches my heart!
My own set already have problem. Also many rats family love to get inside the woofer to sleep.
Now i own 2 more set. So maybe i will find more if available.
lol
@komahoby actually a baby monster!...great speakers u can even use this for home audio.
Any tutorial on how to fix them? the cable is so sensitive to movements. The bas starts buzzing uncontrollably until i find the right position of the cable. What ca i do?
Get a new aux cable, they're cheap
i miss the altec power cube
Is it possible to use this subwoofer with a different set of speakers?
Same.. Would like to test it with edifier g2000 with sub out
still kicking ass
I have these speakers, in fact I still use them to this day lol. My power light is green instead of blue though.
Strange on mine the LED is ... red.
mine too, red.
The sub on this pounds hard without disortion.
One question, the speakers have twiters gradeable, and wireless?
Not wireless, no.
i have this audio system over 7 years and i had no problem with it...
I lyk the VS4221 THYRE BETTAH
WITH A REMOT CONTROLL
i like that speaker the base is huge i had 3 like that its loud!
@picketfences1000- My vs4121 lacks clarity in sound and bass. What is the SRS for altec ul? and where can I get it?
3DGAMEMAN : cud u pls tell me how to take the bottom off the rt. satellite unit without wrecking it.I need to get inside to find an intmt break in one of the wires going to the multi connecter plug.Love these spkrs. TkszuluQ
I have 2 of these units - one purchased new some years ago and I agree about the sound.But it seems the socket for the input cable is very sensitive - if it is touched either the left or right speaker stops until it's jiggled a bit to get it in the right position. Tried several input cables/plugs but all with same result. Anyone have any ideas? The socket is not accessible internally.
I got the same speakers 1 year ago on a thrift store just for $15!! They sound amazingly!
I just picked up a pair at a thrift store today for $20. I love it!
I bought just the sub at a garage sale would this work on a home theatre system?
These are amzing please dont listen to anyne else these are amazing clear
i have those, u can see them in my vids. i currently have a 500w pioneer speaker system hooked up to my pc right now though.
I'm using these right now
What song is that during the speaker test??
Hi im a electronic technician.if you dont mindpls.
Do you have a copy of diagram for this model ALTEC AMPLIFIER PLS. THANKS I 😊USED IT FOR TROUBLE SHOOTING AND REPAIR....
how can you expect a control for a system this size? By the way i have these too i love them!
@Covexlol I have a similar problem. When I move the wires in the back, I hear this wind tunnel sound effect, the same sound you'd get if you were to blow into a microphone. What is happening? How do I stop it? It's got worse since I purchased the system 2 yrs ago. When I have it on, and no music is playing, I now hear a quiet "wind sound" How do I fix this?
FYI: Subwoofer is 6.5" diameter.
@tworth1953 Well if you didn't take it apart you could have either returned it to the store or Altec.. but since you opened it I don't know if that's still an option. =O
my right control speaker doesn't work Anymore. Do you know where I can get a new set of left and right speakers that fits the subwoofer?
MrFLEXIN305 This is a very dated product now. Maybe check eBay, Kijiji or Craig's List.
MrFLEXIN305 Nobody knows anything, I spent years in internet buscndo identifying the 9 pin to make myself a new right satellite.
+3DGAMEMAN I need substitues I cant HEAR!!
I have these and they are great
i got noting to say
good speaker for PC
i have use it over 3 years ^_^
10 years and my spekears still a live
@crosbymatt install SRS for altec ul get the clarity + the clear bass pounding....;-)
I have similar AL system from 2004 still excellent , love them , mine have a remote. VS-4221 better than these I think.
Boom boom... :)
great bass!!!
VERYY AWESOME SPEAKERS !
i HAVE THIS VERY UNIT, AND THE JACK FOR INPUT HAS BEEN GIVING ME TROUBLE, PLUG IS NOT MAKING A SOLID CONECTION.
vs4121 of course!!!
the sound quality isn't clear.
buy edifier instead. These provide loose bass
just ordered them,
playing this video with my pc with 2 SETS
Altec Lansing VS4121 2.1 Speaker System Yes 2 SETS
That means you make it like 4.2 total speaker system... am I right?
julius janzen esarda yes. Im happy.
i knw dis sounds s2pid, but... is der any difference between the black one and this one, besides the color???
@nikobellicgtaiv
if your tv has a input jack for headphones then yes
i Recommned you Logitech x-530 are 5.1 speakers , cheap and very wll equalitation tha bass sounds like a car sound sistem