Altec Lansing XT1 Laptop Speaker System Reviews

• Perfect for the mobile laptop user

  
  By AN5OBHJ55U8GD on 2004-12-10
  I travel a lot, and need music. This means that I feel the need to take a mobile sound system with me. So I was very interested when the Altec Lansing XT1 speakers came on the market, and got them days after they first appeared.
  
  My setup consists of a 15" Apple Powerbook running Mac OS X and iTunes, into which I have imported a large fraction of my CD collection, and the XT1 speakers.
  
  Here are some comments on the XT1 speakers.
  
  1) They plug directly into the USB port of the computer, and draw their power from it. So there's no need for ugly wall-warts and international plug adapters.
  
  2) They come with a very compact carry case, roughly half the top surface area and twice the thickness of my computer. Very light for travel.
  
  3) The sound is superb, given the physical size. Of course, they don't put out a huge amount of power or bass volume, but for that you'd need speakers ten times the size. What they do put out compares very favorably with other speakers of similar size.
  
  4) Setup is easy. Just plug them into the USB port. That's all. I haven't tried them on a PC, so I don't know whether the situation is the same there.
  
  5) The distortion is very low until you turn up the volume to the point where they overload, and then you hear some clipping.
  
  6) Amazon doesn't seem to sell these speakers, even though they have them listed, but go to your nearest Best Buys, where they're on the shelf for about a hundred and thirty dollars.
  
  7) You can also plug other sound sources into the XT1, but you'll need them plugged into your computer anyway because that's the only source from which it is able to take power.
  
  8) I had a curious incident, where the speakers seemed to be panning most of the way to the left, and the stereo pan control disappeared from the audio system preferences. It turned out that this was caused by the speakers somehow going into mono mode; the solution was to get out the Audio Midi Setup tool from Applications/Utilities, and switch from mono to stereo. I think this is the fault of Mac OS X, not of the speakers.
  
  

• Great Portable Notebook Speakers

  
  By AARGX76IAM52H on 2005-08-08
  I recently purchased these speakers on Amazon.com and I'm very happy with the purchase. As always, Amazon.com delivered promptly and their packaging is very good.
  
  Now onto the speakers themselves. As a previous reviewer has mentioned, these are only relatively small speakers, so if you're after full bodied audiophile quality sound, then these speakers will surely disappoint. But if you use them for what they are intended (eg; a dorm room, home study, hotel room, small business conference room, etc), these are a fantastic pair of speakers. For their size the sound is actually very good and well balanced.
  
  I am also very impressed by the quality of the various cables. They appear to be strong and of excellent quality (not like the usually super low quality cables that normally accompany electronic products). This is encouraging as I will be packing and unpacking these speakers on a regular basis and it appears that the cables should be able to stand up to the stress.
  
  The carry case is also of strong and sturdy construction, and there are no external pockets, buckles, buttons, or other protuberances to get caught on or broken off. So when packed away in the carry case the whole speaker set can be easily placed into your overnight bag, maybe even a notebook carry bag (though I think you'll get an even slimmer fit if you carry the speakers and cables loose in your notebook bag, but don't expect them to last as long).
  
  On the right speaker is an "AUX" input, so you can plug in your iPod, MP3 player, CD player, etc. But since the speakers are powered from your computer's USB port, you'll have to at least have the computer in "standby mode" (my ASUS notebook has power to the USB port in "standby mode" but I can't speak for other brands of computers) or "ON" so you can listen to your external device. Supplied is a 3.5mm plug stereo cable to connect your external device to the speakers and it is made of the same high quality as the other cables.
  
  For me the major benefit of being USB powered is that I now have the flexibility to take my speakers with me anywhere in the world and not worry about blowing them up because of the wrong voltage. I've only seen portable speakers that accept one voltage, either 100/110 V or 220/240 V (I use a quality AC-DC adopter for my notebook that can convert 100 - 240 AC into 19 DC). Additionally this product means one less power cable (or "wall wart") and power-plug converter to carry.
  
  Volume can be controlled from your computer or external device and/or from the volume control buttons ("+" and "-") on the side of the right speaker (above the "AUX" input). There is also an "ON/OFF" button, located above the volume buttons.
  
  
  I hope this review has been helpful to you.
  
  Daniel
  
  
  

• Astounding quality

  
  By A1Z179LFJQGTA8 on 2005-05-14
  I purchased a set of these speakers from the Amazon Marketplace. Despite some problems with the shipping, I am blown away by the quality of the sound from such a tiny set of speakers from MP3 files on my PC. If you enjoy music, these speakers can definitely increase the utility of your PC for a small investment.
  
  

• Well designed USB speakers

  
  By AB8VS1LW7VMK8 on 2006-01-04
  Bought a pair of these, last ones on the shelf and already opened and found that the bass was incredibly distorted and unlistenable for some songs. Likely one of the speakers was blown and was promptly returned by a customer and then quickly returned to the shelf. Returned them and I tried out a newer looking pair with updated packaging. Bass distortion mostly gone with the exception of some recordings. Otherwise superb mid to upper range with excellent clarity and depth. Imaging unbelievably good with proper speaker placement giving a surround sound like effect. Overall the bass is fine but lacks punch but that would be almost impossible with such a small USB powered speaker. Packaging and design are very clever, well thought out. Very high end and classy in presentation. It would easily possible to get a better sounding powered system but given the benefits of portability Altec has done extraordinarily well with these speakers.
  
  For comparison I tried out the Logitec V20's. Initial impression not bad but soon realized that the bass that was being offered was overpowering and thick as molasses without offering much clarity or restraint. Actually preferred the bass coming from the smaller speakers in the Altecs. Other problem was the lightness of the Logitec combined with the larger bass speaker resulted in a huge amount of vibration causing the speaker to flail about like a Mexican jumping bean. Lowering the bass output with the iTunes equalizer did not cure this. Hugely annoying and decided to go with Altec. Haven't regretted it. Word of caution to not overpower the speakers in view of the first pair I bought that had likely been previously damaged.
  
  

• Altec Lansing XT1 Laptop Speaker System

  
  By A1HUNC5Y4WUXO9 on 2006-07-07
  I bought these speakers for my wifes laptop(dell 9300).First I must say that they are very attractive and very easy to carry.Also the fact that they do not need any additional power source other than the usb port makes them even more portable.
  However the volume of the sound from these speakers was not any louder and only a little better in quality than what my wife's
  Dell 9300 was capable of. If you have a laptop that is probably 3 years or more old or a very basic laptop these speakers could be an upgrade for you.Howevr if you own a newer multimedia type laptop these speakers are not worth it.
  
  
• Say NO! to stock laptop speakers!
  By A1W6E1FN0745L7 on 2005-05-22
  The Altec Lansing XT1 speakers are absolutely great! They have a small footprint yet fill a room with sound. They are nicely crafted and come in a well-designed padded case that fits perfectly into my laptop's carrying case. USB powered is the way to go, no external power supply needed! Sets up in a flash!
  
  If you enjoy watching DVD's on your laptop, or listening to music, but hate the tiny sound from the stock built-in speakers this is the perfect set-up for you!
  
  Shop around for the best deal on these as the prices vary significantly. I picked mine up for about $79.00 to give you an idea. I am not affiliated with the site, but www.pricegrabber.com is a wonderful tool for comparison shopping. I use it for just about everything.
  
  
• Great Speakers but...
  By A3VBVORSS2RRG9 on 2005-07-20
  If you are seeking portable speakers that can deliver decent sound and a eye catching add on this are the speakers for you, they sound very well but if you would like bass power and clarity you should try perhaps a 5.1 speaker set...Fast delivery from amazon, the box and the case of the speakers are beautiful and very stylish, the cable kit is very impressive and they are very easy to use, but remember if you want power this are not for you...
  
  
• Excellent portable USB speakers
  By A2TQTEVUT4ZN09 on 2006-02-11
  Portable, excellent audio quality, USB-powered (only two cables, one from a USB port to a right speaker, and a second from the right speaker to a left speaker). There are small but usable on/off and volume up/down controls on the right speaker, along with an aux input port.
  
  A case for the speakers and cabling rounds out the package.
  
  Highly recommended!
  
  
• Not Bad
  By A2FOM3Z12OXFYQ on 2005-11-16
  I bought these speakers while on deployment in Djibouti, Africa. They were able to stand up to all the sand, heat, and dust that Africa could send their way. The sound is great as long as you do not turn the volume up to the max. I am in the military so I needed some thing that I could pack in a computer case and that I didn't have to buy countless batteries for and that's what I got with these. The great thing about the XT1 speakers is that they are plug and play. You just plug them into your USB port and forget about them. When you turn off you laptop they turn off as well. Over all I am very happy with them and I would buy them again if I had to do it all over again.
  
  
• Excellent Improvement Over Built-In Laptop Speakers With Minimal Wires
  By A1BNLDFB61V0OP on 2005-12-07
  If you travel a lot and want to listen to music or watch DVDs on your computer, you will either use headphones, tolerate the built-in speakers on your laptop, or take along some kind of external speaker system.
  
  While you could travel with some nice desktop speakers like Cambridge Soundworks, you will have to carry: two speakers, a subwoofer, an AC adapter, and several wires. It's a ton of stuff, a pain to carry, time-consuming to set up and take down, and unless you travel extremely "heavy", there's just no way you can do it.
  
  The Altec Lansing XT1s provide a huge improvement in sound quality and volume, and gets the number of wires down to pretty much the bare minimum: two. No batteries and no AC adapter are required, because it's powered over USB, and the sound goes digitally over USB, so one wire goes from your USB port to the left speaker, and the second wire carries the right channel audio from the left, with that cable kind of doubling as a sort of speaker stand.
  
  It also includes a stereo mini cable so you can play your iPod or whatever through the speakers, but it is not a standalone iPod solution as it can only be powered by USB.
  
  Everything fits into the included semi-rigid zippered carrying case that's 2" x 8.5" x 6.5", which is quite manageable, and with the price drop from $150 when it came out to $75 now, the main barrier to purchase has been removed.
  
  The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because some next-generation technology will add the solid bass thump that is still missing. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Awesome, but not quite perfect.
  By A2TMLNS1SCO5LY on 2006-11-05
  I purchased these speakers so that I could bypass the lackluster integrated speakers on my laptop, and I have to say, I'm impressed with their performance. The mids and highs sound outstanding, and the bass is reproduced very well, although it's not a hardcore thumping bass. Definately leagues ahead of my laptop's speakers, but if you have a laptop with an integrated subwoofer, or the name brand of your speakers is advertised anywhere on your laptop, then pass these up.
  
  The build quality is excellent. The case, the housing, the wire quality- all excellent. When you pick them up, they have a little bit of weight to them, so they certainly don't feel cheap. Definately no complaints about that.
  
  All in all, these speakers performed the way I expected them too, although personally, I thought the cost was a bit steep for them. Still satisfied, however, and I would recommend these to a friend.
  
  Lastly, I use these speakers in conjunction with my laptop to play games, watch movies, and occaissionally listen to music. I travel a lot (I'm in the military) and wanted some good sounding speakers that I can pack up and easily stow, that didn't require any external power, and that could take a beating. These speakers definately sound better than any integrated TV speakers I've ever heard, but not quite as good as a 2.1 system. So, conclusion: if you don't intend to bring your speakers with you everywhere you go, then get a cheaper 2.1 system instead. And if you do decide to get these speakers, keep the volume reasonable. As you turn them up, the sound quality worsens, so if you're looking to fill a room with sound, so that you can hear your music from 30 feet away... Look somewhere else.
  
  Now, the reasons that I gave it 4 stars instead of 5:
  
  -They have a built in sound processor. I find this bad because my onboard sound processor is better than these speakers. And it also bypasses the headphone jack on your computer, since the headphone jack is wired to the onboard sound processor. So if you want to switch to using headphones, you'll need to select your onboard sound processor as the default (which you can do through the menu located in the "volume control" icon in your systray, if you're using Windows- or, simply unplug the speakers and then plug your headphones in)and then plug them in.
  -Considering the previous statement, there is no headphone jack on the speakers.
  -These speakers stand up by using the jack-ends of the wire that connects the speakers together as the support legs. Which is actually pretty ingenious, but it doesn't offer a lot of stability if you're on a vibrating surface.
  
  
• Decent Laptop Speakers
  By A1FMSGKBFT097D on 2005-08-18
  I bought these speakers knowing before hand that they could not in any way or form possibly replicate my Creative Desktop Speakers as they come without a subwoofer. These are meant for a laptop, they are geared for a decent sound to replace the tiny little built-in speakers and nothing else. It is perfect for your room, kitchen or any other small area. They look great though, they look classy and expensive. It matches perfectly with my platinum Powerbook. If they are on sale I would recommend to buy it. I paid for mine $79.99, not too bad when compared with others.
  
  
• slimjim
  By A2EW5HKLL0HUS1 on 2005-09-21
  These speakers are very portable, & easy to set up in a couple of minutes. They have their own zip-up carrying case, portable stands, & speakers are loud if you desire. All you need is a usb to plug into & you are set. Works great on my desk top too. Best portable speakers I have ever used. Highly recommend.
  
  
• Average sound
  By A3T7SSETF3WIR8 on 2005-10-17
  Very well constructed and packeged. I found the sound to be par with all other compact speakers I tested. The selling point was the packaging/design/value.
  
  
• Amazing - one of my favorite products of all time!
  By A3AGSFLNNIFKNJ on 2005-11-27
  I don't know why, but I just think this is one of the coolest products I've purchased in a long time. The fact that the power comes from the USB port, that the cable between the speakers is one of those 'auto-snap' cables is neat, that the carrying case is wonderfully designed (and also holds my laptop mouse perfectly!), and that the sound is just incredible is just too cool for school.
  
  Did I mention no power cord? no power block that weighs a pound, nothing of the sort! the power comes from the USB port!
  
  I also own many other pairs of computer speakers - Altec Lansing MX5020 2-piece PC Speaker System (really great sound), logitech 560s (great sound but too many cables, wires and controllers), harmon kardon sound sticks 2 (amazing design and the worse sound of all my computer speakers, too bad).
  
  These speakers are perfect for travel... and for another great thing - watching movies while in the bath tub! I love bringing my laptop into the bathroom, setting it on the counter, plugging these speakers in, starting a movie and just chillin' in the tub. of course my laptop is nowhere near where it can fall in the tub, and is running on batteries, i'm not that dumb! if i was to do this with other speakers, i'd have to plug them into a wall, carry tons of cords and stuff around, etc... it just wouldn't be as easy.
  
  one thing to mention - my friend bought these for his mac powerbook... and no matter what avenues we tried, the sound won't come from the speakers - but the volume controls will turn the internal speakers up and down - if we're doing something wrong, please let us know!
  
  
• great laptop speakers
  By A2TGI6E493IF1I on 2006-01-29
  sound very good, sound is not as full as bigger speakers but I feel these are the best speakers around powered by USB
  
  
• Good things really do come in small packages
  By A2CST9NUEN4CLD on 2006-07-31
  I've been really pleased with these speakers. Small but perfectly formed, they are beautifully designed and thoughtfully packaged with little velcro straps to hold each set of wires tidily in place and everything you need in one neat carrying case. Not having to carry a mains lead is particularly helpful as I travel to and from England and the US and am working towards being able to carry all my technology in one rucksack!
  
  The sound is astonishing, and would be even from larger speakers, and impresses everyone who has heard them. I've already bought another set as a gift for someone else, so I would, of course, recommend them, especially to people who have to travel alot.
  
  
  
• Style and USB suppot is good
  By A26ICORRV67TB0 on 2005-08-17
  However, the sound quality is lacking even though I had it installed on Creative's Audigy Laptop sound card. I was not happy with the sound at all.
  
  
• good for the price
  By AVL9XJIXPPYNB on 2006-07-09
  For relatively inexpensive speakers, these are pretty good. I love to hear all the sounds that you are suppose to hear when the artist makes the music originally. They work well with my laptop,very easy to use and very easy to take with you wherever you would go. If you only have a little money to spend I think you will be satisfied with these speakers.
  
  
• An excellent buy
  By A2CW48N23ZGRRN on 2006-09-23
  I'll add my five cents to the generally very favourable reviews here. I've had the XT1 speaker system for three months now, and carried it all around the Americas with me. It packs up nicely in the carrying case, plugs in with no fuss, and the sound is amazing for such a small unit -- clean and clear, and easily filling an ordinary-sized room. I also use them as my standard laptop speakers at home -- while they don't rattle the walls like some of Altec Lansing's larger bass-heavy units, they also connect directly to the USB port, so they don't have the terribly annoying static buzz and interference of many cheaper Altec systems that plug into the wall. One of the nicest computer accessories I've ever bought.
  
  
• Very portable, but poor sound quality
  By A18GOZ06OXKUXD on 2005-09-02
  Very small and light, no power cord needed... that's what sold me. However, when I tried them out, I discovered very poor, distorted sound - even at lower volumes. I'll live with headphones if I'm not near an oulet, if it means settling for these. I'm returning them - they're nowhere near as good as the basic Harmon Kardon speakers that came with my HP Pavilion laptop.
  
  
• Just what the doctor ordered
  By A2BNC604UQSA48 on 2005-10-15
  Needed portable speakers for my laptop for occasional travel and mostly to be able to move about light / reduce clutter. These are perfectly sized and perform very well in all but the lowest bass range. If you like a lot of buttons, gauges and lights - these are not for you - on/off, volume up/down and that's it. For me, however - just what the doctor ordered.
  
  
• Good little speakers--but they are not great
  By A29L3561T5VSS2 on 2006-10-19
  Don't get over-excited by the great reviews here.
  
  Yes, these are nice for a notebook and your desktop. They are well packaged. They have all the right connections and the finish is excellent.
  
  Compared to the sound from your notebook, the sound is so much better. But, keep in mind, these are inexpensive units with no separate amplifier. They are not great speakers. The sound is good, but if you compare them with a $500 or $5000 audio system, which is what a lot of people expect, the quality is not nearly as good as all the rave reviews below. I waited anxiously for the speakers, so I could get rid of my headset. The sound is fine, but you won't be showing them off to your friends as having "incredible sound".
  
  Should you buy them? Yes. They are a cool, slick, neat speaker system with much better sound than your 1/4 inch notebook speakers. But, if you listen to them compared to a higher end system--they will be blown away. Don't buy them trying to replace a high end system with something more compact. Check around for price. I got my for $51--new. For $51, they are excellent.
  
  
  
  
• Not potent enough for a classroom
  By A2N8QIX326ZWRC on 2007-01-09
  These are nice little speakers to watch a movie someplace where there are no outlets available. I bought these for use in a classroom setting and they just aren't strong enough. Also, the feature of not needing to be plugged in can be an advantage in some settings but is not an issue for me. I guess I bought the wrong speakers.
  
  
• suck
  By A3TT9SA7JWF8NT on 2005-10-15
  these speakers suck. they blow very easily. DO NOT buy these speakers to listen to your music or watch your movies on your laptop! Waste of money!
  
  
• Beyond my expectations
  By A1JSSL48W0GH9L on 2006-05-07
  I was looking for external speakers to go along with my Dell D620 to use primarily on vacation for listening to music and watching movies.
  
  I read the reviews here on Amazon and decided on the XT1's. Frankly, I'm blown away by the sound quality. I set them up at home and they kill the Dell speakerbar that is attached to the LCD display. I have decided to use the XT1's @home and then pack them up when I travel. Maybe I'll get a 2nd set.
  
  Very well packaged in a nice case with all the necessary connectors. I love not having to use external power (and yet another power brick).
  
  This is my first Amazon review, but felt moved to do so this time. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Respectable Buy
  By A1YLS8FAORLXAM on 2006-05-22
  As a college professor, I support many lectures in my classes with my Mac PowerBook which require sound effects. These portable speakers work very well in a mid-sized classroom where there is no central AV system.
  
  The sound quality is quite acceptable for portable speakers, espcially in the mid-ranges. There is not much bass, but that is to be expected from speakers so compact.
  
  I REALLY like the USB power and sound--only one plug required--not batteries!
  
  Compatibility with my G4 Mac is perfect. Other reviewers say they had problems--none here whatsoever. Those comments almost deterred me from buying these speakers but I figured that I could easily adjust the audio controls in my System Preferences. Sure enough, with a little tweaking all audio programs worked just fine. If there is a sound quality problem with a Mac, it is probably in the user's lack of knowledge or varying quality of the recoding not these speakers.
  
  Worth the money.
  
  Dr. EJN
  
  
• Good Sound
  By A3FSJI8JF7PPIR on 2006-07-13
  They have good sound. Wireless would be a great thing because the cables are hard to work with on a laptop.
  
  Good Product.
  
  
• Great value in a small package
  By A2GMRQ8D6G3OH1 on 2006-11-05
  I travel alot to do presentations and workshops and need to have all my equipment fit into a backpack for easy traveling. These speakers pack small into their own case and produce a great sound. During breaks I play music and the built-in speakers just didn't cut it. With the ability to plug in another source like an iPod, these are a GREAT value.
  
  
• Amazing Speakers for on the Go
  By A3PHT2Y9WHA16T on 2007-01-18
  These little gems are perfect for my hotel stays - I do a lot of traveling and these little guys really help bring a little home to me in hotel rooms while on the road.
  
  I am amazed how full their sound is and very easy to set up and USB plug and play. The travel carrying case that it comes with is way to big and clumsy, deficits it's purpose. I went down to a REI camping store, and purchased a little Eagle Creek nylon carrying bag for them to which they fit snuggly,perfectly to optimize room in my briefcase.
  
  I've read some reviews before my purchase that the highs or trebles are a little lacking - That's news to me after having them now, adjusting my tones on my computer seems to make up for this extremely well.
  
  Love my Altec Lansings' - the best for us Road Warriors!
  
  
  

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