Altec Lansing Mix iMT800
Manufacturer: Altec Lansing Part number: iMT800
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The design of Altec Lansing's Mix iMT800 may not appeal to everyone, but its winning combination of good performance, lots of oomph, and portability makes it one of the best iPod speaker options out there.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 PREMIER SOURCE of cutting edge electronics since 1973. |  | Backorder *Accepting Orders* (Out of Stock). Auth. Altec Lansing | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
| Amazon.com Marketplace | | In stock | as of 12/08/2009 | |
 | | In stock | as of 12/08/2009 | |
 | | In stock | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Altec Lansing Mix iMT800 price range: $225.75 - $299.95
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 09/18/2009
The good: Distinct, retrolicious design; excellent sound for a system this size; FM radio; two auxiliary inputs placed on the top of the unit for easy access; portable (powered by 8 D batteries); slot for storing remote, which also clips onto a belt.
The bad: Pricey; no AM radio; would be nice if the system included a rechargeable battery; no video outputs.
The bottom line: The design of Altec Lansing's Mix iMT800 may not appeal to everyone, but its winning combination of good performance, lots of oomph, and portability makes it one of the best iPod speaker options out there.
Back in the 1980s, when portable audio was synonymous with "cassette tapes," boom boxes were a mainstay of music culture. While luggable, battery-powered speaker systems still exist today, they tend to be somewhat dainty iPod speakers. Altec Lansing's $300 Mix iMT800, meanwhile, aims to mix and match the best of the old and new. It has the look and feel of an old-school, crank-it-till-your-ears-bleed boom box--albeit a rather stylish one--but it boasts an iPod/iPhone dock (and it's GSM-shielded, to boot, so you don't need to flip the iPhone into airplane mode).
While this can certainly be used as a stay-at-home stereo, Altec isn't shy about mentioning that it also makes for a good party system indoors or outside. On top, you'll find a handle, and you can also pick the unit up using the "grab" handles on the front of the speakers.
While the Mix doesn't have a second iPod dock, it does offer two 3.5-millimeter line inputs that allow your friends to plug in their MP3 players and cue up their playlists. The inputs are conveniently placed at the top of the unit, and there's a depression under the handle that's reserved for parking additional devices. Additionally, the Mix has a telescoping antenna on top of the unit. While there's no AM radio on board, it does do FM, with four presets available.
The system comes with a small remote that clips onto a belt loop or stores in a hideaway slot in the body of the Mix itself. While the clip looks like a bottle opener, it's not really intended to be one (the clip itself is made of plastic, not metal, so it's probably not a good idea to regularly open bottles with it). Like most remotes included with these types of iPod speakers, it controls only the basic playback functions of your iPod or iPhone. It's also worth noting that there's no provision for video output, so you won't be able to use the Mix to watch iPod videos on an external TV.
A couple other design notes: If you look at the picture of the unit, you'll notice that the protective silver "guard" bar over the top of the iPhone (docked in the bottom center) looks like it would make it tough to get iPhones/iPods in and out. Don't fear: it actually slides up and down, making the dock easily accessible. In theory, it also may help save your iPod or iPhone from serious damage in the event that some drunk, stumbling idiot knocks into the Mix during a party.
As noted, this is also a portable system and it runs on AC or battery power. According to Altec, it can last up to 30 hours on eight D-cell batteries, which will cost you over $20. We'd recommend that frequent battery users invest in rechargeables. To that end, it would've been nice if Altec included a built-in rechargeable battery pack, or the ability to juice up third-party rechargeables just by plugging the Mix into the wall (a feature we loved on the Tivoli SongBook).
That octet of D batteries will add some weight to the unit, which comes in at 10.1 pounds (without batteries) and measures 7.7 inches high by 19.7 inches wide by 9.3 inches deep. Needless to say, this is one of the bigger portable iPod speakers out there and you probably won't want to lug it too far. But carrying it out to the patio or pool shouldn't tax you.
Thanks in large part to its side-firing 5.25-inch subwoofers (one's active, one's a passive radiator), the Mix is designed to play loud and fill a good-size room with sound. The unit also contains two 3-inch midrange drivers and two 1-inch horn-loaded tweeters, and you can adjust the bass and treble settings using the EQ settings button on the remote or on the unit itself.
Overall, we were pretty impressed with what we heard. There's good detail, and the system is well balanced (read: smooth), with no big holes in the high, low, or midrange. And what's immediately clear is that this thing has some serious kick to it. The Mix may not be able to take the place of a true component-based system, but it does sound bigger than it looks, and the bass really thumps. Indeed, this makes for a great party box.
For our testing, we used a wide range of music, including some Elvis Costello and Dan Auerbach, as well as more popular club hits from Lady Gaga and Rihanna. The Mix acquitted itself well with all of it and outperformed the identically priced iHome iP1, which we had sitting next to it.
In the end, while its retro styling may not appeal to everyone, the Mix iMT800 is a well-designed and versatile iPod speaker that you should strongly consider if you're looking for a system that sounds good, has some oomph to it, and is portable (or at least luggable). We have no reservations recommending it.
Freelancer Steve Guttenberg contributed to this review.
User reviews
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Hands down the best portable system I have ever used!!
by bubbaseal12 on September 28, 2009
Pros: Outstanding Sound, great portability, three input source options, wireless remote, FM audio with the RS feeds to show what track is playing and station info.
Cons: It is almost 2010, why is anything using 8 D batteries? And thats it, my only complaint.
Summary: I have used many portable sound systems in the past, and while most of them are great in the area of portability they lack in one thing, sound quality. While ...
Summary: I have used many portable sound systems in the past, and while most of them are great in the area of portability they lack in one thing, sound quality. While this unit may not be as portable as say the iHome iP29 or others in that class, the sound this Altec Lansing iMT800 produces is untouchable at this current time. The sound that comes out of this unit is very full sounding, unlike cheaper small speaker systems. The two 1" tweeters and the two 3" mid range speakers produce very clear sound and with the help of the two 5.25" side firing subs this sound will easily fill a large room. I currently use the Bose Companion 5 speakers for my computer and I would have to say that when it comes to music this unit from Altec Lansing sounds better then Bose's $500, the only thing the Bose will win in is movie sound. I know these two units are not in the same category but I just want to show you how great the sound is in this unit.
I absolutely love what Altec Lansing did with the design here. It is retro boom box without that boasting, overbearing boom box look from the 80s. The integration of the three silver handles are great, especially because you will be carrying this around. The silver sliding protector that "locks" your iPod into place is great because it prevents your iPod from falling forward and out of the unit if someone were to tip it over, protecting the iPod adapter from snapping. The placement of the speakers look great and if you look at the pictures you will see that the subwoofers are on a slant, firing towards the rear of the unit. This is not only cosmetic but it prevents the subs from drowning out the tweeters and the mid range speakers, while still providing spectacular levels of bass. The LCD screen is black with orange text and it looks great while staying with the retro look.
As far as connectivity goes, I have never used a portable unit that provides 3 input sources. It has one dedicated iPod connecter and then two 3.5mm audio input jacks so you can connect any MP3 player or other audio device.
I have only had this unit for about a week but so far I have used it on the beach, for an outdoor party and as a home stereo and I have not had a complaint under any instance.
The only complaint that I have is the fact that to use it off of AC power you must use 8 D cell batteries. I have not purchased anything in the past 10 years that uses 8 D cell batteries and I am not sure why in late 2009 anything would require something like that. If price was the issue I would have been happy to spend another $50 or so for one that had a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery or something. You do get about 30 hours of playback with the batteries however 8 D cell batteries is not very cheap. I have already went a head and ordered rechargeable D cells in hopes of saving some money on throw a way D cells.
All in all I am very impressed with this unit and the only reason it didn't get a 5 was because of the D cells batteries. You can buy this unit with confidence, knowing that the quality is there in both build quality and sound.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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What you need for your outdoor or indoor activities
by thatchman1 on September 26, 2009
Pros: Well built
Good "boom box" throwback sound
No interference from iPhone like many others
Well thought out remote controlCons: Price
Adjustment to the type of sound it produces (big boom!)
No storage spot for cables for other external MP3 playersSummary: In the day and age of iPods, home theater systems and great speakers available for the computer, there is still that spot that gets left out... washing the car! Playing ...
Summary: In the day and age of iPods, home theater systems and great speakers available for the computer, there is still that spot that gets left out... washing the car! Playing in the yard or at the beach! Outdoor picnics, activities, camping, playing basketball or other outdoor sports, etc.! If you also have that empty space and always need to keep the tunes cranking, you may be interested in this device.
Let me get to the point. Do I have heartburn that it costs $299? Yes. Do I think it's a great product? Yes! I think this product is perfect for those who do a lot of outdoor activities, beach, park, etc. or the mobile exercise or Yoga instructor who wants to bring along a unit that can play lots of music you may have on your iPhone/iPod. As well, the weekend garage tinkerer would also enjoy this device and get a lot of use from it.
About the unit itself:
The unit itself is not huge. It has a very modern industrial design, has very convenient carry handles both on the top and on the sides of the front. It's also light weight enough that you can grab it with one hand and carry it around. It sits very solidly and you can roll it around without damaging it. It's not a rubberized "on the job" work radio, but a pretty awesomely designed MP3 player and radio. It seems very durable, the speakers look rubberized (definitely not the cardboard speakers of days gone by...) And it has a convenient spot to keep the remote control in the unit so you don't lose it. It has a great bar that is movable that protects the iPhone/iPod. It slides all the way from the top to the bottom so you can access any of the touch features of the phone/device, but slides to the center when you're done to protect the glass screen.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fantastic MP3 Speaker System!
by mrechaney on October 10, 2009
Pros: Rich Full Sound..FM..2 MP3 inputs plus IPOD dock..AC & Battery Power..Simple Equalizer..Basic Remote
Cons: Missing Rechargable & Replaceable Battery Pack..instead it uses 8 D batteries which add weight..Equalizer should feature more than Bass & Treble..and to be a complete Speaker System with AM & FM radio
Summary: With a few Upgrades Altec Lansing would have knocked the more expensive Bose system out of the park!!!! However, I am pleased with my purchase..I noticed the priced has ...
Summary: With a few Upgrades Altec Lansing would have knocked the more expensive Bose system out of the park!!!! However, I am pleased with my purchase..I noticed the priced has dropped significantly since I first saw this system advertized on CNET. In addition..I wish CNET would not allow online merchants with shady reputations offer low prices to lure unsuspecting CNET shoppers.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Altec Lansing
- Part number: iMT800
- Description: Enviable style and epic sound, the mix for iPhone and iPod brings the house down. Pumping your anthems from specially engineered tweeters and mid-range drivers, this sound system Altec Lansing IMT800 delivers towering volume and perfect clarity from the heart of every party. The XdB bass-enhanced 5.25" side-firing subwoofer packs a heavy punch, pumping thunderous bass to shake the foundations. Let your friends jump in by connecting up to three different sound sources. Join the crowd and still control the playlist with the clip-on remote that can be hooked onto your jeans.
General
- Product type Speakers
- Depth 9.3 in
- Height 7.7 in
- Width 19.7 in
- Included accessories Remote control
Audio Features
- Sound output mode Stereo
Built-in Display
- Audio system built-in display LCD
Speaker System
- Speaker(s) 2 x Right/left channel speaker Built-in
- Driver details Right/left channel speaker . 2 Tweeter driver 1 in, Right/left channel speaker . 2 Midrange driver 3 in, Subwoofer . 1 Subwoofer driver 5.25 in
Equalizer
- Equalizer type Graphic
- Equalizer band qty 7 bands
Radio
- Tuner type Digital Radio tuner
- Station preset qty 4
- Tuner bands FM
Remote Control
- Remote control Included
Connectivity
- Connector type 1 x Audio input
Battery / Power
- Battery LR20 Standard battery
- Mfr estimated battery life 30 hour(s)
Manufacturer info
- Altec Lansing
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Altec Lansing products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.alteclansing.com/
- Address:
535 Route 6 & 209, Milford, PA 18337-0277 - Phone: 1-866-570-5702
- Fax: 1-570-296-6887
