For some time now, I’m collecting old computer parts to bundle computer system for my sister. I have practically everything apart from motherboard, memory and speakers. I planned long time ago to replace the memory with something more akin to overclocking, so the memory is somewhat solved. I’ll fetch some used nForce2 board, which left me with speakers.
I’ve had Jazz J-7907 for several years (four or more, can’t remember) and they were working acceptably. My wallet would start screaming every time I went to visit a friend with hardware 5.1 decoder and set of Jamo speakers, but I thought that nothing like that is possible on PC speakers, hence I never bothered to look for new speakers.
Now, I needed to buy something. I could’ve gone cheap with used speakers for €20 or something. After a bit of thought, I figured that it’s about time to update my sound system, as it turned out to be the oldest component in my home setup. Quick surf through hardware sites yielded Altec Lansing 5100 – often mentioned as “look-upon” set in the middle class. I read several reviews from the web and decided to get them; little below €150 here in Belgrade.
Reviews are one thing, but the actual sound experience can be so different from person to person. Sound experts can rate them as promising or not bad, while general users would rave (difference similar to what good web site means when you ask me and average Joe). So, I employed the one and only way to test 5.1 speakers: The Lobby shooting spree scene from The Matrix.
Man, how good this beauty sounds.