Help with computer audio hardware

[grohl]

I had a sweet 7.1 Gigaworks system that was $400+ and was awesome and of course total overkill. Then the sub module blew - searched for all kinds of DIY ways of fixing it and even took it to an electronics repair place. It's dead. Creative doesn't even offer a repair.

So now I've got 6 speakers and a center channel that of course works fine. I do not have another sub or spare receiver to piece together a 5.1 system.

I'm guessing my only options are to buy a whole other system or a used system. The best thing would be to find a controller/sub without satellite speakers, used. Money is a bit tighter than it was way back when too.

Any thoughts? Looking to spend $150 or so. And 5.1 is plenty.

 

[mfenn]

How do the speakers connect to the sub? If it is just normal speaker wire, get a cheap A/V receiver and you're all set.

 

[grohl]

I also need a cheap sub then. Problem is, can I get a receiver/sub for <$150 that's worth a damn?