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Review: Altec Lansing FX3022 Expressionist BASS - is 2.2 the new 2.0?

by Parm Mann on 11 October 2008, 10:45 3.0

Tags: FX3022 expressionist BASS, Altec Lansing

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The FX3022 Expressionist BASS

The FX3022 arrives in rudimentary cardboard packaging, but once inside you begin to realise that these surprisingly-large desktop speakers aren't all that minimalistic after all.

Measuring 10in tall and 5.25in wide, the cone-shaped speakers have a far-from-sophisticated appearance that's undoubtedly an acquired taste. The bullish-design will either stand proud on say, the desk of a gamer, or act as a potential eye-sore for the more-refined audiophile.

Included in the package is a single 3.5mm stereo audio cable and a mains power adaptor - the FX3022, as you might expect, is too powerful to be USB powered. The glossy-black finish - though strikingly good looking - is prone to finger prints and dust, and the initial out-the-box shine doesn't last long.

Up top, it's an even simpler affair. The FX3022 features only three buttons - volume down, power on/off, and volume up - all of which are housed on the right speaker. The power button provides a soft blue light when activated, it's a nice touch and soft enough to go unnoticed - unlike the blinding blue light on Creative's T20s.

Volume controls are well placed, easy to reach and responsive to a light press. There isn't, however, an indicator of volume level and you'll be left second guessing just how high the current setting is. Not a deal breaker by any means, but a slight inconvenience.

The 1.5in full-range drivers can be seen protruding from the cones themselves, and provide something of a garish look. It's an element that detracts from an otherwise smooth design, but it's the price paid for the two 4in subwoofers found below...