Hercules XPS Lounge 2.1 2.1 Multimedia Speakers (Black)
From Hercules
Having become one of the world leaders in the domain of 3D graphics cards, Hercules has developed and exploited its fields of expertise in a variety of fast-growing market segments over the years. Hercules currently offers complete ranges of webcams, speaker systems, digital DJing devices, WiFi solutions for the general public, iPod®/iTunes® accessories and sound cards. Hercules launches compelling products which have been fastidiously researched in terms of performance and produced with quality in mind. Hercules has been designing high-quality multimedia speakers for the last few years and is now also producing speakers with a wider mass market appeal. Hercules speakers always include some totally unique features and aim to meet the ever-increasing demand for technology that fits in with consumers' lifestyles. The new XPS Lounge speaker series takes multimedia speakers out of the geek zone with their trendy, domestic appeal, featuring sexy curves and a handy MP3 player docking station. Hercules XPS Lounge 2.1 - Black (4769180). Designed in the Lounge Mood & Hi-Fi inspired technologies! 2.1 Speaker kit : 2 satellite speakers, wooden subwoofer and remote control designed to house and connect iPod, Zune and any MP3 player's as well as your computer. Total output Power: 32 Watts RMS, Peak Power: 64 Watts. Wooden subwoofer features integrated Pass-Band technology, Dual Echo chamber, and Bass Reflex tube. Satellites are magnetically shielded and wall-mountable.
Amazon Sales Rank: #22446 in Consumer Electronics Brand: Hercules Model: 4769180 Dimensions: 9.80 pounds
Solid for 2.1, doesn't come close to 5.1 This is a detailed review: I, like many others, bought these speakers on recommendation from a few top reviews. My Creative 6.1 system died after 5 years, and rather than splurge on another 5.1+ system, I decided to go with 2.1 (I plan on linking everything up to a surround sound home theater system soon anyway). Here's the synopsis: The price is great for what you're getting compared to the rest of the market. The speakers are reasonably good looking. The subwoofer is compact, ideal compared to some of the monsters out there. With some tweaking I got the balance in the speakers about right (without tweaking there was too much treble and things sounded a bit tin-y). I'm using a sound card capable of all the Dolby and DTS goodies in 7.1 surround, so different cards might produce different results. My objections would be this: The volume control is big, and ugly. Hide it if you can (I put mine on top of the tower, below the level of the desk. The auxiliary function as an mp3 hookup is completely pointless, because anyone plugging an iPod into their PC is going to have their iTunes library on that machine already. It's also cheap feeling. It might be noteworthy that the size of the volume control is primarily due to this auxiliary funtion, as well as the circuitry is built into it as well. Other systems typically stick the circuitry on the subwoofer (which makes a lot more sense to me). Bottom line: It's a good system, especially after some minor tweaking. In terms of pure sound quality, which is probably what matters the most, it just doesn't stack up to a full surround system, ZDnet/CNET/other reviews or not. But, the volume control is its biggest drawback in my opinion. If you're looking for a value system, this is it. If you want a home theater, reach into those pockets and get a more robust system (at least you'll be helping the economy too). :) Sound Great... after I sent back the first set I got these speakers after reading a stellar review of them on PCMag.com. I opened them and started to test them. I noticed that the left channel speaker had a buzz or rattle every time a song with good mids was played. I plugged the speaker into the other channel to see if the problem was with the RCA port on the sub or with the speaker itself. I also tried to eliminate the source material by using 2 different MP3 players and several different songs, hoping that I would have to send them back... In the end I came to the conclusion that it was indeed the speaker. I placed an RMA with amazon and got a replacement set in like 2 days. The new set didn't have that problem and sounded just as great as I had expected. I feel like a mistake sometimes happens, could have been shipping or who knows... But amazon made it right quickly; for this reason I am giving them 4 stars instead of 5. Great Value - Great Sound - Great Speakers I bought these after reading several reviews. They are a real value for the money. I have played them for several friends and they cannot believe the sound for the price. I use these on my PC and they are great for just listening to music on the web or playing CD's. You will not go wrong with these speakers when compared to others that are a lot more money!
