Speaker specialist Altec Lansing has launched the Expressionist Ultra, a distinctively styled 2.1 home speaker system designed to cross over from the PC market into gaming and home cinema.

The 200W system features five digital amplifiers powering five separate drivers. Each satellite has a 3" midrange and a 1" neodymium tweeter, and the sub is a 6 1/2" long-throw design. The contemporary industrial design of the satellites emphasizes visible drivers set into a translucent bezel, and the subwoofer features a distinctive trapezoidal design.

The system features a distinctive wired volume/tone controller hub, and inputs making it suitable for use with TVs, games consoles and portable audio players. AL sees it as appealing to PC media users, gamers and home cinema fans who don't have the requirement for full 5.1 sound. Cost is £179.99 and availability is from the start of October.

Also new from Altec Lansing is the Orbit USB, a USB-powered mono speaker designed for the traveller. It features a retractable stand and comes with a neoprene case with hook-on carabiner. It's designed to have a wide sound field, and AL thinks it will sell to anyone who is fed up with replacing speaker batteries in conventional designs. Again, it's available at the start of October, costing £39.99. More on these and other models in the new range from www.alteclansing.com.

Via Home Cinema Choice