I have been using Altec Lansing 621 for almost 4 years until a recent accident made the speakers going without the subwoofer playing. Must some internal PCB wiring problem. Have been modding it replace all speaker wires with Canare cables and changed to rubycon and nichicon caps salvaged from an old Aiwa hifi set. It was really a great speaker acquring legendary status in sound quality. Full, warm, body of tone....and depth and spread of stereo image is amazing.

Since the subwoofer died, I bought the newer MX5021, especially after reading most comments to say this is quite a good balanced speaker. When I first start it up, I thought it sounded very thin using the stock cables, so I switched the satellite speakers to the old Canare cables I have lying aorund. Better improvements and the sound acquires a little more body to it.

Actually MX5021 still sounds thin to me at the moment. The sound image seems to be compressed in the middle and the stereo spread is narrow, where it used to be very wide with the AL621. Perhaps a few days breaking in might help. Or a modding to the caps.

The AL621 is such an excellent speakers that compares favorablly with the Alesis MKII monitors in my office. I wonder if anyone knows how to repair a broken PCB trace...

Update 30/06/09

I couldn't wait and not being able to stand the thin and harsh sound from my MX5021, I decided to change some of the caps in the Amplifier unit and added two caps to each Satelite speakers.

After the changes, the sound quality has changed immensely. The sound has more body to it and very immersive. The treble is now clear. Details jump out at you.

There are still some things that I supposed could make it sound even better but for now I am satisfied until I can get hold of more components.

This is basically what I use as a guide to mod the speakers - http://www.techenclave.com/guides-and-tuto...l#content_start.


I didn't really follow the caps recommendation. I used the same values except changing the stocks to better brands such as Nichicon and some Black gates salvaged from various hardware lying around.

Update 02/07/09

Still finding the speakers sounding thin in orchestral music, I decided to go ahead and mod the speakers again and change the OPAMPs inside from 4558c to NE5532 salvaged from a Prodigy HD2 card. The impression now is much better. Clarity and body and depth to the sound signature. There are details i never noticed before. Really good upgrade and I am happy with this.

I believe what is on the reviews all over the net were refering to the older batch of MX5021 which apparently sounded superior. The one I bought is a cut cost 2nd version which really sounded harsh and thin to my ears, makes me wonder how AL can still maintain the THX certification when they changed the system design.

This post has been edited by damieneo: Jul 2 2009, 03:43 PM

Hope someone can help to mod my pcb too...
I love my mx5021... the sound is perfect for me...

hi people, this is new altec lansing user, MX5021 my current audio system =D. i have a question about Altec expressionist BASS(FX3022), any1 of u try or currently using it? bcoz im goin to have a new speaker in hostel. so i would like to know about wat is the quality and how strong the FX3022 does.

TS add me i'm using VS4121

guys, i juz try my new speaker fx3022. it actually produces loud sound. To describes it is like i can heard the sound clearly from up stair when i was at down stair listening. Regarding the dual sub woofers, by adjusting the equalization of the sound card or on board sound card would be strong enough. it is a very cool speaker i had ever seen.

This post has been edited by chrisw3883r: Jul 11 2009, 04:17 AM

add me to list..

2 x ACS45.1(white-7 yrs old, black-6 yrs old)..
2 x ATP3 (both 5yrs old)..


p/s: anyone wanna sell their ATP3 or ACS45.1 plz PM me.. thx..

I think TS forgot to add me into the list..hehe..
MX5021 user here..tis speaker is just awesome!
Never regret especially when i'm blasting music lol..

p/s : Anyone experience that your controller is abit odd? The volume is not increase/decrease slowly when u turn.
The volume just "jump" way too far when u turning the controller..anyone experience it?

This post has been edited by Jing-leBelle: Jul 12 2009, 04:45 PM

yep yep, there are certain switching will jumps when turn to increase. btw, wat is the limitation of volume of MX5021 ? there are 5 blue lights on the controller~ normally i juz turned until the second light bcoz it was too loud if i increase the volume =x

It's kind of random volume control which i think not nice le..
The most i open until the third light ON, that's the max for me..
If not i think my neighbour gonna throw rotten egg to me ady..

Any way to make the controller normal abit ? dun jump volume at least..>.<

used to love altec lansing as pc sound system, but after got myself creative (new and stylish 5.1 for desktop) and harman kardon (small yet crisp 2.1 for laptop), i no longer like altec lansing....

i just bump myself into Altec Lansing group and you say you no longer like it..sob sob..is that bad? lol..but still, I love my MX5021 with the strong bass..damn siao..lol

yesterday got myself mx5021, now i regret that i'm not buying the fx5051.. huhu....

don't think too much, just enjoy your new speaker

The volume increase/decrease/'jump' in every 3 steps...same for the bass and treble setting...

has any1 tested the bass of MX5021 by playin particular of soundtracks.

hi. here is altec lansing clubs,i would like to ask about altec lansing 5.1 speaker user. In my house pc shop area. still

available for 251i, vs3151, vs3251. any user are as the list i mention? which one is the best for 3 of it in altec lansing?

which one can produce the high range almost same like atp3 ? bass i not so concern about it. i already got altec lansing

XA3001. i felt my xa3001 can boost a lot of bass as i adjust. i concern about high range. anyone can give some suggest?

i wish to get a good surround sound and clear quality sound.

thanks




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MX5021 user reporting in

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Added on July 19, 2009, 3:03 pmwats the best angle for the Satellites speakers? direct facing you or 45 degrees or smtg like tat?

This post has been edited by shenshenshen: Jul 19 2009, 03:03 PM

congrats on purchase, black or white?
SNSD FOREVER
i place it slightly lift up (depend table vs ear level ) and toe-in (face inside)
not as much as 45°

This post has been edited by ktek: Jul 19 2009, 04:41 PM

haha SNSD , FIGHTING!!

Black MX5021 i bought. currently figuring out what EQ is best.

Which sound card that you using ? If you using Creative series sound card, POP mode was the best for me.