 This time we have tested a really special sound system or it is better to say loudspeaker. This particular Altec Lansing model includes three flat NXT speakers, which are pretty much rare on the market. If you want to understand how special they are, you must forget everything you know about regular speakers. They are different in many ways: different looks, size, manufacturing, sound reproduce …
What are NXT speakers actually?
First application in IT world of NXT speakers was for notebook model NEC PC 9821, which was available only in Japan. That exact model was distinct and very well known even today because of its sound system. It is still in top offer thanks to audio capabilities. NXT speakers are consisting of: coil, very thin magnet and diaphragm. When magnet and coil start to interact, diaphragm begins to move back and forth reproduces sounds spread all over the room. Different speed of sound creates impression of 5.1 systems.
Three NXT speakers merge together equals to….
… Altec Lansing PT 7031, placed on our test desk. At first, when we saw it, we didn’t know what to do with it. Loudspeaker stands out with nonconventional design and separates this model from other “common” speakers. Small dimensions of built-in components allowed designers to create any suitable shape for speaker. They put great effort into design project (and it looks great) which resulted in great designed product. On front side there are necessary indicators for: volume, active input and speakers’ mod. Adjustments can be set directly on speaker, but you can do that also by remote control. Only shortcoming of packaging relates to low amount of cables. There are only one current (power) cable and one cable with three connectors on both sides. But this system has three digital and three analog inputs so the lack of cables is a real surprise.
Speaker itself weights over 9 kilos, although it doesn’t look that heavy. Ideal place for it could be above plasma/LCD monitor. It seems this was the keystone for designers so they includes wall bearer which can be easily fix by the aid of “hooks”. You only have to drill two holes in wall and the concert can begin.
5.1 sound from “one” speaker – impossible!
We wouldn’t bet at overhead induced statement even though we were from beginning skeptical according to that issue. System is possible to connect with your PC, DVD player, TV… After connecting cables you need to “play” a little and adjust volume and party can begin.
Setups are exactly the same as they are at any little better 5.1 system. You can adjust individually intensity of central “satellite”, intensity of other satellites and of course bass volume. It’s very interesting and incredible what can miniature refinement do.
You can set loudspeaker in one mode, from diameter with STEREOPHONIC until SURROUND. We would recommend you stereo for music listening, because the sound is much clearer and tones are well balanced, while surround is great for watching movies. Sound really comes to your ears from all over the room. It happens because reproduced tones are reflecting from walls making effects of 5.1 systems. It is great experience especially if you know that there is just one loudspeaker in front of you.
It would be convenient to mention that the speaker is attended for bigger rooms. You won’t get the same effect if you are standing to close to speaker. Limits can be set somewhere around 20 square meters.
All tones are represented equally except the lower one (bass) which are weaker for a shade. That is expected if we tell you that the woofer isn’t singled out. That would be necessary for ultimate experience. So, lower tones are there, you can hear them but you cannot fill them and definitely there is no “room shaking”. But for those who love “shaking”, people from Altec Lansing can deliver you model with separated active subwoofer. We can only say that Altec Lansing PT 7031 is marvelous. Additional subwoofer can definitely improve sound projection. Although these speakers, sorry speaker, has little flaws and it truly deserves InsideHW Approved award.
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Manufacturer |
Altec Lansing |
| Model |
PT 7031 |
| Type |
5.1 |
| RMS |
75W |
Frequency range
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70Hz ÷ 20kHz
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MultiMedia 
