I have received a set of Altec Lansing MX5021,
http://www.alteclansing.com/product_...asp?pID=MX5021 .
These speakers seem to transcend the stereotype of deficient midrange and
bloated bass.
The presentation is full, detailed, and without strain.
Vocals are deliciously clear.
The speakers actually sound thin on many recordings, a tribute to the
musical devotion of the designers.
This is not replicated by the VS4221,
http://www.alteclansing.com/product_...asp?pID=VS4221, a new computer
offering in an innovative, space saving form factor. The VS sound like
computer speakers.

While I cannot claim that the MX are in any way the equal of good monitors,
the constraints of size, position, and very low cost ($130 street) were
dealt with by the Altec engineers in a marvelously satisfying way.

Individuals who are interested in music reproduction from computer desktop
speakers should put the Altec MX5021 on a very short list. The Logitechs are
cited as being very powerful, but very boomy, as if they were designed for
computer-bound boombox lovers.

"Designed in the U.S." still means something.