Altec Lansing ADA305

The Altec Lansing Audio Management software provides software control over speaker output. Volume levels for each speaker is selectable, Dolby Pro-logic or Stereo sound mode is selected through the software, as well as master volume. (This can also be adjusted manually using the knob on the right speaker) Another convenient feature the software offers is a variety of preset and user programmable settings. Some settings Altec Lansing programmed in for you are Music, Action Games, Sports Games, and Movie. For your convenience, Altec Lansing provided five user programmable spots for you to save your favorite speaker volume settings for future use.

The preset / user programmable buttons present in the Altec Lansing Audio Management Software. Simply point and click and the speakers automatically adjust volume settings etc.

All in all, the software is helpful, even though all of the features could have been easily implemented with knobs on the speakers.

The Sound

I was very pleased to hear that the sound quality of the ADA305 well exceeded my $30 generic Subwoofer speaker system. The regular stereo sound was excellent; however, you haven't heard anything until you put this system into Dolby Pro-logic mode. Playing Unreal with this speaker system is the ultimate in audio-visual experience, the best music, the best visuals, and one of the best reasonably priced speaker systems to go along with it. I also love listening to music in surround sound (Dolby Pro-logic) mode, even though the vocals are usually overshadowed by the music. (I am listening to G'N'R as I write this. Yeah, I listen to the "heavy stuff" along with great classic rock, like Pink Floyd. Anyway, I doubt you care..)

Conclusion

All in all, if you are looking for high quality "True Digital Audio", as Altec Lansing calls it, don't pass the ADA-305 up. Also, if you think that $30 generic subwoofer system is going to give you the same sound as the ADA-305, you are in for a disappointing surprise.