One peripheral often overlooked when users upgrade their computers are speakers. Speakers are a very integral part of your computer. If you happen to watch movies, play games, listen to MP3's or do any other sound-related tasks and feel something is missing, a new set of speakers may do the trick. Unfortunately, for many of us, spending over $100 on a set of speakers isn't feasible. Today I am looking at a set of sub-$50 speakers from Altec Lansing.

I would like to thank Bob at Plain Label PC for sending me these speakers. He is a very nice guy and you will be treated very well if you purchase anything from his company.

Specifications

" High quality audio in a distinctive design
" High performance 3" drivers
" Ported wooden cabinet subwoofer
" Front panel power and volume control
" Satellites magnetically shielded

Plain Label PC packaged the speaker box inside a larger box filled with foam. Plain Label PC must know how my Post Office handles packages, because their packaging method was very clean and professional.

The Altec Lansing AVS300W speakers come with a power connector, two satellites, a registration card and a 12" tall sub woofer in a plain brown box. My initial reaction when opening the box was that AVS300W's are a very plain speaker set. There weren't any unnecessary additions like product brochures or coupons, and the speakers themselves had a very low-key beige-colored appearance.

Setting up the AVS300W's is a breeze. Simply plug the orange cord into the woofer and the green plug into the line-out jack of your sound card. Once plugged in boot up your PC as normal. Some slight adjustments to the bass and treble sliders should be made for optimal sound, if applicable.

The most distinguishing feature of this set of speakers is the very cleanly designed sub-woofer. It has an adjustment knob which allows you to adjust the level of bass produced by the woofer from low to rock-the-walls. Unfortunately, there are no separate treble controls on the satellites or the woofer, so you will have to deal with the level of treble within software, if allowed.

The satellites each feature very powerful 3" drivers which are covered by a metal screen. They are magnetically shielded and won't cause interference if placed near a monitor. Unfortunately, the wires come from under the satellites, so if not properly lined up, the satellites will not sit correctly.

The satellites produce very clean and clear sound that far exceeds their 30 dollar price point. As a matter of fact, they rival that of other $100 speakers I have tested.

The only way you can adjust the level of bass produced from the satellite is from software, and some sound drivers do not have support for bass and treble adjustments. The only other problem I can find with the satellites is that they are wired from the bottom and not the rear, as mentioned before.

The AVS 300W's strong point is definitely its sub woofer. Rather than go cheap, Altec Lansing has made a very sturdy woofer. The woofer has been painted white, with the exception of the back, which shows the woofers original press-board color. While not overly powerful, the woofer provides deep, rumbling bass tones that compliment the rich sounds produced by the speakers.

Final Words

Simply put, you can't find a better set of speakers for under $50. The woofer provided deep, rich bass, while the satellites were clear until pushed above 80% volume. Unless you need to wake up the whole neighborhood, then the Altec Lansing AVS300W should be more than adequate.

Pros
Inexpensive
Sound great

Cons
Lack treble controls
Satellites wired awkwardly

Bottom Line
If you are looking to enhance your computer system and only have $50 to work with, look no further than the Altec Lansing AVS300 speakers. I couldn't be more impressed with the presentation and implementation of the Altec Lansing AVS300W speakers.