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Provides: Compact speaker system for computers and MP3 players
Developer: Altec Lansing
Minimum Requirements: Computer, iPod, or other audio device with 1/8” stereo mini jack
Price: $99.95
Availability: Now

This may not sound right, but when it comes to reviewing computer speakers, I take the same approach as I do with iPhone cases. There’s a balance to be achieved. With iPhone cases, it’s design, functionality and protection. With computer speakers, the balance is also between three items: design, functionality and sound. The difference is that with speakers, the balance needs to tip heavily towards sound.

Altec Lansing understands this. Always have. It’s rare that I’ve tried a set of of their speakers in which the audio reproduction was a problem. Such is the case with the Expressionist Plus system. Unfortunately, the other two items—design and functionality—both fall for short. So we can start on a positive note, let’s being with…

Sound

The Expressionist Plus system sports two “precision engineered” 2” speakers and a down-firing, long throw 5.25” subwoofer. The speakers are 4 Watts each, and the subwoofer throws out 28 Watts. For computer speakers, this is just about exactly what you need. The sound is clear and tight, and the separate volume on the subwoofer allows you to adjust the bass accordingly. Playing games or movies? Crank it up. Playing music, turn it down. After a few moments of fiddling with the separate volume controls and speaker placement you’re likely to find a setting that works for you. The range is nice, and although it’s not as full as some other Altec Lansing systems I’ve tried, it’s perfectly fine for this price tag:

• Sound Pressure Level: 93dB
• 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 - 180Hz
  Single Channel Loaded
• System Response: 40 Hz - 20 kHz (-10 dB)
• Signal to Noise Ratio @ 1 kHz input: >72 dB

Design

All this comes from what are, basically, three cones. Downfire all of them, and it would be like you have three miniature Devils Towers sitting on your desk (I didn’t think to play the theme to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, but perhaps now I will). Of course, you’re not going to point the speakers down, you’ll point them up at you. This is possible due to the silver stands on which they sit. These stick out of the side and curve back and underneath, and contain three rubber feet to hold them in place. It’s a sparse design that’s somewhat industrial, but they do look good sitting next to my MacBook. Against an iMac, they will be dwarfed.

The top of the subwoofer contains a metallic indent not entirely unlike an ashtray. The subwoofer volume/power knob sits in the middle, containing the same basic cone shape. It all comes together fairly well, but again, is quite basic. I like that Altec Lansing lets the technology dictate the design, but I think this was pulled off to better effect with the Expressionist Bass speaker system.

Functionality

This, unfortunately, is where it starts to fall apart. We’ll begin with the subwoofer, which Altec Lansing says can go either on your desktop or on the floor. This is true, but placing it on the floor really kills the functionality. Remember that the system power and subwoofer knob are on the top of the subwoofer. Therefore, unless you want to crawl under your desk to adjust the volume, you want this on the floor. In addition, the auxiliary input is at the bottom back of the subwoofer. If you want to plug in your iPod or a portable gaming system, under the desk you go.

There’s a volume problem with the satellites, too. The separate volume for these is located on the top of the right speaker. + button for louder, - for softer. Between these is an orange light to indicate power. The problem is that all of these sit on the top, and depending upon the angle at which you have the speakers set, they’re completely out of view. Worse, with buttons for volume control instead of a knob, there’s nothing to indicate at what volume the speakers are set. At the least, there should be some sort of visible LED indicator so you don’t blow yourself out with volume too high, or start troubleshooting cable connections only to discover the volume was turned down.

And speaking of that angle, you can tilt the speakers, but only at fairly wide increments. The bases are notched, which is great for holding them in place, but bad for precise placement. Another problem? No headphone jack. Most computer speakers don’t include them these days, but I find that odd. If I want to switch from speaker to headphones, I don’t want to have to unplug the speakers from my computer so I can plug in the headphones. I’d rather just plug them directly into the speakers.

Balance

The Expressionist Plus system gets great sound, and they have a decent, albeit uninspired design. Unfortunately, I found the system a bit awkward to set up and use. You’ll be fine if you can keep the speakers and subwoofer on your desk. But if you don’t have the retail space, or if you don’t want the subwoofer pumping straight you from one side, I recommend you spend $30 more and get the better balanced Expressionist Bass system.