Hercules’ XPS 5.1 70 has a silvery plastic finish that looks a little tacky.

At least the low-profile centre speaker fits neatly under a monitor. A solitary bass knob on the back of the subwoofer is the only means of tone control, while a volume knob and headphone socket are integrated into the right satellite.

With a cable plugged into the front input only, the speakers upmix the stereo source to feed all five satellite speakers. The set doesn’t seem to use any digital processing to create virtual surround sound, though. Nonetheless, music sounded excellent in this mode, especially with the volume turned up. With the speakers wired for true surround sound, music sounded less impressive. This is not just because the surround effect was lost, but also because the bass isn’t as powerful.

The sound quality is above average, but a little harsh. Logitech’s cheaper X-540 set gives more warmth and sense of space. Admittedly, with no tailor-made inputs for games consoles, and speakers on too-short, hardwired cables, this does smell a bit Lambrini. More importantly, though, it sounds posterior-poundingly intense, with in-game effects blasting out with appropriate gusto – although music and dialogue do suffer at higher volumes.

• Audio quality: Satellites: Front: 2 x 7.5 Watts Rear: 2 x 7.5 Watts Centre: 15.5 Watts The satellites can be wall-mounted Aluminum 1.5 inch driver in the speaker domes (HAT* Technology) for a clear and enveloping sound *Hercules Aluminium Transduction 25 Watt Wooden subwoofer (with Bass control) 5 inch driver for ultra-powerful basses
• Satellites: Front: 2 x 7.5 Watts Rear: 2 x 7.5 Watts Centre: 15.5 Watts The satellites can be wall-mounted
• Front: 2 x 7.5 Watts
• Rear: 2 x 7.5 Watts
• Centre: 15.5 Watts
• The satellites can be wall-mounted
• Aluminum 1.5 inch driver in the speaker domes (HAT* Technology) for a clear and enveloping sound *Hercules Aluminium Transduction
• 25 Watt Wooden subwoofer (with Bass control)
• 5 inch driver for ultra-powerful basses