Altec Lansing M602 review

Altec Lansing is rapidly building itselfa reputation as a manufacturer of high-quality iPod speaker systems and the M602 is no exception.

This desktop or wall-mountable (with optional wall-mounting kit) dock and speakers looks as stylish as any iPod system and the sound quality will satisfy all but the most discerning audiophile.

The one-piece speaker unit sits a couple of inches above its stand, which also incorporates the dock. The stand comes with plenty of rubber feet but we found it a little unstable when sitting on a desk or bookshelf, particularly using the controls - situated on top of the unit - or plugging and unplugging an iPod. If you plan on wall-mounting the M602, the fact that the controls are on its top surface means that you'll either have to place it no higher than eye-level or memorise the buttons. That said, each of the controls is replicated in the wireless remote - just make sure you don't lose it.

As you would expect, your iPod will charge when it's in the dock and the M602 is plugged into the mains. A pass-through port on the back allows you to sync it with your Mac while in situ. To place your iPod in the dock, you first need to fit the appropriate docking adaptor. If you don't, the iPod will lean back against the speaker grille and rattle noisily with every bass beat. However, the adaptors aren't included, so if you didn't get one with your iPod, you'll need to buy it separately. That's quite a flaw and means if you have a fourth generation iPod, for example, you'll either have to put up with the rattling or order an adaptor, pronto.

The M602 connects to your Mac by means of a mini-USB port on the back soif you want to sync with your iPod in the dock, you can't use your iPod's dock cable and will have to by a suitable mini-USB to USB cable. The USB port is on the back alongside a headphone port, power socket and a useful composite video out port. This allows you to hook up the M602 to a TV or projector and watch movies or photo slideshows stored on your iPod while listening to the audio through the speakers.

An auxiliary input, 3.5mm jack cable, and dock adaptor allow you to connect pretty much any non-Apple MP3 player.

As we expected, the audio quality was good for this type of system and on a par with the iM9. Bass is hefty without being overbearing and the treble and mid-ranges are detailed and punchy. The overall sound is a little sterile and lacking in warmth, but not enough to put us off. And if you're that worried about the level of audio fidelity, you probably shouldn't be considering an iPod speaker system at all.

Despite its flaws, the M602 is a welcome addition to the market. It's stylish and the ability to wall-mount it is useful. We're disappointed by the need to buy an adaptor separately, particularly as cheaper systems include them in the box. But build and audio quality are both very good.