LaCie Sound2 Speakers

LaCie's Sound2 Speakers have an unusual design but deliver good audio

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The rather odd-looking LaCie Sound2 Speakers are quite useful for users who have a netbook or regular notebook. However, the design of this USB-based speaker system frustrated us from the beginning.

Pros

  • Great sound quality, not very expensive

Cons

  • Design can be frustrating and won't appeal to everyone

Bottom Line

If you are after strange looking but good sounding speakers then pick up the LaCie's Sound2 system. They don't cost too much and they'll be a great conversation starter.

Would you buy this?

  • Price

    $ 149.00 (AUD)

Without looking at the instructions, it took us about 10 minutes to find the volume control/power switch on these babies. Initially, we thought the speakers were faulty. Then we had one of those moments you see in movies when someone leans against a wall, trapped and defeated; then they accidently open a secret passage! Victory! In short, the LaCie Sound2 speakers have a relatively well-concealed power switch.

These speakers really don’t do your eyes any favours. Neil Poulton, the in-house designer for LaCie, usually makes quite aesthetically appealing hardware — but not this time.

The design of the volume knob also dismayed us — four out of five times the speaker wobbled and rolled when we tried to adjust the volume unless we steadied the speaker with our other hand.

Although the design didn't impress us, the audio quality of the LaCie Sound2 Speakers did. These speakers would be best suited to a study, bedroom or small apartment. Mid-range and treble are clear and impressive, and the bass is spot-on at high and low volumes. There is little to no distortion at high volumes. We tested the speakers with a selection of musical genres, and the LaCie Sound2 Speakers remained balanced and clear, allowing us to hear a surprising amount of detail in the music.

The LaCie Sound2 speakers are conveniently USB powered. The USB cord is permanently attached to one of the speakers, so you won’t have to worry about losing it. You can plug the system in to your laptop and it will switch to using the LaCie Sound2 automatically. Additionally, an auxiliary port allows you to connect other audio devices, so it’s not restricted to desktop PCs and notebooks.

The LaCie Sound2 Speakers look strange and their design frustrated us, although they are sturdily built. You’d be better off adjusting the volume from the computer rather than fumbling around trying to find the wheel on the back of the speaker while avoiding knocking it over. But on the flip side, the sound quality is great and the speakers are relatively cheap, with a recommended retail price of $149.

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