I have always been a fan of Altec Lansing’s Speakers and other audio products. The products always sound good; they are innovative, stylish and well priced for what you are getting. The FX5051 Powered Audio System Photo is no exception. It features 4 satellite speakers, a large subwoofer, a center speaker and a wireless remote control and wired control pod.

All of the pieces in this package are nice looking, black and chrome. The satellite and center channel speakers are on nice looking stands (which can be removed for wall mounting). The subwoofer is dark grey, black and silver in color. All of the pieces are nice looking enough that you will want to show them off instead of hiding them behind furniture, plants and knickknacks.

The FX5051 is a dual mode speaker package. You can use the 6-Channel Surround Mode with the USB port on your PC or 6-channel sound card. You can use the 2/4 Channel mode to enjoy immersive 6-speaker sound from any source including MP3 players and CD players. I also had very little trouble hooking them up to my DVD player, CD player, Record Player or TV. Though I did have to get a couple of adapter cables from Radio Shack for some of them, however none were expensive or hard to find. I even had good luck connecting the package m to my stereo receiver, though if you want to use the sound processing in the speakers I suggest you turn that off on your receiver. The advantage to using your receiver is that you can connect several items to the package at once and use the receiver as a switch box. Again I had to get some cables to do this with from Radio Shack.

The bass unit is Isobaric-configured dual 6.5” woofers which deliver bass comparable to systems twice as large. The 4-satellite speakers and the center channel speaker are magnetically shielded so you don’t have to worry about them interfering with nearby TV’s and other devices.

The wireless remote and control pod (which is corded) has controls for volume (master, center and rear), bass and treble. For those with iPods, MP3 Players, CD players, etc. you will love the line-in jack that allows you to plug those devices and more right in to the speaker system for great sound. There is also a headphone jack for private listening.

The FX5051 Powered Audio Speaker system is a very nice package that puts out true 5.1 surround sound and bass that you not only hear but feel, all of this in a package that is very stylish and easy to use. For the suggested retail price of $249.95 you get a speaker package that not only works well for your computer, but for your TV, DVD movies, game console and even your MP3 player or iPod. The only thing missing is a way to miniaturize it and use it in your car! If you want a set of speakers that allows you to just have one set of speakers for all of your entertainment this is it. No doubt about it.

• Crisp Surround Sound. Hear the enemy creep up from four satellite speakers and enjoy lifelike dialogue from the center speaker.
• Feel the Bass. Isobaric-configured dual 6.5” woofers deliver bass comparable to systems twice as large.
• Dual-Mode Selector. Each listening mode is specially engineered to provide outstanding performance. Use the 6-Channel Surround Mode with the USB port on your PC or 6-channel sound card to thrill your senses with the vivid, panoramic experience of true surround sound. Use the 2/4 Channel Mode to enjoy immersive six-speaker sound from any source – MP3 players, CD players.
• Understated Elegance. Contemporary design with removable cast-metal stands looks terrific next to your flat-panel screen or mounted on wall (satellite and center speakers are magnetically shielded.)
• Wireless Remote and Control Pod. Volume (master, center, and rear), bass, and treble controls are at your fingertips. Just sit back and enjoy!
• iPod / MP3 Player Jack. Connect your iPod, MP3 player, or CD player at the same time as your computer.
• Headphone Jack. For private listening.