
I’ll be honest. I’ve always thought of Altec Lansing products to be functionality solid yet a bit dull when it came to styling. Their 2009 product line however, certainly looks to change all of that. Here’s our review of the latest speaker products to come out from Altec Lansing this year.
First up, we have the Altec Lansing Expressionist Bass speakers. These twin desktop speakers have 4 inch subwoofers built right into the base of each of the units as well as 1.5 inch full range speaker drivers. Other features include built-in controls and an auxiliary input jack. The Expressionist Bass is available now in white or black for $129.95.

Looking for an inexpensive 2.1 channel speaker system for your computer system? Then you’ll be interested in the new BXR1221 (pictured below) which features impressive styling and an even more impressive price of $29.95.
Don’t need the subwoofer? You can go for the BXR1220 which has the two speakers minus the subwoofer for a price of $19.95. The speakers connect to your PC via the USB port.
Here we have another 2.0 speaker system in the form of the Expressionist Classic. The Classic features dual 3 inch full-range speakers, power and volume controls, and an auxiliary input jack. This classy looking speaker system can be yours for $79.95.

Altec Lansing has one other new Expressionist speaker system coming out (not pictured here) called the Expressionist Ultra. The Ultra is a 200 watt 2.1 speaker system with trapezoid shaped speakers and a powerful sub. Expect the system (model MX6021) to be available for a price of $199.95. Ubergizmo has a nice picture up of the Ultra here.
Looking for speakers on the go? Altec Lansing has a new full line of stylish inexpensive earphones called the Muzx Series.
First up,are the MHP111, MHP116, and MHP126. The MHP116 and MHP126 (pictured left and center below) have crystal designs with SnugFit eartips and will be available for $19.95 each. The MHP111 (pictured right below) feature a CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski jeweled design and has a price of $19.95.

Next up, we have the Muzx 216 (below) noise-isolating earphones which has an MSRP of $29.95.

Finally, we have the natural wood earphones (yes wood) – the Muzx 136. These headphones feature a large acoustic chamber and a SnugFit noise-isolating design. Price for these earphones? $29.95.

Need something with a bit more oomph? Altec Lansing also has a new line of “streetwise earphones” called the BackBeat series. Here’s the product breakdown.
On the high end, there’s the BackBeat Titanium earphones (pictured below) with a price of $79.95. Features include:
- Titanium enhanced micro-speakers
- Noise-isolating earphones
- soft-sided carry case
- For iPod/iPhone and MP3 players
Next up is the BackBeat Plus noise-isolating earphones (pictured below) with a price of $49.95. Features include:
- Neodymium micro-speakers with enhanced bass
- Noise-isolating earphones
- Tangle-free cloth cable
- For iPod/iPhone and MP3 players
Moving down the list is the BackBeat Classic noise-isolating earphones (pictured below) for $29.95. Features include:
- Quality micro-speakers
- Noise-isolating earphones
- Tangle-free cloth cable
- For iPod/iPhone and MP3 players
Need some earphones with a built-in microphone? Check out the new BackBeat Plus Mobile and BackBeat Classic Mobile.
The BackBeat Plus Mobile earphones (pictured below) are noise-isolating earphones priced at $59.95 with features such as:
- Enhanced bass
- Balanced highs and mids
- Discreet inline microphone
- Inline call answer end button
- Reduces background noise
- 6 piece fit kit with multiple silicone ear tips
- Supports iPod, MP3 players, and iPhone
Looking for something a tad bit cheaper? There’s the new BackBeat Classic Mobile for $39.95 which features:
- Discreet inline microphone
- Inline call answer end button
- 6 piece fit kit with multiple silicone ear tips
- Compatible with iPod, iPhone, MP3 players
OK.. so what if you’re looking to cut the cord altogether? Altec Lansing has you covered there too with the BackBeat 906 headphones with built-in microphone for $129.95 (pictured below). These headphones come with a Bluetooth adapter for devices lacking Bluetooth transmitters. Features include:
- Dual-mic AudioIQ technology helps separate voice from background noise
- Hear the outside world with a press of the OpenMic button
- Bass-boost feature
BackBeat 903 lacks the Bluetooth adapter and is priced lower at $99.95.
We have a few more Altec Lansing products to discuss but we’ll save that for the next few posts.
Technorati Tags: Altec Lansing, Expressionist Speakers, Computer Speakers, In-ear earphones, earphones, CES 2009