CNET editors' review
-
CNET editors' rating:
stars
Good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 12/11/2008
- Released on: 11/18/2008
To date, Altec Lansing has two models in its Expressionist line of PC multimedia speakers, each of which boasts a distinct design. The larger Expressionist Bass FX3022 speakers are cone-shaped and have a somewhat retro futuristic look that's reminiscent of the setting of BioShock. The more affordable Expressionist Classic, which is also referred to as the FX2020, has a more arty design with speakers that look like tubes that sit in a square sheet of tinted, translucent plastic. The speakers have 3-inch drivers and are relatively compact, though the "tube" extends back about 5.75 inches, so they have a bit more depth than your typical multimedia speaker. We liked the design, but it is distinct, so not everyone will be smitten.
The power button is located on the back of the right speaker and the volume controls are on top of the same speaker. The buttons are rubberized and easy to access if you're sitting at your computer. Some PC speakers come with a remote, but at this price ($80 list), we weren't expecting one.
The two speakers are hardwired to each other. That's unusual, but, arguably a good thing because you don't have to worry about the cord falling out or connecting properly. The cord that joins them is about 6 feet long, so you do have some degree of flexibility in terms of placement and separation (most people will probably space them about 3 feet apart, on either side of a PC monitor). Around the back of the right speaker, there's a port for connecting the speaker to your computer with the included 3.5mm minijack cable. You also get an auxiliary input for connecting any device that has an audio output or headphone jack (a second 3.5mm cable isn't provided, however).
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