Sound Card Updating Help

I'd very much like to upgrade my PC audio solution. Currently I'm
running the integrated sound card on an Intel motherboard to a set of
semi-decent stereo speakers that came with a Dell computer I bought 7
years ago (one sub-woofer, two satellite full range spkrs). I've since
updated the computer several times but have grandfathered in the old
speakers each time. I'm
chomping at the bit for 5.1 surround sound. I do some gaming but
mostly
listen to a lot of music on my computer and watch a lot of video. It's

really replaced my stereo system. I want a good, hi-fi quality sound,
but don't necessarily want to pay out the nose for the BEST. Don't
consider myself an audiophile, at least not yet.

My specs:
Intel Pentium4, 2.4Ghz (533 FSB)
1.5GB RAM
Windows XP Pro SP2 (x32)
several available PCI slots and/or USB slots, no firewire


Do I pick out a good 5.1 speaker system first and then cater the card
to match?
Or vice versa?
Recommendations on 5.1 speaker systems, please?
Is Sound Blaster (Creative Labs) still pretty much the best for
everyday, average use?
I'd like to spend less than $100 on each (card and speakers, $200
total). Does that seem reasonable?


Thanks in advance.


:Bazooka-Joe

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: No sound after reinstall
    ... I also removed a Soundblaster Audigy sound ... |> reinstalled the card and drivers. ... |> speakers and there was no sound problem. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: SB Live! sound card & Win XP
    ... drivers ready when asked for.. ... Go to the sound icon in Control Panel, and check for sound card.. ... MSB0200320152655 and a set of Creative Cambridge Soundworks 200 Speakers. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware)
  • RE: Speaker configuration for 6.1 surround speakers.
    ... This system was designed for the Audigy2 card which is promoted so ... For owners of 6.1 sound cards it ... narrow directional diagram of the small speakers it can be used for a more ... Some movie soundtracks use a variation on 5.1 called Dolby Digital Surround ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware)
  • RE: Distorted sound from WMP 11
    ... I am sending way to much signal to my monitor speakers but I ... system hooked up to the second jack on my card. ... I like using WMP mainly because it seems to load faster. ... "Devices" section, if I select the only sound card installed, my, "SB Audigy ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsmedia.player)
  • Re: SB Live! sound card & Win XP
    ... now re-install the card, having drivers ready when asked for.. ... Go to the sound icon in Control Panel, and check for sound card.. ... The speakers consist of 4 satellites and 1 sub woofer. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.hardware)