Switching from a desktop computer to a laptop doesn't always mean you have to sacrifice quality speakers. In fact, if you aren't happy with the weak performance of your notebook's built-in speakers Altec Lansing has two impressive options for you with their new "Expressionist" series of desktop speakers. We took a close look and an even closer listen to the Expressionist Bass and the Expressionist Plus to find out whether these attractive speakers sound and good as they look.
Altec Lansing Expressionist Bass Specifications:* Two 1.5” (40 mm) full-range and two 4” (100 mm) subwoofer drivers
* Total Continuous Power: 25 Watts RMS
* Subwoofer: 9 Watts per Channel @ 4 Ohms @ 10% THD @ 40 Hz - 200 Hz Single Channel Loaded
* Each Speaker: 3.5 Watts per Channel @ 12 Ohms @ 10% THD @ 200 Hz - 16 kHz
* System Response: 40 Hz - 16 kHz (-10 dB)
* Signal to Noise Ratio @ 1 kHz Input: > 85 dB
* Dimensions: 5.25” (W) x 5.25” (D) x 10” (H)
* MSRP: $129.95
If you're a student living in a small dorm room with a desk that's big enough for a laptop but no room for a subwoofer then your speaker options are generally limited. Most music and movies just don't sound very impressive without a big subwoofer adding bass. The Altec Lansing Expressionist Bass features twin desktop speakers with dual subwoofers built right in. Yes, you read that correctly. This desktop speaker set includes two subwoofers built into the base of each speaker.
Altec Lansing Expressionist Plus Specifications:
* Two 2” (50 mm) full-range drivers and 5.25” (135 mm) woofer
* Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 93 dB
* Total Continuous Power: 33 Watts RMS
* Each Speaker: 4 Watts per Channel @ 8 Ohms @ 10% THD @ 180 Hz - 20 kHz Both Channels Loaded
* Subwoofer: 28 Watts @ 4 ohms @ 10 % THD @ 50 Hz – 180 Hz Single Channel Loaded
* System Response: 40 Hz - 20 kHz (-10 dB)
* Signal to Noise Ratio @ 1 kHz input: > 72 dB
* Satellite Dimensions: 5.2” (W) x 4.2” (D) x 4.9” (H)
* Subwoofer Dimensions: 10.4” (Diameter) x 6.1” (H)
* MSRP: $99.95
I'm not a huge fan of the thin, hard-wired connection between the satellites since this means the cables cannot be replaced without splicing. On a related cable note, it is a little odd that the cable between satellite speakers is longer than the cable used to connect your computer to the subwoofer ... making it potentially difficult to position the subwoofer where you want it.
The Expressionist Plus speaker set is designed with what Altec Lansing's marketing department calls "Audio Alignment." In short, the drivers, enclosure and electronics are "balanced for optimum sound." We'll talk a little more about that in the audio quality section of the review. Just like the Expressionist Bass, the Expressionist Plus features a second AUX IN jack for connecting a portable CD, DVD or MP3 player.
