Having seven speakers connected to your computer could be seen as somewhat excessive and to anyone but hardcore audiophiles getting a 7.1 speaker system will be wasted on them.For this system to give you your monies worth and work effectively you need a big room and the ability to surround yourself in plenty of speakers. This is the flagship model for Hercules audio range and it certainly proves that here. The card is very good and the bundled software cache huge. If you're looking to get a new soundcard this will certainly offer you plenty for the price. However, while this card offers support for one more speaker and performs well on its own, up against the slightly more expensive Audigy 2, it still just doesn't quite beat it. That said, this card is around £40 cheaper than the Audigy 2 from Creative and so if money is a factor this will offer you a lot for your cash.