Altec Lansing M604 Powered Audio System for Zune

Your Microsoft Zune audio player is an ideal companion when you're on the move, but why restrict yourself to listening through headphones only? With the black Altec Lansing M604 powered audio system, Zune listeners can enjoy crisp, high- definition sound anywhere in the home, from the living room to the garage. The M604 offers the complete package--striking good looks, immersive sound, and an affordable price tag that won't clear out the bank account. Audio-wise, the system is equipped with a powerful digital amplifier, two specially engineered 3-inch, full-range neodymium drivers, and two 1-inch silk- dome tweeters, all of which combine to deliver a full spectrum of pure, distinct sound. The resulting frequency range extends from 60 Hz to 20 kHz, an impressive performance for such a compact system. The unit also produces surprisingly deep bass thanks to the XdB bass-enhancement technology.

At the center of the M604 sits a docking cradle that amplifies, charges, and transfers data to and from your Zune while you relax on the sofa. Simply drop your Zune into the slot, then use the wireless remote to play songs, skip forward and back, adjust the volume, or fine-tune the bass and treble controls. Plus, owners of MP3 players and iPods can also use the system, as the M604 comes with a universal MP3 cradle and an auxiliary input. Other details include an elegant, wall-mountable design that looks great on the living room table or kitchen wall; a composite video output that lets you play your iPod video through most TVs (cable not included); and a headphone jack for private listening. The M604, which measures 14 by 8.2 by 5.4 inches (W x H x D), is backed by a one-year warranty.

Included with this Product
M604 speaker system, wireless remote, universal MP3 cradle, 3.5 mm stereo cable, power supply, quick connect instructions, user's manual.

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
The Altec Lansing M604 Speaker System is a quality set - especially for the price. The sound quality from the speakers is excellent and I loved that they were more reasonably priced than the only other speakers available now for Zunes - the VAF set. However, I have to put in the disclaimer here - I love music, and listen to it all the time, but I am by no means an audiophile. I do find the quality of the sound though rich enough for my taste and for where I use them (in the kitchen). That being said, let me start with my complaints with the system. First of all, they are the most finicky piece of electronic equipment I own. You have to place your Zune on the dock first (and it MUST BE TURNED OFF), you have to insure that your Zune stayed turned off (if not, you have to turn it off again), then you are supposed to plug in the power cord to the back of the speakers and THEN plug the speakers to an outlet. Otherwise, the speakers will NOT make the connection with the Zune and you will hear nothing. Now, they sell a wall mounting kit for the speakers, so based on that, I personally leave the power cord plugged into the back of the speakers all the time. But I do find that I have to follow all the other steps (Zune off, place on dock, Zune still off, then plug into outlet) religiously for the system to work. I have contacted Altec Lansing about all this - if it all really necessary, but I was given a very vague, non-helpful answer. Now, I am not new to MP3 players, but my Zune did replace a rather old Rio. And I never attempted to use my Rio for anything but working out (thus only headphones). My daughter has a Disney Mix Stick with the speaker stand and it seems to be just as finicky. Perhaps all speaker stands for MP3 players are this way - I can't say. But I definitely felt it was something people should know - it almost caused me to return the speakers. My last complaint is the remote. The speaker system comes with a very basic remote. There is a power button, volume control, play/pause, reverse, forward and bass and treble. So first of all, there is no way to manipulate the menus on your Zune with this remote. Perhaps I need to look at the Zune remote for that. But it doesn't bother me. Second, I find that ONLY the volume controls and the power button work. I haven't really messed with the bass/treble - I prefer those set on center because I listen to a wide variety of music and hate to reset every time. But the play/pause, reverse and forward have NOT worked for me. Still not a big deal - the player and speakers are only about 5-10 feet away from me at any given time and I am usually standing, so it's not a big deal to walk over and push the buttons on the Zune. I have another gripe about the power button though. It turns on and off the speaker system but NOT the Zune. I don't see the point there. If I have to walk over to turn on the Zune, why not turn on the speakers then too. I could have a defective remote - but I noticed the other reviewer mentioned his didn't work either, so I'm thinking it's a issue with the product. Despite my complaints, you can still see I gave the speakers four stars. They completely serve my purpose - listening to my Zune while I work in the kitchen. The sound quality is great. Plus now that I have figured out the "ritual" for getting it all to connect and work, it's relatively simple to use. I am surprised at the issues I have had, but I am satisfied with the speaker system.