Date: August 31st, 2002
Article by: Nathan Glentworth
(Head Editor & Hardware Reviewer)
Product was donated by: Hercules
HERCULES CORPORATE PROFILE
Hercules, a pioneer in the graphics industry, began as a leading vendor
of high-performance graphics accelerators for IBM-compatible PCs. From
our roots in establishing the monochrome graphics standard, we proceeded
to pioneer advances in color graphics solutions. Our graphics cards first
arrived on the market in 1982, and quickly became known for providing
powerful, reliable and cost-effective solutions to customers worldwide.
Guillemot Corporation acquired Hercules in October 1999. Under the Hercules
name brand, the tradition of high-quality and innovative product lines
continues. Now, we are more than just the market leader of video card
technologies; we carry a wide variety of products that enhance a PCs performance.
We have expanded our product line to include audio cards and digital imaging
tools. Guillemot Corporation has become a preeminent worldwide player
in the multimedia industry. With a strong international presence, Guillemot
designs and manufactures PC and console hardware and accessories under
the brands Hercules for image, video and sound products and Thrustmaster
for accessories. Currently present in 14 countries and distributing its
products in a total of 45 countries, Guillemot markets its accessories
with Ferrari®, Top Gun™, NASCAR® and US Air Force licenses. Guillemot's
goal is to be among the top first three manufacturers in the world in
this field by 2003.
PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
Most computer users in some respect are all audiophiles. We love to hear
good, crisp, clear music and audio from our computers. Even the stubborn
consumers that have a crappy set of speakers and find them all right will
upgrade them if they hear what PC music and gaming is supposed to sound
like on a decent computer speaker system. Now add in the fact that you
upgraded your archaic 2 channel soundcard to a full blown surround sound
card such as the Soundblaster Live(r), Audigy or perhaps a Turtle Beach
Santa Cruz. You now have the opportunity to upgrade your speaker system
to a product such as I will be reviewing today.
I would have to say that I am quite picky about the sound and clarity
of my music. I love having strong bass kicks complimented with the clash
of a treble tweet. Deep, crisp sound is what I am after, nothing less.
Does the XPS 510 system have what it takes to please me, well stay tuned.....
PRODUCT FEATURES
Let's check out what this system brings to the table....
- Total Output Power: 60 Watts RMS
- Subwoofer: 20 Watts RMS
- Dual Satellites: 5 x 8 Watts RMS
- Wooden Case Subwoofer containing Bass, Volume and On/Off Switch Power.
- Game Compatibility: DirectSound 3D, EAX 1.0, EAX 2.0, A3D 1.0, I3DL2,
MacroFX, MultiDrive, ZoomFX, EnvironmentFX sound cards
- Audio Compatibility: MP3 Player, CD Player and all Soundcards
- DVD Compatibility: All Dolby Prologic and Dolby AC3 Decoders
All additional features will be detailed in the next section.....
PRODUCT COMPOSITION & SETUP
Other than the funky box, what does this speaker system give me?.....
Well upon opening the box you are met by this.
So, you unwrap at the pace of a preschooler at Christmas time revealing...
As with and 5.1 system, you will receive the center channel, the front
left and right speakers and the rear left and right speaker set.
A nice option that Hercules(r) has included is the option to use the
speakers via the speaker stands provided, or if you would like, you could
possibly wall mount them at ear level for optimal sound response.
Now comes my thoughts on the satellite speakers, dum dum duuuuuum. My
opinion on the sound quality from these small speakers would be adequate
at best. Although they didn't sound terrible, they were very hollow and
lacked reasonable treble response. This indeed is something that needs
to be worked on although for the price of the system, $89US, they still
would instill a decent purchase.
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