Let me start off by giving you a few specs:

Total Continuous Power: 75 Watts RMS
Frequency Response: 32 Hz – 18 KHz (-10dB)
Signal to Noise Ratio at 1 KHz input: > 75dB
Crossover Frequency: 180 Hz
Twelve 1-inch Full-Range Micro Drivers
One 6.5-inch Long-Throw Woofer

At first glance, the speakers look like something out of a movie, mainly from Space Odyssey 2001. The satellites each contain 6 mini midrange drivers with a metallic phase plate covering the domes. While inspecting the satellites further, I found that they have the ability to be wall mounted via a flathead nail/screw or through a threaded insert that you would have to buy somewhere. This would go extremely well with a flat panel monitor or plasma screen TV with the same décor and colors. The Subwoofer felt a little on the flimsy side. The subwoofer enclosure is made of wood, but the front modeling is plastic, which made it feel a little delicate.

Setting up the FX-6021 was extremely easy. The satellites plug into the rear ports located on the subwoofer. The outputs are labeled according to the speaker you want to connect. The satellites also come with extension cords just incase you want a little distance from the sub and the satellites. However, these cords are not color coded. So just make sure you have the correct left and right cables going to the right outputs in the sub. Next, the remote plugs into its own labeled spot in the back of the sub as well. Finally, you have a choice of connecting the speakers through either one of the two inputs. You have RCA inputs for gaming consoles and you have a 1/8th mini-plug for computer systems and others. The system is only meant to play one input at a time, so please don’t clash the sound together…there are no input selectors on this system. After the 5 minutes it took to setup the speakers, it was ready for testing.

I decided to test this “In Concert� technology with something that closely resembles a concert disc. So I broke out the Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture DVD-Audio disc and started to listen. The FX-6021 reproduced every string, every note, and every percussion impact without a hitch in sound. Even the sound of the cannons sent a chill down my spine because of the enhanced quality of the sound and how well the satellites blended with the crossover of the sub. Even at low volume, the sound seems to fill the room with sound that is bigger than the actual satellites themselves. To say the least, I was dumb founded. So I popped in several regular Audio CDs to see if this was only a feat produced with DVD-A, the FX-6021 had the same effect on every Audio disc I had, filling the room with crisp and clean highs and midrange. But I did notice something, though the sub plays in sync with the satellites, the sub felt a little underpowered to the power of the satellites, not being able to reproduce really nice lows or chest pounding thump. Ok, so the speakers can kick ass in any audio genre…how will it pair up with games and movies?

I looked for several DVDs I had that are known for awesome sound. Saving Private Ryan played nicely producing awesome sound at loud volumes. But here is where I noticed something else. Though everything played well, the sub still lacked in power and the satellites were handling a little too much of the explosion’s low frequency…but was I was bothered by a “tin� sound that was incredibly vivid in my ears…things just sound too metallic and sharp; the voices, gunshots, everything had this sound. I thought it might have been the movie so I switched to the LOTR: Two Towers SE DVD with DTS. The highs and midrange still suffered from this “tin noise� that sounds like everyone is talking thru a tin can. After several other DVDs, it was apparent that this sound was a major factor in the speakers. Hopefully games won’t suffer from this sound.

After plugging the Xbox into the Subwoofer using the RCA inputs from the Monster Cables I have (not supplied with the FX-6021), the testing was ready to begin. The sound from games was pretty average, didn’t really make the speakers shine as they have in Music and DVD playback. The separation was there and everything was to par. Though, I was still able to pick up on this tin noise emanating from the speakers. Figuring that I may have missed something while doing my Audio CD test, I had to go back.

Well, just as I thought, this “Tin Sound� was very audible in the CDs as well. After doing some research, most speaker setups that feature these full range micro drivers produce this metallic sound. And checking out the competition, it is safe to say that the Altec Lansing FX-6021 blew them all away. With 3 separate amplifiers powering 12 micro drivers, each pair holding a different cutoff frequency rate, you just sound audiophiles dream about. My major gripe with speaker set was sub-par subwoofer that produced a lot of port noise at normal volumes. Also, the set constantly needs to be tuned to what ever you are listening to (bass and treble) to get the right sound from the speakers. The other thing that will scare buyers away is the hefty $300 price tag that these speakers carry. At this price range, other systems can blew them one away with raw RMS power, but the satellites on the FX-6021 system will surely make your jaw drop, eyes water and ears sing; but on the other side, the Subwoofer will make you question yourself before putting $300 for the set.

Overall, the speakers are well worth a good listen. The system comes with a nice wireless remote that that allows you to power off the system; adjust the volume, treble and bass all from the comfort of your Lazy Boy chair. The control pod has an input for headphones on those nights you don’t want to wake the wife or neighbors and an input for auxiliary devices such as a portable MP3 player. The clarity from the satellites will leave you weeping at your previous speaker set and questioning if your ears are working properly. The In Concert Technology really makes this system shine; sit anywhere and experience the full range of the sound. But sadly, the Subwoofer will make you question the price.


Plus

• Awesome “In Concert Technologyâ€�


• Crisp sound from satellites


• 12 one inch micro full range drivers powered by 3 amps with freq. cutoffs at different points


• Wireless Remote


• Innovative design that goes with flat panels

Minus

• Price


• Below Average Subwoofer


• “Tin Can Soundâ€�

Rating: 70%