Quality Sound Ambitions: Altec, Creative and Logitech 2.1 Sound Systems

10. Restricted Sound Level And Indistinct Bass Range

The frequency response of the Z3 is adequately linear at the bottom of the spectrum but has a definite hump around 3 Hz in the high and a pretty rough maximum high range. The subwoofer covers the bass range quite well with 40 Hz at the bottom and 150 Hz at the top.

On playback, you notice, as expected, the tones of the mid range are quite good but you have a nasty surprise when you turn up the sound: you hit the hump in the high range and the sound soon gets tinny because the power is obviously inadequate. Saturation kicks in far too soon. The bass range brings more disappointment. Though it is definitely there, it lacks impact and does not deliver the detail the pitch requires. Everything sounds muffled, and that makes it hard to get enthusiastic.

Top sound level: about 105 dB SPL

The response would be even were it not for that noticeable hump around 3 kHz. At full volume, it is really irritating.

Even though there is a sudden slump below 40 Hz, the result is good. But frequency response is not everything...

Conclusion

If you could only choose one, it would definitely be ... the cheapest! At a very attractive price for this category, the Altec Lansing VS4121 system seemed the most musically-gifted of the lot. It is far from flawless, but it is the one that gives you the impression you're listening to music.

The other acceptable choice is the Creative system. It has its defects but one great advantage is its sound level that can extend to the bass range, which is noteworthy for a system like this.

The Z3 comes in last place, but still does the job for general PC users for whom music sound quality concerns are not paramount.

Design-wise, we have to admit the Altec Lansing is a bit dull while the Creative and the Logitech are bound to please.