Any recommendations for sound card and speaker setup?

[dissbelief]

I am looking to purchase a sound system upgrade for my PC because the on-board audio is lifeless to me. My budget is $300 for speakers and sound card. Primary uses will be gaming, music, and movies. Stereo or 5.1 channel is ok, and I will also be using a quality set of headphones for gaming in the future when I can afford them. Any recommendations or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sosofm]

SOUND CARD : ASUS Xonar D1 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132007
SPEAKER : Logitech Z623 200 w 2.1 Speaker System, THX-Certified
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121048
HEADSET : Tt eSPORTS SHOCK SPIN Shining White HT-SKS004ECWH
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826254011
TOTAL : $298.97 without rebates.

 

[Uther39]

SOUND CARD : ASUS Xonar D1 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6829132007
SPEAKER : Logitech Z506 75 watts RMS 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121044
HEADSET : RAZER Carcharias 3.5mm Connector Circumaural Professional Gaming Headset
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826153043

 

[gamerk316]

Quick note, the ASUS Xonar DX [PCI-E] can be subbed for the D1 in most cases, provided you have a spare 4-pin connector.

 

[davcon]

ASUS Xonar D1 7.1
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=39269&vpn=Xonar%20D1&manufacture=ASUS
ASUS Xonar DX 7.1
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=29395&vpn=XONAR%20DX&manufacture=ASUS
Corsair Gaming Audio Series SP2500 High Power 2.1 232W RMS 8IN Subwoofer
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=57799&vpn=CA%2DSP211NA&manufacture=Corsair&promoid=1065

Logitech Z506 5.1
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=55970&vpn=980%2D000430&manufacture=Logitech&promoid=1065

 

[-Fran-]

Well, I can give you what I did in your case.

Got a great MoBo with a decent Audio chip (Crosshair V) so it doesn't give me artifacts and got the best pair of active speakers I could buy (studio monitor grade; 2 way speakers). 2 of those puppies beat the not out of any 5.1 in the same price range and sound incredibly better. Something like these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA03V05K7599
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA03B0829735

But if you want a great 5.1, check this one out: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882120189

That is as good as you'll get IMO. But nevermind the sound card; as long as it has low noise in it's signal and high bit sampling output, you shouldn't care at all.

Cheers!

 

[tinnitus]

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Professional $149.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102019

+

Logitech Z506 75 watts RMS 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers $92.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121044


for headphone gaming PCIE Recon3D is a good choice:

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Sound-Blaster-Recon3D-SB1350/dp/B00654PUPA