Customer Reviews
Nice sound for the price 
2008-09-18
I'm no audiophile, so I was looking for a nice cheap set of speakers---for my big screen TV! I have these speakers hooked up to my JVC RP HDTV (there are audio jacks in the back of the TV). The set up is in the family room downstairs (around 300sf)where there are ceramic floors and a large area rug, plus several pieces of furniture (tables, sofa, chair, armoire, etc. Because there is no acoustical ceiling and/or wall-to-wall carpeting, I expected the speakers to sound somewhat echo-ey, and they do. But not irritatingly so. I'm pretty impressed with the sound I get and the placement (of the 2 speakers) is such that I get a surround-sound effect. It's just fine for me since I don't spend most of my life plopped in front of the TV. So I've settled for this "pseudo-home entertainment" setup, and for those who are like me who just want a bit more "oomph" from their TV (or computer for that matter), this inexpensive set will serve your needs. In fact, I'm thinking of getting another set of these to hook up to the upstairs TV as well. I'm giving them 3 stars so some of you won't be disappointed by thinking these are kick-a$$, plus I don't want to upset the "true" audiophiles. And one more thing--I have not noticed any kind of humming or other weird buzzing like some have mentioned in their reviews.
HAVE HAD THESE FOR OVER 4 YEARS... 
2008-08-21
and they still rock! i got mine for $90 on 1/04/2004 and have been enjoying them since. awesome build quality, great clarity, and the sub is good too!
good all around system. i give this 5 stars easily.
What's this about a hum? 
2008-05-24
Let me start out first by saying I have a decent amount of experience with audio systems. I have a multiamp Rockford Fosgate system with a Pioneer HU in my car which I bought and installed myself. My car has the most impressive audio system I own, its a $2,500 system. I also have a 7.1 (Kenwood HU and Sony speakers) system in my entertainment room.
For several years I had some very old Apple II speakers and my Philips stereo hooked up to either my custom PC, or PowerBook, whichever I'm using. It was a 5.1 system. Sadly however, my Apple speakers bit the dust (they were definitely getting up there in age). I decided to move my Philips stereo to a different part of the house, and I bought these speakers for $50. I'm quite pleased with them.
From the reviews I've read, many people complain about a hum. Well, the only hum I've heard is barely audible, its so quite it puts most smaller speakers to shame. My bed is right next to my desk, so I sleep next to them at night, believe me, they barely make any noise. Oh, and no hum from the sub whatsoever. Even if there is a hum issue, there's an off switch on the right satellite, right below the bass, treble, and volume knobs.
Quality is quite nice. The reviews about the speakers not having enough midrange are uninformed, find me a computer that you CAN'T set the EQ on. Seriously. Lack of midrange is very easily fixed in about two minutes max. Bass is also easily set. Though I really didn't find the bass that overpowering. The satellites are right by my head, and the sub is under the desk by my feet.
For computer speakers, they go as loud as you would ever want them to go, also as low as you want them to go, which is excellent for playing games at night without disturbing anyone. I've always hated speakers that don't have a wide volume range.
Overall I am extremely happy with these speakers and throughly recommend them.
Neophytes 2008-01-26
Hmmm, hum you say? None here. Read the reviews about humming, no mid range, etc. I just installed these on my pc with some skepticism. I have a pretty good home audio system, Bose speakers, Pioneer amp, Sony dvd and this system for my pc sounds spectacular. Try plugging your power cord into a good surge protector. Anyway, for $25.99 from Bestbuy, I made out like a bandit, plus $5.99 for a two year unconditional replacement. I'm in a real good mood about these speakers. Best purchase I could have made. Thank you and goodnight.
Very good value + a tip for improving mid-range 2008-01-16
I bought these as a last minute add-on to a computer system I was buying withot reading any reviews first (mistake). As others have mentioned, the setup, build quality, and placement of the controls for these speakers is excellent. But when I first tried the speakers, I noticed that the voice quality sounded a bit empty, though I couldn't put my finger on why. I pulled up Amazon and lo and behold, I realized that it was the weak mid-range that many others had complained about (by the way, I do not have the humming noise). I was a bit disappointed, but did not want to go through the hassle of returning the system.
I wound up going to my iTunes equalizer, cranking up the mid-range frequencies while leaving the bass and treble the same. The sound has improved dramatically, and the voices sound much richer and more balanced. Of course it would be even better if the speakers themselves generated a more well-rounded response, but as a compromise I think this works well and I am very happy with the sound that I'm now getting. If I had to do it all over again, though, I would buy the Altec Lansing FX4021 2.1 system instead, which has better reviews and is apparently being offered at a huge discount on Amazon.
Pretty good as a Sirius speaker system 2008-01-02
When it comes to awesome performance in a compact design, few speaker systems compare to the VS4121. You've got to hear it to believe it. The tweeters sing with crisp, clear highs, while a unique, down-firing midrange driver in each satellite uniformly disperses sound around the room - creating a warmer, more natural ambiance. The long-throw woofer brings out the thumps and bumps that make listening to music, watching movies and playing games truly intense. This versatile and compact system fits anywhere - and sounds great everywhere.
Best Computer Speakers I've Ever Heard 2007-12-01
Bought these almost a year ago. Bass can be overwhelming but is fully adjustable. The sound is comparable to my audio equipment and I find myself playing a cd on the computer instead of going out of the office to play on the "big" system. If you can find these, buy them. You will be amazed.
stale 
2007-08-02
i love the design, but like other reviewers have stated... there is hardly ANY mid range coming out of these things.. way too much low end (i have my eq lows scooped out and the bass dial on the speaker all the way to the bottom and there is still too much bass coming from the sub) the lack of mids result in just a stale, dry sound that eq'ing just dosnt help.. im probably going to get a new pair of speakers..
Altec Lansing VS4121 2.1 Speaker System 2007-07-22
I've had this system now for about a month and love it. Everything came as expected with no hang-ups. The systems is awesome. Lots of bass almost too much. I find that I have to kick up the treble and lower the bass so it doesn't overpower the sound. But really this system really rocks. It puts out alot more power than I expected. The sound quality is good. This is the first system like this I've purchase and I use it mostly with my MP3 player. It will rock the living room while having friends over. I am really pleased with the performance, size and value.
Terrible hum - awful awful awful 
2007-07-02
My first response was wow! Very bassy. Then I got sick of it and dialed it down to 1/4. Why are they still so boomy? And where is the mid range? Then I found the mid range speakers on the bottom of the sattelite speakers!! No wonder they sound so bad. I thought 'oh well, they sound ok for youtube etc' and then lo and behold I could hear a hum under and between all the videos! I turned off the PC, still a hum. Disconnected all plugs - still a hum! Unplugged all other electronics in the room - STILL A HUM! DOH! Did some research online - these are a BROKEN PRODUCT - DO NOT PURCHASE. The buzz will drive you NUTS!!!
