Not so very long ago, I posted up news that Altec Lansing had released their Orbit range, including the -M (which is a 3.5mm jack connected speaker) and the -USB, which is a (surprisingly enough) little speaker connected via USB. Well now I’ve spent some time with the Orbit-M, I think I can post up some thoughts on the diminutive little wonder!
Form Factor
In a word, it’s excellent – feels well made, and heavy enough to be quality, but since it needs to be portable, it’s not brick-like in terms of it’s portability! It also comes with a really nice case:
Connectivity and Usage
There are a few things here – first of all, this device is built around simplicity – so you have a simple cable run and self-strorage (3.5mm jack), and only one button to use – on/off – the volume is controlled by your source device. But that’s the beauty of it in many ways – it does one thing, and does in very well (see next point). By the way, it takes 3x AAA batteries to run it, and they seem to be lasting pretty well!
Sound Quality
Right, so really, this is all that matters! What can you expect? Well, I’d say that the Orbit-M does an exceptionally good job of delivering volume and fidelity, through it single speaker. It doesn’t have the bass kick of a unit with separate hi/mid/low drivers, but then again it’s probably 1/3 the size of something like that! I actually think the fidelity is superb, even when I really pushed the driver by cranking up the volume. Like with all speakers, there’s a finite limit where it loses control, but that volume is easily enough to fill the living room in your house (unless you have a simply cavernous lounge!).
Conclusion
Utterly top-notch – I am very impressed, can’t wait to try out the Orbit-USB and see if the digital connection makes any difference…
For more information on the complete autumn 2009 audio collection from Altec Lansing, you can visit www.alteclansing.com