Altec Lansing (Dell branded) ADA995 THX 5.1 speakers $79.99

[lastig21]

I purchased these speakers locally from Directron last week. After a week of using them, I can say that I think they are a hot deal for the price. They are refurbished, but I found no indications of this. The speakers look brand new, and come well boxed in original packaging. The one caveat to this set is the lack of manual volume adjustment. The speakers require volume adjustment through the OS.

These speakers replaced a set of Klipsch Promedia 2.1's that gave out on me. I am no audiophile, but I think the sound is comparable. I am pleased with the sound of the ADA995's, and am really enjoying the 5.1 surround. The subwoofer is huge (as big as my computer case), but is a great balance for the satellites.

The box is quite large, so I do not know what shipping will cost. These speakers are easily worth the $80 if you are close to Houston.

Directron ADA995

 

[CasTroLTraN]

Shipping is $30.50, so the total is $ 110.49 with USP ground. Not such a bad deal at all.

 

[Slick5150]

I don't see any mention of a control pod to adjust volume, turn on/off, etc.. Anyone know the scoop on these speakers?

 

[gamefreakgcb]

Read the OP, no manual adjustments.

 

[lastig21]

Originally posted by: Slick5150
I don't see any mention of a control pod to adjust volume, turn on/off, etc.. Anyone know the scoop on these speakers?

The one caveat to this set is the lack of manual volume adjustment. The speakers require volume adjustment through the OS.

I thought this was going to be problem, but really hasn't been. I have volume controls on my keyboard, mouse, and x-fi remote which all work fine with these speakers.

 

[Super56K]

Definately odd to see no manual controls/remote...I'm using the refurb 2.1/4.1 ada885's that Directron/Axiontech had for around $60 shipped, and it has manual controls and an IR remote.

 

[masteraleph]

Originally posted by: Super56K
Definately odd to see no manual controls/remote...I'm using the refurb 2.1/4.1 ada885's that Directron/Axiontech had for around $60 shipped, and it has manual controls and an IR remote.

When Dell was still selling the ADA995s, in order to get them with a system, you had to choose the "multimedia keyboard" (including volume controls). That let them simplify things for Joe User, as they only had a simple control to hit.

Note that there is a manual adjustment on the subwoofer, for the subwoofer. Presumably you wouldn't regularly mess with it, but it does help to set things up at the very beginning.

 

[lastig21]

3 week update. The speakers have really broken in well, and sound better then when I first bought them. I haven't raised the volume past halfway, and they fill the entire house with sound. Though the price might suggest differently, I do think these speakers are a great match for my X-Fi

I have a logitech media mouse, so the lack of manual volume control has not been an issue at all. I have volume adjustment on my keyboard as well, but never use it.

 

[lastig21]

One more update/notice. The subwoofer is roughly the size of most mid-tower cases. Be sure you have room for it.

 

[Mavtech]

I've had these speakers for about 3 years. They are very nice speakers. No manual control pod. But, it really isn't needed. My keyboard works fine to control them. There is a bass dial on the back of the sub. The cables are nice and thick and easy to work with. They aren't those skinny cheap wires. The dual subs rock pretty hard. These speakers WILL rattle your walls.

 

[Phlargo]

Note for audio people - specs indicate 75 dba signal to noise ratio.. that's pretty noisy compared to even the cheapy logitech 5.1s (X-530 >96 dB signal to noise ratio).

For a few bucks more, I might look for a deal on the Z-5300e (the mid-level logitechs >85 dB, much higher power handling)