Altec Lansing VS-3151 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers Review - Tests: Games
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Like DVD players and televisions, most game consoles include stereo outputs, so the channel conversion feature is perfect for anyone wishing to use this system as an add-on to a PlayStation 2, XBox, or GameCube. The testing environment for that equipment consisted of a Sony PlayStation and the games Final Fantasy X-2 (role-playing game), and Star Wars: The Clone Wars (action).
If you've never used anything more than the included speakers with your television in order to play games, then you're in for a very pleasant surprise. The background techno music for Final Fantasy X-2 was a drastic improvement over what is audible in the built-in television speakers. Environmental sounds were clearer beyond that which I could have even expected, including very noticeable panning techniques not even presented with built-in television speakers. The same was the case for Clone Wars, which was a much more battle-intensive game.
Overall, the performance on the home gaming console front was nothing short of great. The sound was a joy to listen to, and things which are not immediately obvious in your TV's built-in speakers will be obvious with the VS-3151.
Of course, when Altec Lansing advertises the VS-3151, it's not because of its ability to interface with a PlayStation 2. The system was designed with the PC gamer in mind. Most new video games today make sure to take advantage of all the surround sound options possible, ensuring the need for a multi-channel system. Accordingly, the final set of tests were the PC gaming tests. Testing included Unreal Tournament 2003 (first person shooter), Halo (first person shooter), and Need for Speed Underground (racing).
As in previous tests, the sound was completely clear and devoid of any unwanted buzzing or hissing. The sound output was very crisp and clear, with great sound localization and sound definition – under the right conditions. The only drawback noticeable was the lack of sensitivity displayed by the speakers. This was not as obvious on other tests, but made itself very clear with the video game tests. The sound volume had to be relatively high in order to make the more subtle nuances positively identifiable in their proper location. These speakers truly shine at the higher volumes, but at lower volumes, they lose some of their glory; the resistance of the coils in the speakers is stronger than the signal, which in turn makes the system sound somewhat small, but weak. The lack of response sensitivity on behalf of the speakers will be immediately obvious for anyone familiar with a game, provided they had a similar quality system before. This won't be a problem for people without heavy sound-level restrictions, but those who prefer to indulge in late-night gaming sessions in sound-restricted environments, this is a definite drawback. (Of course, those into late-night gaming sessions will probably want to get a pair of headphones, instead.)
Although these speakers have a sound that is nothing short of marvelous for the price, gamers with a higher budget might want to spring for something a bit more responsive. Still, for sub-US$100 speakers, you're not likely to find better, even up to the US$150 level.
Next: Conclusion >>
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