Shootouts

2.1 Speaker Systems Face-off - Altec Lansing vs. Sony

By Kenny Yeo - 24 Nov 2009

One-on-One Battle

Audio Faceoff

If you are shopping around for a 2.1 speaker system this holiday season, the brand Altec Lansing should be no stranger to you. Founded more than 70 years ago, Altec Lansing has tremendous experience in all things audio.

And who isn't familiar with electronics giant Sony? With products in every segment possible, from the PlayStation gaming console to their Bravia TVs, it is little wonder that if you too might have come across Sony speakers in your search for the perfect 2.1 audio setup.

Following up from our in-depth seven speaker sets shootout of the best 2.1 multimedia speaker systems from earlier this year, today we'll be looking into these two brands in our face-off with the latest 2.1-channel audio hardware in the market. On one hand, we have the gorgeous looking Expressionist Ultra MX 6021 speakers from Altec Lansing, and on the other, the SRS-DB500 from Sony.

It's the battle of the audio veteran against electronics powerhouse, who will triumph? Read on.

In terms of price, the two are evenly matched at S$299 per set, but a look at their specification sheets suggests that the Sony SRS-DB500 might be the 'boomier' unit thanks to its higher power ratings. However, as true audiophiles know, specifications do not tell the full story, so let's get down and have a go with each of them.

Speaker Specifications
Speaker Model / Specifications Altec Lansing Expressionist Ultra MX6021 Sony SRS-DB500
Satellites 3-inch midrange driver, 1-inch neodymium tweeter 2.5-inch driver
Subwoofer 6.5-inch front-firing, long-throw woofer 6.2-inch woofer
Power Output Satellite: 66W, Subwoofer: 68W Satellite: 75W, Subwoofer: 150W
Outputs 3.5mm headphones jack 3.5mm headphones jack
Inputs 3.5mm auxiliary jack with RCA adapter 3.5mm auxiliary jack, RCA
Dimensions (W x D x H) cm Satellite: 13.5 x 15.6 x 22 Subwoofer: 25 x 38.2 x 40 Satellite: 9.4 x 13.7 x 19.6 Subwoofer: 22.1 x 44.1 x 40.2
Weight Entire System: Approximately 10kg Satellite: 700g each, Subwoofer: 8.5kg
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