Ok, first off, let me say this: Altec's subs are weak. Almost every set of Altec Lansing speakers I've heard have had subwoofers that don't give that *PUNCH* that I'd expect from a quality set. For gamers, this can be a big letdown, as you want to FEEL a rocket fire from your launcher as well as hear it.

I picked up a set of Altec Lansing ACS-45s a few years ago at a store that was closing its doors for 60 bucks. At the time, I was working at a computer store, and couldn't find 'em for less than 66 (cost.. $99 retail) so it was a good deal, and one that I've NEVER regretted. I love these things. The cubes put out a beautiful sound that is to this day unheard of at the price. I could fill a room with sound from those tiny guys, and clear, crisp sound at that. But that's not what I love so much about these speakers...

I had listened to the ACS 500's which, at the time, were the creme de la creme of the Altec lineup. Amazing (and enormous) sattelites, but the sub was weak. This is still standard of Altec's stuff, although their resonance has gotten much nicer in the wooden cabinets.

The subwoofer on the ACS 45's, however, was a different story. I remember putting on a Beastie Boys CD, stepping OUTSIDE of the house, and listening to the thump thump from outside the house. Amazing. That thing will shake the floor. To this day, I always get confused over whether the booming footsteps I hear as I'm running around in Tribes are from the game or from some huge person climbing my stairs.

If you can find this gem of a set, buy it up, no matter the price. At this point, I have a SB Live with the ACS 45's as my rear set, and the experience is unparalleled (note - front set is altec as well).