Hercules is one of the very few companies that continue to push the PC audio envelope with new and innovative products. Creative Labs may be the big dog in that particular pen, but their product line isn't exactly robust and there are many niche markets where the right card can still make a splash. Hercules has already done just that, with impressive and popular Game Theatre XP, Fortissimo I and II, and Muse 5.1 DVD soundcards hitting the mark with both gamers and home users alike.
Hercules has released their next generation of soundcards, with a definite push towards the 7.1 (8-channel) audio end of things. While 7.1 speakers aren't available in the mass market, there are popular 4.1, 5.1 and even 6.1 speakers out there, and these cards support anything up to and including 7.1 output. This makes the latest Hercules soundcards an attractive option, especially if a new speaker set is in your future. Also rest assured that this trio of cards covers the spectrum of budget feature set requirements, and there should literally be something for everyone in this roundup.
The Hercules Fortissimo III 7.1 is the value-oriented product of the bunch, supplying basic 3D gaming, music and entertainment audio with a no-frills approach. This product offers a lot of bang for the buck, while not asking gamers to pony up cash for unwanted features.
The Hercules DigiFire 7.1 represents the mid-range of the Hercules line, and is much like the Fortissimo III 7.1, but for a few very interesting additions. This card is for the buyer who may need value, but not at the expense of features or A/V options.
The Hercules Gaming Theater XP 7.1 is the top-end audio card from Hercules, offering up a powerful 3D solution and an external rack for enhanced connectivity. With a new lower price, this product may actually come in under the radar of many, especially if the prospect of audio, USB and headphone ports within easy reach, is an appealing prospect.
In this roundup, we'll be taking a close look at each of these three soundcards, covering off the features, price, retail contents and gaming/audio performance factors. If a new soundcard buy is looming on your horizon, it's a given that Hercules has at least one card that will be of interest.
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