Harman SoundSticks II vs. Altex Lansing FX4021

[stallion19]

i'll get right to it, im trying to decide which speakers would be better:
Harman SoundSticks II
(http://manuals.harman.com/HK/HOM/Product%20Information/HK_SoundSticks_II_sheet.pdf)
SPECIFICATIONS:
System: Frequency Range – 44Hz–20kHz
Power Consumption – 4W idle, 65W maximum
Input Requirement – 1/8" (3.5mm) mini stereo jack
Subwoofer: Transducer – (1) 6" woofer
Amplifier Output Power – 20W RMS
Dimensions – 9-3/16" (232mm) x 10-3/16" (258mm)
Weight – 4.9 lb (2.2kg)
Satellite: Transducers – (4) 1" full range per channel
Amplifier Output Power – 10W RMS per channel
Dimensions – 2" (51mm) x 10" (254mm)
Weight – 1.5 lb (0.67kg)



or

Altec Lansing FX4021 (http://www.alteclansing.com/images/spec/FX4021%20SELL%20SHEET%20R02.pdf)

SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS†:
Altec Lansing’s superior sound comes from
our proprietary technology, which utilizes
custom-built, high-fidelity drivers, state-ofthe-
art equalization circuitry, and a harmonious
mix of the following specifications:
– Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 92 dB
– Total Continuous Power: 46 Watts RMS
– Front Speakers: 11 Watts/channel @ 4
ohms @ 10% THD @ 180 Hz - 20 kHz 2
Channels Loaded
– Subwoofer: 24 Watts @ 8 ohms @ 10 %
THD @ 32 Hz - 180 Hz Single Channel
Loaded
– System Response: 32 Hz - 20 kHz (-10 dB)
– Signal to Noise Ratio @ 1 kHz input:
> 85 dB
SATELLITE SPEAKERS
– Drivers (per Satellite): One 40mm
mid-range driver and one 18mm
high-end tweeter
– Dimensions:
3.2” (W) x 2.3” (D) 7” (H)
80 mm (W) x 58 mm (D) x 177 mm (H)
SUBWOOFER
– Driver: Two 5.25” long-throw
woofers in isobaric configuration
– Dimensions: .6” (W) x 8.6” (D) x 13.6” (H)
215 mm (W) x 215 mm (D) x 345mm (H)



Both speakers have pretty good reviews and are in the same price range. I have no knowledge in specifications of the speakers and was looking for some input and advice.

Thanks guys

[GMichael]

I can not speak of the HK's but I have those Altec Lansing speakers. At low to mid levels they sound fairly good. If you are an audiophile, they will not live up to your expectations. If you just want to hear some background music while you surf the web, these will do just fine.

[JoeE SP9]

stallion19 (http://forums.audioreview.com/member.php?u=284628):

Have you listened to either speaker?

[bfalls]

I like the futuristic look of the Soundsticks IIs, but I think the Altecs would be a better sounding system. To me 1" driver and full-range for the Soundsticks shouldn't be in the same sentence. All they're saying is all four speakers get the same input, no xover in the satellite.

I think the Altec's two-way satellite and Isobarik twin 5.25" (push-pull) sub would provide better more controlled sound. The power is about the same, but the Altecs go lower. Since Harmon doesn't give the tolerance of their freq. resp. spec, it's hard to tell if there's a freq hole between the sat and sub. At least Altec gives theirs as -10db for their freq limits. Still neither spec provides a clue to how smooth the freq. resp. is.

To me Harmon went with the WOW factor with their design. Looks good, but I don't think the food processor sub, or speaker array sats will sound as good. I haven't heard either, but from the specs this would be my guess.

[theebadone]

I believe the Altecs are made by sparkomatic, don't waste your money. If you want something decent, look at what JBL is offering. Might be a little more expensive, but its money well spent

[GMichael]

I believe the Altecs are made by sparkomatic, don't waste your money. If you want something decent, look at what JBL is offering. Might be a little more expensive, but its money well spent
Actually, Sparkomatic was made by Altec Lancing. They have long sense stopped making car audio. I spoke to their VP of Procurement about Sparkomatic. He was adamant that they would never go down that road again. Pun intended.