TyTanR

I have had both and done extensive sound to electronic testing on both using $20K Simulation and analysis software. The SB Plantinum Live out performed the Hercules in technical spec and performance. It also seem to be quicker at sound/digital ratio translation. In and of itself it sounds better and performs better. But what do I know...I am just an MIT engineer.

Amy, The 'Audio Tornado' sounds like something that I would be interesting in buying. While reading through the specs on ProMedia Accessories it only mentions the 'ProMedia 5.1 System' that is soon to be released as though the 'Audio Tornado' is optimized for the 'ProMedia 5.1 System'. You mentioned in this section of the forum that it is built to properly function with a 'ProMedia 4.1 System'. Does that imply that it will actually make a difference for the 'ProMedia 4.1 System' when out putting the appropriate audio encoded formats? In your honest opinion is the improvement that comes from coupling the 'Audio Tornado' with a 'ProMedia 4.1 system' worth the $100 price tag? I would hate to expend the money for the hype and then for-go a 'Real' quality improvement. Could you give me some detailed specs and information on the benefits of an 'Audio Tornado' coupled with a 'ProMedia 4.1 System'? What will the actual (not expected) sound results be? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

In regards to the person inquiring about 5.1 Decoding Sound Cards and Klipsch 4.1: I currently have a Sound Blaster Platinum 5.1, Klipsch 4.1 Speakers, Creative Labs Dxr3 Hardware Decoder card, and a 12X Creative Labs Encore DVD setup. As mentioned before the Speakers are analog and connect into the analog jacks in back of the Sound Blaster Live 5.1. The Dxr3 Hardware MPEG II decoding along with some player software allow you to downmix 5.1 Dolby Digital encoding on a DVD Movie to 4.1 Analog. It acts in conjunction with the sound cards ability to channel front left, front right, rear left, and rear right. The center channel (as mentioned before) is phantomized. In comparison to this I have a full blown professional digital 7.1 system in my home and proportionally speaking the setup that I have on my PC with things mentioned above are pretty comparable. Granted you can't beat a full blown high end digital system, but when it comes to a small system that can reproduce near the quality sound for the amount of money you pay, the CV (Customer Value) or BV(Benefit Value)/Price Ratio is more than decent in comparison with other products on the market in the same class as the Klipsch 4.1. It truelly makes a mini theater like you have never heard before.