Altec Lansing BXR1220 2-Piece Desktop Speaker System
Brand | Altec Lansing |
Model Name | lansing |
Speaker Type | Subwoofer |
Connectivity Technology | USB |
Recommended Uses For Product | Volume |
About this item
- Compact stereo speakers for laptops and desktops
- Connects through a USB port for power and through the headphone jack for sound
- Audio Alignment technology for balance and accuracy
- Built-in power and volume controls
Additional Details
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This Item Altec Lansing BXR1220 2-Piece Desktop Speaker System | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | Currently unavailable. | $118.59$118.59 | $14.99$14.99 | -8% $14.99$14.99 Typical: $16.38 | $59.99$59.99 | $121.97$121.97 |
Delivery | — | — | — | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Noise level | 3.8 | — | 3.7 | 4.7 | 3.9 | 4.6 |
Sound quality | 3.2 | — | 3.6 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.5 |
Quality of material | 3.6 | — | 4.0 | — | 4.2 | 4.1 |
Durability | 3.1 | — | 3.8 | — | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Volume control | — | — | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.5 |
Sold By | — | SpaceBound | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Rack-IT Solutions |
speaker size | 6.5 inches | — | 50.8 millimeters | 3.9 inches | — | — |
power source | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Corded Electric |
connectivity tech | USB | USB, RCA | wired | USB | wired | wired |
speaker type | Subwoofer | Subwoofer, Computer, Satellite, Surround Sound | Computer | Computer | Subwoofer | Subwoofer |
mounting type | Plug Mount,Tabletop | Plug Mount | Tabletop | Plug Mount | Table Top | Tabletop |
weight | 0.8 pounds | 12.1 pounds | 6.4 ounces | 1.43 pounds | 1 pounds | 2.1 pounds |
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 7.5 x 8 x 3.5 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 12.8 ounces |
Manufacturer | Altec Lansing Technologies |
ASIN | B0025VKUPW |
Item model number | BXR1220 |
Customer Reviews |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #740 in Computer Speakers |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | April 21, 2009 |
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Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Product Dimensions : 7.5 x 8 x 3.5 inches; 12.8 ounces
- Item model number : BXR1220
- Date First Available : April 21, 2009
- Manufacturer : Altec Lansing Technologies
- ASIN : B0025VKUPW
- Best Sellers Rank: #740 in Computer Speakers
- Customer Reviews:
Product Description
Product Description
The BXR1220 computer audio system delivers quality stereo sound at an extremely affordable price. Features built in controls for convenience
From the Manufacturer
Enjoy your digital music and media to the fullest extent possible with the Altec Lansing BXR1220 Two-Piece Stereo Speaker System. Ideal for desktops and laptops alike, this compact speaker system delivers clear highs and lows while helping to keep your workspace free from clutter. The speakers connect easily to any computer -- just plug them into a USB port and you're ready to go. Thanks to Altec Lansing's Audio Alignment technology, the system's drivers, enclosure, and electronics are perfectly balanced, giving you the full, high-quality stereo sound your digital life demands.
Audio Alignment technology ensures optimal sound. View larger.
Volume control is conveniently located on the top of the speaker. View larger.
One-Cord Connection for Added Convenience
The BXR1220 speakers draw power from your computer via its USB port, so you don't need to free up an outlet. The speakers are a perfect way to improve the sound quality of your laptop's speakers, with no extra power cord to pack when you want great sound on the go.
Audio Alignment Technology for Superb Accuracy and Alignment
The BXR1220 relies on Altec Lansing's proprietary Audio Alignment technology to make sure all of the speakers' components work together to deliver your music the way it is meant to be heard. Audio Alignment technology offers the perfect balance of the three elements of the speaker system -- the drivers, enclosure, and electronics -- to ensure a natural, uncolored, and rich sound from your speaker system. The system's two-inch, full-range drivers and separate satellite speakers provide stereo imaging for more realistic sound when you're gaming or watching movies and videos.
Designed to Fit Any Computer System
The speakers' elegant black enclosures and cloth grills complement your computer and peripherals. The speakers' small size -- each speaker measures only 3.7 inches in height -- saves valuable room on your desk and makes it easy to carry them along with your laptop.
The BXR1220 components are also shielded, so you can place them close to your monitor or phone without interference. Conveniently placed power and volume buttons put sound control within easy reach.
About Audio Alignment
Whether it's the tiniest of ear buds or the most imposing of subwoofers, Altec Lansing has refined every detail of its speakers to provide you with the most accurate sound reproduction and quality. Audio Alignment ensures that your components work together to deliver your music the way it is meant to be heard, offering the perfect balance of your speaker system's drivers, enclosure, and electronics. For 70 years Altec Lansing has been refining this process, bringing your speakers to life with advanced technologies that make them sing.
The BXR1220 speaker system is covered by a one-year limited warranty.
What's in the Box
Altec Lansing BXR1220 stereo speakers, user's guide, and quick connect guide.
The BXR1220 is simple to set up and eliminates the need for a power outlet. Altec Lansing Computer
SpeakersBXR1220BXR1221VS2620VS2621Octane 7Expressionist UltraEasy USB connectionSolid bassCrystal-clear soundCrystal-clear sound and powerful bassMost popular design with seven driversA 200-Watts (RMS) powerhouseKey Features
- Unique cylindrical satellite design
- Connects directly to computer's USB port
- Unique cylindrical satellite design with subwoofer
- Looks good in any environment
- Excellent drivers deliver superb audio
- Space-saving subwoofer delivers big sound and strong bass
- Looks good in any environment
- Excellent drivers deliver superb audio
- Features a total of seven drivers in a small, compact frame
- Crisp high end with specially engineered micro drivers
- Down-firing midrange drivers deliver warm, enveloping sound
- Formidable lows from a tough, compact 6.5" subwoofer
- Sleek, modern classic design
- Formidable bass with a massive front-firing subwoofer
- Tri-amplified design
- Two-way satellite speakers
- Works with computers, MP3 players, gaming consoles, TVs and DVD players
(-10 dB)50 Hz - 18kHz
(-10 dB)90 Hz - 20kHz
(-10 dB)45 Hz - 18kHz
(-10 dB)45 Hz - 18kHz
(-10 dB)40 Hz - 20kHz
(-10 dB)Speaker ConfigurationTwo 2" full-range driversTwo 2" full-range drivers with 4" subwooferTwo 3" full-range drivers with two 3" passive radiatorsTwo 2" full-range drivers with 4" subwooferFour 1" high frequency micro drivers and two 3" mid-bass drivers, with 6.5" subwooferTwo 3" mid-range and two 1" high-frequency neodymium drivers, with 6.5" subwoofer
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the value, sound quality, ease of setup, performance, and size of the speakers. They mention that the MaxxAudio program includes various preset audio-enhancement and sound "excitement" settings, and that the subwoofer is hefty in size. They also appreciate the space-saving design and the fact that they work well for watching videos.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the sound quality of the speakers. They say that it's surprising by the sound coming out of these little speakers. The MaxxAudio program includes various preset audio-enhancement and sound "excitement" settings, as well as various presed audio-boom settings. Customers also appreciate the subwoofer and the ability to tune in the bass.
"...The MaxxAudio program includes various preset audio-enhancement and sound "excitement" settings, as well as numerous built-in preset EQ..." Read more
"...It's too bad that they don't have better built-in EQ, but they also sound great once you have that sorted out, and there are plenty of easy, free..." Read more
"...At higher volume the drivers won't drown each other out. Tuning in the bass is no problem either. You can have a little or alot...." Read more
"...They do sound good. You don't feel like they are in your living room, but again: $200. They are placed well in the soundfield...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the value of the speakers. They mention that they have a good sound with a snappy bass, and the sound quality is excellent for the money. Overall, customers are happy with the quality and value of these speakers.
"...Overall - great sound at a great price with some minor annoyances...." Read more
"...The crowd's applause feels authentic. A bargain for the price...." Read more
"...and would totally buy it again, it was truly the best speaker set for the price range, and I definitely can't complain about the sound quality...." Read more
"...Basically, Altec Lansing's BXR-1221 is a terrific value. How did Altec's engineers manage to squeeze such performance from a list price of $30?..." Read more
Customers like the quality of the speakers. They mention that the unique design and the build quality of all the parts make them a solid set. Some say that the Altec Lansing system has the most outstanding highs, mids, and lows as any other speakers. Overall, customers find the speakers to be a valuable addition to their setup.
"...sound levels. I guess I got lucky - my set have been solid, with no wiring problems, and no unusual buzzes or rattles...." Read more
"...The sub-woofer is made of particle board and feels very solid. The midrange on the satellites are housed in plastic tube canisters...." Read more
"...There it is. Not reference quality, but for $200, I enjoy sitting at my computer desk more than I ever have. Give this system serous consideration." Read more
"...So here's the low-down:Pros: quality--Altec has delivered a sturdy (enough--they aren't going in a construction zone) product that..." Read more
Customers like the performance of the speakers. They say that they work well enough that they are keeping them, they are functional, and are perfect for use with a notebook. They mention that the crossover point works well to transition evenly from sub to main, and the sound is clear and well-placed.
"...The subwoofer gives great bass and as small as the mains are, they give great, clear sound...." Read more
"...It produces good sound with a quality build and excellent functionality." Read more
"...The backing vocals are clear and well-placed. The crowd's applause feels authentic. A bargain for the price...." Read more
"Just bought these and they are perfect for use with a notebook.Shielded, space saving and much better than most speakers i've..." Read more
Customers like the size of the speakers. They mention that the subwoofer is hefty in size, but sounds great. They say the speakers are great for a small sized room and even for a medium sized. The bass is deep, and is surprisingly deep for the size. The cord to the sub is a fair length, and the cord between the speakers is, storage for them was quite convenient. Customers also say the size is incredible for the price.
"...These speakers, which lie horizontally, fit nicely into two of the cubby-holes behind the monitor. Perfect!..." Read more
"...Soundfield: expansive - good location of instruments and vocals. Midrange: respectable...." Read more
"...Shielded, space saving and much better than most speakers i'veused with a notebook...." Read more
"...Cable connecting the satellite speakers to the sub is proprietary, and short (about 4 feet long)...." Read more
Customers like the appearance of the speakers. They say it has an attractive design, with material that feels solid. They also appreciate that the speakers do not look cheap and that the delicate symbol work is discernible. They like that the sleek and modern design adds a touch of style to their home.
"...The delicate symbol work is discernible (in my previous computer audio - bland and monochrome - in my living room system... sublime)...." Read more
"...The design of the speakers is sleek and modern, adding a touch of style to my workspace...." Read more
"...- if you're interested in very good sound for a reasonable price, like the look (probably not for everyone), and can place the subwoofer in close..." Read more
"...First off, is the style of the speakers. I personally like the look. It sorta has a moderny retro feel, if that makes any sense...." Read more
Customers find the speakers easy to set up. They appreciate the modern design and the ease of connection to their computers. The speakers are easy to turn on and off, and adjust the volume. There is a complete setup diagram located on the box. Customers also like the storage space provided in the box that the speakers came in.
"...they also sound great once you have that sorted out, and there are plenty of easy, free options for computers these days...." Read more
"...There's also a complete setup diagram located on the box. It's nice that Altec Lansing went to that much trouble with the packaging...." Read more
"...The speakers also went very easily back into the box that they came in, so storage for them was quite convenient. --The extra power that the..." Read more
"...Quick set-up, looks good, sounds great...." Read more
Customers like the cord of the speakers. They mention that it is USB-powered, so there is no need for an external power adapter. The cord is long and has a nice design. It can be plugged straight into a wall outlet, without a computer required. The setup is relatively easy, and it uses its own AC supply instead of using electric current from the computer to power the speakers, making it easy to set up. The remote has a headphone and auxilary jack.
"...sound levels. I guess I got lucky - my set have been solid, with no wiring problems, and no unusual buzzes or rattles...." Read more
"...They are powered by the TV's USB, so they do turn on and off with the TV...." Read more
"...As this is USB powered, no separate power is necessary. As such, there is no need to turn on/off the power switch...." Read more
"...I'd give 4.5 stars if I could, and here's why: the two main speakers are hardwired together...." Read more
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Before I purchased the speakers I read through the then-current reviews on Amazon, and figured that if these guys weren't good enough to serve as permanent speakers, they would at least work well enough while I shopped around for a better pair.
My main reason for selecting these particular speakers was that I have my computer monitor located on a roll-top desk, and the drawers and pigeon-holes across the upper part of the desk don't allow for anything larger than about 4 1/2 inches tall to be placed anywhere to the rear of the monitor. These speakers, which lie horizontally, fit nicely into two of the cubby-holes behind the monitor. Perfect!
My expectations for the sound were pretty low, based on the price - I expected these speakers to be barely adequate as far as power and volume (you can't expect much from a 5-volt USB power source), and I expected the sound to be boxy, bass-shy and tinny. I fully intended to have to adjust the sound with some equalization. More on this below...
I don't listen to much music on my computer (I have a nice "audiophile" sound system for that), but I do watch occasional television programs (when I miss an episode of a broadcast program). I just needed a utilitarian set of speakers for general computer sound, television dialog, and "YouTube" internet stuff.
Here is my take on these speakers... First of all, my five-star rating is based on the fact that I'm still using them after two years. The sound and power turned out to be perfectly fine, and actually much better than I had expected! (See below...)
Folks that give these speakers one- and two-star reviews seem to be basing their low ratings on two things: either the things arrived broken (or broke quickly), or they somehow expected them to be able to play at PAR-TAY!! sound levels. I guess I got lucky - my set have been solid, with no wiring problems, and no unusual buzzes or rattles. And at "normal" sound levels, and with some EQ to tame the frequency balance (see below), they sound quite good. (I admit I WOULD be a bit worried, however, about moving these speakers around a lot, or for regular portable use with a laptop. The wiring is NOT up to the standards of professional road use. Keep in mind that mine have been sitting firmly in my desk for two years!)
Some background: I an amateur musician, and I come from a background of "audiophile" sound, music recording and editing, and electronics construction, so I have plenty of audio test equipment and reference sound recordings lying around. I bought these speakers fully intending to have FUN seeing what kind of "silk purses" I could make out of these "sows' ears"! (Basically, I LOVE this stuff...)
SO, here are my secrets to getting decent sound out of a pair of BXR1220 speakers...
I am using the speakers with a Dell XPS 8700 desktop computer. I plugged them into the "green" audio jack and a USB 2.0 port on the rear of the case. I located the speakers about six inches behind the left and right sides of the flat-screen monitor, firing directly at the back of the monitor.
I turned the rotary volume control on top of the right speaker all the way UP. I adjust the sound volume using the computer's volume control only.
My Dell came with the Dell Audio "MaxxAudio Pro" (Maxx by Waves) sound management program installed (many new computers come with some similar kind of sound management program). The MaxxAudio program includes various preset audio-enhancement and sound "excitement" settings, as well as numerous built-in preset EQ settings for various genres of music and different listening environments.
FORTUNATELY you can turn all that stuff OFF, and Dell Audio also includes a standard 10-band equalizer!
Here's how I adjusted my computer's sound to drive the BXR 1220 speakers:
First, I TURNED OFF all of the preset sound-enhancement settings. I set the "MaxxSense" sound-enhancement program to OFF.
I also set the Volume Leveler and Dialog Enhancement settings to OFF.
I set the preset for the Dell Audio Equalizer program to to FLAT (all sliders set to zero).
I set the Speaker Setup format to "Stereo", and the Speaker Size to "Medium".
Next, I set the sliders for the Dell Audio equalizer as follows, based on extensive measurements and listening tests (I mentioned that I LOVE this stuff):
31 Hz = 0 db
63 Hz = +6 dB
125 Hz = -3.5 dB
250 Hz = 0 dB
500 Hz = 0 dB
1 KHz = 0 dB
2 KHz = +2 dB
4 KHz = -5.5 dB
8 KHz = +3.5 dB
16 KHz = +5.5 dB
These settings should work for any standard 10-band equalizer. I saved the settings into the Dell Audio equalizer program as a preset named, of course, "Altec Lansing BXR1220".
Comments: The slider settings above look a little weird, but they WORK.
The boost at 63 Hz and CUT at 125 Hz do a good job boosting the limited low bass, while taming the speaker's inherent upper-bass peak. (Boosting the 31 Hz range further is futile, and will just waste the limited power available from the USB port.)
The deep -5.5 dB CUT at 4 KHz (interacting with the boost at 2 Khz & 8 Khz) works to tame the speakers' HORRENDOUS upper mid-range resonant peak. That "honky" resonant peak is what makes cheap speakers sound cheap!
The treble boost at 16 Khz compensates for the lack of high frequency response. Note: The 16 KHz setting can be set somewhat lower (like around +3 dB) if your speakers are not located behind your monitor.
Anyway, if you try the above setup and EQ settings, and keep your volume settings (and your expectations) reasonable, I think you will be surprised at how decent the BXR1220s can sound for general computer use. Just don't jump rope with the wiring...
Cheers!
THese are unfortunately not ideal for a tv (not the fault of the speakers, of course) because it can still be difficult to hear the dialog in DVD movies.
I'd give 4.5 stars if I could, and here's why: the two main speakers are hardwired together. I'd at least like an RCA connection, or something that would allow them to be placed farther apart. As it is you're limited to maybe 5 feet of separation because that's how long the wire is. I understand that these are meant to be computer speakers, but still - hardwired speakers are not something I prefer. The mains hook to the subwoofer with a multi-pin cable.
Overall - great sound at a great price with some minor annoyances.
EDIT 10/24/13: so we upgraded - or at least changed - the speakers connected to our tv to an old stereo system we inherited, so I got to take the Altec Lansing setup for our kitchen computer where most of my music is stored, and which I listen to while cooking or doing other projects. I'd had a generic pair of powered speakers hooked up for years and they were generally "good enough", but not great.
Now, with the Altec Lansings - WOW. A HUGE improvement! Great bass and much more clarity in the mids and highs. It's like the Christmas present I never knew I wanted. Also, these speakers have power to spare in this application. I generally run them at about 1/4 power and it's plenty loud enough for me to hear my music without disturbing others in the house. When no one else is home I'll crank it a bit more.
Here's the one big caveat for these speakers, and it's not something that was noticeable when we were running the tv through it: the sound you get will greatly benefit from some sort of EQ. These speakers only have a "tone" knob and generally I crank that all the way up because the sound is way too dark and bass-heavy. But I have a couple of different options for EQing the music or sound on my computer and that helps immeasurably. If you have these hooked to a computer there are plenty of free EQ options out there. I primarily use VLC media player for my music and that has an optional EQ built in. I also have DFX Sound Enhancer which I downloaded from Cnet and frankly it makes the sound coming from the computer absolutely fantastic. I don't use both EQs at once, just the DFX.
Without a separate EQ I'm not sure how I'd rate these speakers, it depends so much on what you're running through them. It's too bad that they don't have better built-in EQ, but they also sound great once you have that sorted out, and there are plenty of easy, free options for computers these days. For my purposes I give them a 5 because I think they're absolutely killer, especially for the price.