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The Altec Lansing Expressionist Ultra MX6021 PC speaker system is a superior combination of design and performance available at a fairly affordable price.

Altec Lansing's Expressionist Ultra produces quality audio at moderate levels but suffers from distortion at high volumes.

The Altec Lansing Expressionist Ultra MX6021 is a stylish looking set of 2.1 PC speakers that sounds loud with deep bass and very bright highs. Purists may not fall for the subtle mid range but its overall pleasant sound make it a good buy in this price range.

Love it or hate it design excepted, there's no complaining about the performance of the Altec Lansing Expressionist Ultra speakers. Just be aware you could get more for the same money, albeit with a more conventional design.

Sound quality is high, with crystal clarity and balance. There's some hissing when it's on but inactive, though it's nothing too problematic. More worrying is its price.

There's good detail, timing and drive all-round, too, and the soundstage is surprisingly three-dimensional. The problem is that it's really hard to concentrate on the positives when your ears are ringing with the negatives.

Altec Lansing’s brawny Expressionist Ultra MX6021 moves enough air to elicit grins and noise complaints alike, and looks good doing it.