Altec Lansing VS3151
Ameya Dalvi, Apr 28, 2005 1616 hrs IST
A value 5.1 speaker system blessed with tons of features
Feature rich, good highs, neat looks, control pod and cordless remote control
Underpowered subwoofer, top heavy satellites
We have been reviewing a lot of cell phones and monitors and optical drives lately. Now it's time for some music. It's been ages since we got our hands on an Altec Lansing speaker system and especially a 5.1 channel model. The lean phase is finally over. We give you, Altec Lansing VS3151.
The VS3151 is a value 5.1 channel speaker system but is blessed with tons of features generally found in their top end models. Draped in a combination of silver and black, the speakers look elegant and the magnetically shielded satellites give you an impression of being the flat panel type even though they are not. They can be placed on the desktop or can be mounted on a wall. The centre channel comes with a pivot and can be comfortably placed on top of your CRT monitor. The rest of the satellites are a little top heavy and a small amount of force is good enough to topple them. Each is fitted with a 2-inch driver. The wooden subwoofer is fitted with a front firing 5.25 driver. Accompanying the satellites and the subwoofer is a neat little control pod that hosts controls for adjusting the master and the subwoofer volume along with centre and surround volume. A power button, a 2/4/6 channel switch, a headphone jack and an IR receiver are also present. What's the IR receiver for? For the cordless remote control, of course. Yes, there is a sleek little cordless remote included in the package that grants you the access to all the functions present on the control pod. So just sit back and take control.
The speaker system flaunts a modest 50 Watts of RMS output power. The front and the rear satellites are allocated 5 Watts each, while the centre channel is granted a healthy 10 Watts. The subwoofer is left with only 20 Watts. The overall power distribution seems a little unbalanced on paper at least. I would have liked the subwoofer to have some more power. The total output in terms of sound pressure level stands at 103 dB. The overall frequency response of the system ranges between 40 Hz to 20 KHz.
We used our usual set of audio benchmarks that include sound tracks from different genre, a few games and movie clips. Now, 5.1 channel systems aren't really meant for music. By that I do not mean that their poor performance in music can go unpunished but what I mean is that they are more suited for applications with proper surround sound like DVD movies and games.
I started the test process with the music tracks. Though not great, they sounded surprisingly well. I wasn't expecting too much from the 2 satellite drivers but they did more than a fair job. The midrange reproduction was understandably average but better than other speakers with 2" drivers that I have tested here. The highs were excellent. As far as the bass goes, it can be termed as average. I mentioned before that the subwoofer seemed underpowered and that happened to be the case. At up to 60% of the peak volume, the bass seemed fine but beyond that, its weakness was quite evident. Having said that, I would like to add that this is a pretty loud system for a small to mid-sized room and not many would crank the volume beyond 60%.
In gaming, the performance was excellent and it gave a good immersive feel. The sound positioning was perfect and the weakness of the sub did not surface at all. In movies too, it sounded crisp but in action heavy sequences, the bass wasn't adequate to give you that thunderous wall trembling experience. But the vocals were loud and clear. I have tested a lot of 5.1 channel speakers and they often aren't loud enough in movies but thankfully not this one.
All and all the performance is pretty decent and the feature set is very impressive. The Altec Lansing VS3151 is available for a street price of Rs. 5,400 with a one year warranty. That's a neat price tag for this system. I would rate it at 4 stars, 3.5 for its performance and the extra half star purely for its features. So, if you are looking for a good, feature rich, pocket friendly 5.1 channel system with reasonable power, the VS-3151 is a fair buy. However, if you are a bass freak, give this one a slip.
Test Unit sourced from Rashi Peripherals, Mumbai.
Errata: We were just informed by Rashi Peripherals that the actual street price of these speakers was Rs. 7,000 and not Rs. 5,400 as they had informed us earlier. For that price, we deduct half a star from the overall rating. So the new rating stands at 3.5/5.
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Can any one tell me where one can find the complete range of Altec lansing speakers??
Sudhanshu | delhi | 14/08/08 09:34 PM | Report abuse Reply
Can anyone tell me any showroom or shop which sells Altec lansing
Dennis | Bangalore | 13/05/06 12:44 PM | Report abuse Reply
in Bangalore
Dennis | Bangalore | 13/05/06 01:11 PM | Report abuse
Hai dennis, The Altec lansing music system is available in Imagine shop which is in Form(2nd floor).
Girish.R | Bangalore | 19/06/08 11:39 AM | Report abuse
how can i connect my altec lansing 5.1 channel speaker to philips dvd or sony tv
pankaj | pune | 01/03/08 05:58 PM | Report abuse Reply
get a 2 into 1 wire jack for the dvd player. you should atleast get 3. then connect it a stwereo cable supplied with the altec. connect everything up and your on the go.
Anonymous | manila | 15/04/08 12:35 PM | Report abuse
I still think Creative is the best for gaming at home .This is a good option.Morever Creative is trustworthy.I have a pair of creative speakers now 5 yrs old but still no complaint.
Ammey | Mumbai | 28/04/05 10:25 PM | Report abuse Reply
The new creative speakers are pathatic in real sense.i bought X6060model in august n after few months the quality of speakers were lost........means the woofer effects got worst. then i replaced it n got new one but the same problem is again in woofer n now i m totally out my mind bcoz i hv spend 4000 for quality but unfortunately..........
rampal singh | delhi | 07/04/08 10:51 PM | Report abuse
hi just tell me that whether the altec lansing speakers used in hp notebooks is better than the dolby digital speakers used in lenovo or not...
mayuresh | coimbatore | 15/03/08 05:56 PM | Report abuse Reply
hi neo between altec 3251 and logitech x 540 which is better , whether to go for a 2.1 or 5.1 for good music or any better option from your side
krishna hyd | hyd | 27/02/08 10:45 PM | Report abuse Reply
hey can anyone pls tell me where i can get altec lansing products in mumbai?
neo' | mumbai | 28/11/07 02:31 PM | Report abuse Reply
looking for altec lansing products in pune and mumbai please call 9922845255 ITSQUARE -PUNE
laptops | Mumbai/PUNE | 21/08/07 11:43 AM | Report abuse Reply
Is there any facility to have SPDIF connetion to attached 5.1 channel system & pl mention the price.
nileshukey | Jamnagar | 22/07/07 10:46 AM | Report abuse Reply
please quote the best price for a 29" LG Slim television.
deepika | new delhi | 13/04/07 12:56 PM | Report abuse Reply
i want good sound quality & some vibrating effects can altec VS3151 fullfill my opinion i want to buy it urgentaly in 1 or 2 days so pls solve my problem as soon as possible
krrishi | patna | 29/03/07 07:50 AM | Report abuse Reply
i have vs3251 altac lansing 5.1 channel speaker system. how can i connect it to my dvd having 2.1 channel output. is there any convertor available . kindly help
avneesh mishra | bhilai | 21/02/07 01:41 PM | Report abuse Reply
Please help me decide between Creative T6060 and Logitech X-530. Which one is better. Please specify the current prices too. Will the new Logitech X-540 be launched in India. Expected price?
Saju Asokan | Trivandrum, Kerala | 25/10/06 12:25 AM | Report abuse Reply
y r u faking ..maan.u think you can buy it?.4 wat.
jazz | banglore | 06/11/06 07:46 PM | Report abuse
Creative T6060 is at nearly 5100/- and logitech X-530 is nearly 5900/- now.Considerin performance Logitech is great choice.(ref-CHIP august 2006).I dont know about x-540.
Aditya | mumbai | 23/01/07 08:22 PM | Report abuse
I am planning to purchase a 5.1 speaker system..Please help me decide between Creative T6060 and Logitech X-530. Which one is better. Please specify the current prices too..pls reply as soon as possible..
sujith | chennai | 02/01/07 03:16 PM | Report abuse Reply
can i know the price of Altec Lansing VS3151
jack | delhi | 19/11/06 03:44 PM | Report abuse Reply
Can i have know Philips latest DVD Player which is cost is 7000/-
Amit Sakpal | Mumbai | 09/09/06 12:53 PM | Report abuse Reply
I got inputs from Rashi Ltd. Altec Lansing VS3151 product is outdated. Can you advise me, where can I get the same?
Sandeep Tavsalk | Mumbai | 28/07/06 02:56 PM | Report abuse Reply
What is the output of these speakers, what is the cost, is it compatible with philips DVD Player, WHere can i get it in Hyderabad.
Krishna | Hyderabad | 14/06/06 01:22 AM | Report abuse Reply
can i have a latest price list of lastest speaakers and i need to buy model Altec Lansing VS3151 i need its pmpo rate etc no 919894644121
dinesh | nagercoil | 15/05/06 04:00 PM | Report abuse Reply
Hi, can you tell me the place where I can pick up genuine Altec lansing speakers (lookin at VS 3151) in Delhi.
ssukhu | Noida | 10/03/06 12:47 PM | Report abuse Reply
g-6 raja house 30-31 nehru place delhi
kin(9811677782) | delhi | 09/05/06 07:43 PM | Report abuse
Hi, i bought this model for RS:5700 in coimbatore, its very nice.
leo | coimbatore | 27/12/05 08:05 PM | Report abuse Reply
how come u got this model in 5700 Rs.Its price is displayed to be 7000 Rs.
Yogesh Saini | Pilani,Rajasthan | 05/02/06 01:33 PM | Report abuse
HI, PLZ SEND ME ALTC VS3151'S CATLOG(MANUAL) AND WHERE IN FOUND THIS PRODUCT IN MUMABI
ROCK | NAVI MUMBAI | 03/02/06 04:42 PM | Report abuse Reply
Hi, I have a Altec 251. Now can anybody tell me how should I connect it to my DVD's 6 channel digital coaxial output.
Shekhar | New Delhi | 28/12/05 11:32 PM | Report abuse Reply
Do all speakers like Artis X10 Mini, Altec Lansing VS 3151, Creative Inspire 5770 etc require a dolby decoder or is a 5.1 channel output from a sound card or a DVD player (Samsung P650K) good enough
Raju | Guwahati | 22/12/05 03:38 PM | Report abuse Reply
Dear Sir, I Need this system please send your best quotation.
Himanshu Gaur | NH. 8, Industrial Area, Behror, Distt. Alwar (Raj) | 18/12/05 08:30 PM | Report abuse Reply
is creative gd 580 inspire good one which costs 17500
jagan | hyderabad | 04/12/05 06:44 PM | Report abuse Reply
and my mail id is b_sanju2001@gmail.com
sanju | pune | 23/11/05 03:29 PM | Report abuse Reply
Hey.....I want to buy branded company speaker form market my music system is kenwood XD-352 Model but were is the whoolselr`s shope in the pune. plz help me. Thank you
sanju | Pune | 23/11/05 03:26 PM | Report abuse Reply
a
sanju | Pune | 23/11/05 03:28 PM | Report abuse
Hey I got the speakers here in Chennai for Rs 5900. I am experiencing a strang problem. My Center speaker doesnt work whn the Control Pod is switched to 6 Channel Output. I have Creative 5.1 DE Sound Card. Any Help ?
san | chennai | 01/06/05 01:12 AM | Report abuse Reply
Could you please tell me the shop and location from where you purchased your Altec VS3151? Thanks in Advance...Johnson
Johnson | Chennai | 01/11/05 02:37 PM | Report abuse
please send me the add of Delhi showroom and catalog of DVD player and audio home theatre system speaker and different type of speaker sysytem. OP Poonia
Om Prakash Poon | Hissar | 25/09/05 12:37 AM | Report abuse Reply
Where is in Pune can u tell me exact address of showroom in Pune
Ashutosh | Pune | 21/09/05 11:44 AM | Report abuse Reply
does altec hav show room at pune?
manan | pune | 29/07/05 07:10 PM | Report abuse Reply
Yes Manan there is a showroom in pune near Balgandharva Mandir at Shivajinagarthe showroom name is Lg My PC You can get altec lansing speaker set from 2500/-Rs to 21,000/-Rs.
Ashok S Patel | Vishrantwadi Pune | 03/08/05 02:39 PM | Report abuse
HI, Can you tell me the exact address of Pune Showroom where it exactly near Balgandharv Mandir??? Any Phone Number??? Please
Ashutosh | Pune | 21/09/05 11:39 AM | Report abuse
I wanted to buy, LG my pc, please tell me the prices and the finance options. regards.
KAILASH PANDEY | NEW DELHI | 07/09/05 12:24 PM | Report abuse Reply
Neo, are you saying that the bass of 251 is better than VS3151. Let me know which of the two is better.
Amul | Mumbai | 30/06/05 08:56 PM | Report abuse Reply
this speaker cost Rs 6400 in chennai @ Rashi Outlet. Why is there a huge 1000 Rs gap between mumbai street price n this one. Any one knows any other chennai dealer who sells altec speakers
san | chennai | 16/05/05 11:46 PM | Report abuse Reply
Hi San, Can you please send me the address of Rashi Outlet in Chennai?
Rajkumar | Coimbatore | 18/05/05 10:43 AM | Report abuse
Its somewhere in Egmore, Dont know the xact address.
san | chennai | 01/06/05 01:14 AM | Report abuse
wer to get it
vinoth | Bangalore | 18/05/05 06:14 PM | Report abuse Reply
Please note that the correct price of Altec Lansing VS-3151 is Rs. 7000/- ( South & West India)
Navinder , Rash | Mumbai | 17/05/05 05:36 PM | Report abuse Reply
A great speaker system. Not so good with sound but features can make up for it. And it can compete with cheaper makes with a price like this. Me suggests to bring down the price a bit more and I'm buying 2 of these!!!
Zakariya | Cochin | 14/05/05 04:08 PM | Report abuse Reply
When'll they be available in Kolkata ... Asked in their showroom .. the salesperson was not even aware of this model :)
Raj | Kolkata | 11/05/05 07:54 AM | Report abuse Reply
Please tell me how is Altec Lancing 251, its for Rs 4400 in Chennai and is it Better than Creative 5200 ??? plz reply asap
san | chennai | 10/05/05 11:22 PM | Report abuse Reply
Hi Neo, Is this Altec Lansing VS-3151 good to use this with my T.V? If not suggest me something else I can go for a budget of Rs. 6000 max. I would also like to know where I can get it in Coimbatore or in Chennai? Thanks.
Rajkumar | Coimbatore | 29/04/05 11:24 AM | Report abuse Reply
Hi Rajkumar, I am not sure a 5.1 channel system is a good choice for connecting it to a TV (unless u mean a DVD player with 5.1 channel output). Anyways we will be reviewing another 3-4 5.1 channel system over the next 2-3 weeks. So if u can, plz wait for us to finish the tests.
Neo | Techtree Test Labs | 29/04/05 08:09 PM | Report abuse
Thanks for your reply Neo. Yes I meant a DVD player with 5.1 channel output. Let me wait till the next review you have mentioned.
Rajkumar | Coimbatore | 07/05/05 03:08 PM | Report abuse
Hi Neo, I've got a samsung DVD player P-148 and it doesnt have enough ports to connect a 5.1 speaker system. I am longing for buying a system. Can you suggest me what I can do to make my DVD player a complete theatre system within 7-8k budget?
Gaurav Jain | New Delhi | 05/05/05 08:56 PM | Report abuse Reply
Altec Lansing VS-3151 , how much this models systam prices and how much is watts plz send me
balraj | pune | 05/05/05 05:25 PM | Report abuse Reply
I need a 5.1 home theatre for connecting to my DVD player and TV. Is VS-3151 a good buy for movies, music and gaming? Also does a dolby decoder come as part of a DVD player available today in the market? Is that enough or do we need a decoder with the speaker system as well? Please let me know. Thanks.
Ranen | Delhi | 05/05/05 01:49 PM | Report abuse Reply
what's the current market price of CREATIVE i-Trigue 3200 speakers?
Sunup | Coimbatore | 01/05/05 10:58 PM | Report abuse Reply
I would like to know which are the best and decent power o/p 5.1 speaker systems and their respective costs.
javee | Pune | 01/05/05 03:04 AM | Report abuse Reply
how does sound quality compare with the super atp-3 ?
shapur | Mum | 30/04/05 05:40 PM | Report abuse Reply
CAN U TELL ME THE BEST AND THE MOST POWERFUL SURROUND SOUND 5.1 CHANNEL SYSTEM WITH MANY USEFUL FEATURES. I MAINLY WANT TO USE IT FOR LISTENING MUSIC,GAMES AND WATCH MOVIES. I JUST WANT TO CONNECT IT TO MY PC OR T.V. PRICE DOSEN'T MATTER BUT IT SHOULD BE WITHEN 8OOO RS.PLZ SEND ME THE NAMES AND PRICES OF THE MODELS. PLZ HELP ME OUT..
Sharan | Mumbai | 29/04/05 10:29 AM | Report abuse Reply
Dude , you gotta give a try to logitech's Z680 ,for abt 27k , or abt 12k (if you could import them from U.S.A )
Rahul | Gurgaon | 30/04/05 11:46 AM | Report abuse
i am looking to buy a 5.1 or 6.1 for my pc.which one will be a good option?also specify the model which works best in 5.1 and 6.1.my budget is Rs.6500.i wnt good bass and will be using it for music,games n movies.
Aman | Mumbai | 29/04/05 02:18 PM | Report abuse Reply
Hi Aman, We will be reviewing another 3-4 5.1 channel system over the next 2-3 weeks. So if u can, plz wait for us to finish the tests. Then I will be in a better position to answer that question.
Neo | Techtree Test Labs | 29/04/05 08:12 PM | Report abuse
Hey Neo,Please help me out. Which 1 is better: Creative Inspire 5900 AL VS 3151 Logitech z640 Using it 4 Movies & music & like bass very much.How does the al 621 fair for movies?Kinndly help me out as wanna shop this saturday :)
hari | trichur | 28/04/05 09:02 PM | Report abuse Reply
Hi Hari, We haven't yet tested the Creative Inspire 5900. Between Logitech z640 and AL vs3151, I found the vs3151 to be a better deal. But if u like deep bass, stay away from both of them. Anyways, let me know about your budget and I will tell you about the best you can get for that price.
Neo | Techtree TestLabs | 28/04/05 11:31 PM | Report abuse
Actually i was intending to buy 4m abroad & i had the following in mind for surround al vs 3151,al xa3051,al 5100,creative 7900,logitech z 640 all these are retailing at roughly same price point abroad. i was also looking at the atp3 & al 621 due to rich bass but i wanted surround experience. can u recommend me the best sytem aforementioned systems.Anyhow my budget is roughly 8000 Rs.Thanks for responding Sir :)
Hari | Trichur | 29/04/05 12:19 AM | Report abuse
Hi hari Try out the MX5021 from Al. Though only 2.1 speaker sytem it Rocks with High Punch but may slightly go above your budget but worth spending on this THX Certified Beauty from Altec
Deepak | Bangalore | 29/04/05 10:44 AM | Report abuse
Hi, I am planning to buy creative 5.1, inspire5200. Its nowhere in stocks now in Bangalore/Mysore/Kochi. Price is approx.4400. I want to know is there any better models from AL or Labtec etc.. Budget is max 6k, Need good Bass and need 5.1 only.
Anoop | Mysore | 29/04/05 05:16 PM | Report abuse
Hi again, I agree with Deepak. The Altec Lansing MX5021 is the best 2.1 channel speaker system that we have tested here. It should cost you about 9 to 10K but is worth it. Loads of features and power and not to mention a bloody powerful subwoofer. There isn't a 5.1 channel system in that price range that can match its sound quality. On a lesser budget, the ATP3 is a beauty for Rs.3250. You won't be disappointed. Its worth every Rupee you would invest in it. I own one too. It rocks.
Neo | Techtree Test Labs | 29/04/05 08:01 PM | Report abuse
How much does Logitech Z680 cost now in India?
Deepak | New Delhi | 29/04/05 05:52 PM | Report abuse Reply
Last enquired 27k in Logitech showroom here in Mumbai.
Sahil | Mumbai | 29/04/05 05:54 PM | Report abuse
Hmm, a good break and a nice review ppl. Had enough of Cell phones, why dont you guys start a sister site for Cell phones, as it gets good hits and also will be a relieve for PC purist like myself. TT how about testing Logitech speakers X530 and Z5300 are avaiable in market. Also please mention the test system as its totally baseless reviewing on onboard sound.
Sahil | Mumbai | 29/04/05 04:45 PM | Report abuse Reply
does the vs-3151 have built in ddts decoder? if not, which is the bang for the buck 5.1 speaker system having a built in ddts decoder?
arun | delhi | 29/04/05 01:45 PM | Report abuse Reply
you have not specified if this has a optical\digital input??
ukv | delhi | 29/04/05 10:27 AM | Report abuse Reply
Can u recommend a multi channel speaker with dolby decoder for my PS2. I am looking for a cost effective option. not the creative gigaworks thx and stuff.
Ram | Bangalore | 28/04/05 07:47 PM | Report abuse Reply
just need to know wethere it is digital or analog ... i mean does it have a dolby decoder ... can it take digital audio input
n00b | chennai | 28/04/05 06:42 PM | Report abuse Reply
No, it's an analog set. No dolby decoder.
Neo | Techtree Test Labs | 28/04/05 07:22 PM | Report abuse