What sound card and speakers to get?

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Wattage ratings are pretty hard to compare, but yeah the upper end computer speakers sets to indeed advertise higher wattage usually. Combined with the sensitivity of the speakers (which is very rarely mentioned for computer speakers), the wattage will indicate how loud they can get. Distortion stats are also usually missing from computer speaker sets too

Well anyway, another thing to consider in this is what you intend to use as a source. A set of computer speakers is going to work best hooked up to a computer but you might be out of luck (depending on the system) trying to get surround sound from other sources. Most 5.1 (or higher) computer speaker sets are limited to multichannel analog input. On something like a console gaming system, you will not be able to get surround sound going with that type of connection.

$150 can get you a pretty solid 2.1 set though. If these ever come back in stock, this would be a strong way to go
http://www.klipsch.com/products/details/factory-refurbished-ifi.aspx

 

[DJFatRod]

For OP,

OK mate from my experience, 2 things:

1. The soundcard wont make a difference unless you're buying a $1000 ESI unit or similar,
2. Get some real speakers, not PC speakers.

A pair of cheapish Studio monitors or even a HiFi setup would sound a million times better than any PC set up.

In my opinion, pc speakers are horribly over priced for the quality you get.

I was shopping for speakers only a few weeks ago. First I looked at the Harman Kardon Soundsticks, then the Z-2300s, then the Klipsch Pro-Media's, but none of these came close to what I wanted.

Finally I took someone's advice and looked at some studio monitors, the Behringer Truths, and some Stanton ATM6s.

The Stanton's are a rebadge of the KRK RP6s and they sound fantastic for the price. I am very, very happy with my purchase and to quote the salesman from venue music (not the guy i bought off mind you) - it is really better to just save your money for a bit longer and get something decent.

Having said that, my budget started at $150 and I ended up spending $550 but it was a bargain in the end

 

[zerogear]

I'm selling my Audigy 2 haha, if you're interested give me a message, url link is on my signature. (Shameless self-plug)