Altec Lansing VS2621 2.1 Channel Speaker System

We actually run our flatscreen through these speakers because the tv's built in speakers are so mediocre. The subwoofer gives great bass and as small as the mains are, they give great, clear sound. We've never run into volume issues - we keep the speakers maxed out and adjust the volume from the tv.THese are unfortunately not ideal for a tv (not the fault of the speakers, of course) because it can still be difficult to hear the dialog in DVD movies.I'd give 4.5 stars if I could, and here's why: the two main speakers are hardwired together. I'd at least like an RCA connection, or something that would allow them to be placed farther apart. As it is you're limited to maybe 5 feet of separation because that's how long the wire is. I understand that these are meant to be computer speakers, but still - hardwired speakers are not something I prefer. The mains hook to the subwoofer with a multi-pin cable.Overall - great sound at a great price with some minor annoyances.EDIT 10/24/13: so we upgraded - or at least changed - the speakers connected to our tv to an old stereo system we inherited, so I got to take the Altec Lansing setup for our kitchen computer where most of my music is stored, and which I listen to while cooking or doing other projects. I'd had a generic pair of powered speakers hooked up for years and they were generally "good enough", but not great.Now, with the Altec Lansings - WOW. A HUGE improvement! Great bass and much more clarity in the mids and highs. It's like the Christmas present I never knew I wanted. Also, these speakers have power to spare in this application. I generally run them at about 1/4 power and it's plenty loud enough for me to hear my music without disturbing others in the house. When no one else is home I'll crank it a bit more.Here's the one big caveat for these speakers, and it's not something that was noticeable when we were running the tv through it: the sound you get will greatly benefit from some sort of EQ. These speakers only have a "tone" knob and generally I crank that all the way up because the sound is way too dark and bass-heavy. But I have a couple of different options for EQing the music or sound on my computer and that helps immeasurably. If you have these hooked to a computer there are plenty of free EQ options out there. I primarily use VLC media player for my music and that has an optional EQ built in. I also have DFX Sound Enhancer which I downloaded from Cnet and frankly it makes the sound coming from the computer absolutely fantastic. I don't use both EQs at once, just the DFX.Without a separate EQ I'm not sure how I'd rate these speakers, it depends so much on what you're running through them. It's too bad that they don't have better built-in EQ, but they also sound great once you have that sorted out, and there are plenty of easy, free options for computers these days. For my purposes I give them a 5 because I think they're absolutely killer, especially for the price.

I really and truly worked in music studios in Hollywood for 10 years, mostly as a 'second' engineer, but occasionally as the lead engineer creating the final mix. Many times, while checking the balance of a mix, engineers switch between the very large speakers you can only find in these environments and "regular" speakers, the vast majority of studios use Yamaha NS-10s for this purpose which cost around $250 used. I have a pair of these myself which I bought for doing independent mixes.These $35 Altec Lansings are crisper, clearer and better balanced than my NS10s. I kid you not.The clarity and punch of the bass through the subwoofer is astonishing at this price. Anyone who claims these are not good speakers and they know because they are an 'audiophile' is most likely a total wanker.I have them plugged into a USB audio adapter, and I am hoping that this will lessen the impact of wear and tear when unplugging and replugging the 1/8th inch stereo jack as many of the lower starred reviews indicate that the wiring is slightly fragile. I've had my VS2621s for about a month with no issues so far.My subject lines says I couldn't be happier, but in truth I wish the wiring was longer so I could spread out my speakers more. It easily spans my work desk, but I had hoped to wall mount on opposite corners of my tiny writing office, no can do. Speaking of which, I don't really see that they would accommodate wall mounting easily.Those concerns don't lessen my review from 5 stars though. Seriously? $35ish for speakers as good as these? For the money, they are outrageously fantastic.I'm buying a second set for my main work office.Update: I have a guess why these seem to be such a good value ... because Amazon has mis-priced them! If you look at the Altec Lansing computer speaker line, the VS2621 2.1 is two steps up from the BXR1221 2.1 speakers. These have more tone control, exert more sound power, draw in 3 times as much amperage, have more x3 as much peak power, and greater frequency response. However, Amazon has the VS2621 priced at $37 with free shipping and the BXR1221 at $55(and up). I think a mistake was made ... get the VS2621 at $37 while you can. I picked up a second set for the other office.Unrelated update note: I paid $250 for my NS10m's about 15 years ago, before Yamaha discontinued them. I just looked them up. Holy crap! They are $850 a pair used now?!? I think I'll sell mine...