page 2
Altec
Lansing M602 review, and we compare with
the Bose SoundDock & Apple iPod Hi-Fi
by the Tech Lab staff, written by Keith
Benicek,
Editor
12 November 2006 (click
on images for enlargements)
continued
from page 1
The
stellar points in sound from the Altec Lansing M602 is Mid and High
range frequencies. They are exceptionally crisp, bright and accurate
all the way up to the stated range of 20,000 Hz; well beyond your
actual hearing capabilities of the average human.
Inside, the Altec Lansing M602 is equipped with two 3-inch drivers (low to
mid-range) and two tweeters (for highs). The speakers in the M602, like ANY
of the similar iPod speaker systems, are too close together to produce a real
stereo effect. Stated frequency response is 60 to 20k Hz.
And
just as audio engineers would tell you that wall mounting of speakers
above the floor will produce more accurate tonal qualities, the Altec
Lansing M602 can be mounted to the wall with a free wall bracket
Altec Lansing offers just for the asking. You can’t do this
with either the Bose or Apple units.
Three screws hold the free wall bracket to the M602.
Meant to mount at shoulder height, it aims the speakers at your ears.
But
sound isn’t the only big selling point for the Altec Lansing M602,
it’s the controls. The M602 shares the same IR (Infrared) remote
control used on other Altec Lansing iPod speaker systems and it tucks
away in a similar hidden slot, as the others do.
The
remote is easy to use and clear to understand even without reading
the instructions.
You
can start play, fast forward/rewind, skip forward or back, pause,
stop and power on/off, and control volume, treble and bass levels.
Done with the remote, store it securely here.
As part of the controlling features, the M602 has the most complete
and coolest looking tonal and volume control of the three units.
Behind the
silver grill are a series of blue LEDs. Separately or in pairs and
incrementally in half steps, the LEDs indicate Bass, Treble and Volume
settings. In
stark contrast, the iPod Stereo has a single LED that indicates nothing
about the settings, other than it sees the remote sending a signal.
Sequential LEDs indicate Volume, Bass and Treble levels.
You won't find this on tje Bose or Apple systems
Every
port in the storm –
As with the Altec Lansing M602’s control versatility, this unit is more
capable in it’s Input/Output that even the Apple’s own iPod Hi-Fi.
Besides the capabilities of the iPod docking port built into the, well, docking
station; the M602 also has a universal 3.5mm (1/8-inch) stereo input jack (Aux)
for older iPods, other brand MP3 players or any external sound source; also a
3.5mm stereo Headphone output jack; a single composite video output jack for
video iPods; and a Mini-USB 2.0 Type B jack for syncing with your Mac or PC.
One short 3.5mm Stereo cable is provided with the M602.
USB 2.0 Sync, Video out, Aux stereo-in
and out!
Of the three, the Altec Lansing M602 is the only one with video
output and syncing ports. Pretty shameful for Apple’s own $399. iPod Hi-Fi
not to have, and features a $299 Bose would be expected to have.
All
the level controls are on the top of the M602 too
Incidentally, the
docking station holds the variety of compatible iPuds far more securely
than the Bose SoundDock and even the Apple iPod Hi-Fi (which allowed
the test 3G and 4G iPods fall off onto the table once each!). There is
even a snap-in non-iPod stand included for other brands of MP3 players,
or older non-docking iPods like my old 1st Gen iPod. That’s where
the “Aux” stereo input port comes in handy.
There is one chink
in the ever so perfect armor of the M602. Since some versions of iPods,
like the 3G, 4G and Video iPods, rest ever so slightly against the speaker
grill, there can be some “buzz” as the back of the ipod vibrates
on the grill from elevated volumes. Thinner iPods won’t touch the
grill at all, but we still surprised that this design oops slipped by
the engineers at Altec Lansing.
A simple felt pad solved
the high volume iPod buzz
We solved the issue very simply and easily by getting as thin 1/2 inch
diameter adhesive backed black felt pad and put on the speaker grill
right at the iPod contact point. The buzz at all volume was gone, but
we did get the Tech Lab windows to rattle … (grin).
The M602 also has a new addition to the family; the recently released
M604 is especially for the new Microsoft Zune and shares the same Hi-Fidelity
quality of the M602.
Made for the hot new Microsoft Zune®,
the Altec Lansing M604 shares all the same great features.
Wait till the end of the article to see our audio quality test results
and the comparisons of the three units.
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