Guillemot’s Hercules brand produces budget 2.1 speaker sets. One of the models of the set, the Hercules XPS 2.1 50 is priced at $69.99, a price that is almost unheard of in the market of decent-sounding stereo speakers with a subwoofer. The XPS 2.1 50 distorts at high volumes. This can be seen as a serious downside. The subwoofer accompanying the speaker set is capable of handling low frequencies at moderate to low volumes. This speaker set looks amazing as it is blessed with an ultra modern design. The design of this set is ergonomic in nature.
The speakers in terms of measurement are 7.9-by-2.3-by-2.2-inches. They are made of black plastic and ooze off a glossy front-panel finish. The speakers are tall and narrow in built and you may find them at a risk of toppling over every now and then. The front panel comprises a single orange driver behind a metallic grille. Guillemot has however hardwired the speaker cables. This feature is pretty common in the company’s products. Here, the right hand speaker of the XPS 2.1 50 is hardwired to the subwoofer. This will cause a lot of problems for you especially if you do not have a desk that contains a hole large enough for the speaker to pass through. In this case, you will have to run the hardwired cable over the front of the desk and this may cause you with a little bit of irritation. A volume/power knob rests on the front face of the right-hand speaker. It also houses another hardwired cable of 3.5mm audio input that connects to the computer. You can unplug the left-hand speaker anytime from the subwoofer.
Along with the satellite speakers, the black, wooden subwoofer measures 9 by 6 by 8.5 inches and houses the AC input. It also keeps space for a power switch, and a bass volume knob on it. The speakers give a good sound but tend to distort at high volumes. At low frequencies and low volume, you will get the desired sound from this speaker set. The subwoofer produces smooth sound that is pleasant and full at moderate listening levels. Overall, the Hercules XPS 2.1 50 is a decent speaker set that does justice to its $70 price tag.
