Your recommendations....

[AMP]

Im building a new system and I am thinking about ditching the onboard 7.1 and going for a dedication sound card. I really dont know much about audio devices, much like kryptonite to Superman, they are my weakness! With that being said there are two cards I have been looking at, first is the Audigy2 ZS SB0350 (here on newegg). Second in line is the X-Fi XtremeMusic (here on newegg. Im positive that this subject has been hashed over and over again, but yall know more about this than I do. Just want something dependable that will last a while. Also, if you have any speaker recommendations in the price range of $50 - $80 that would be cool!! Thanks.

 

[AMP]

EDIT:
I found some speakers, havent found a cheaper 7.1 set so far.
Link
Free shipping and a $20 rebate! Sweet!

Also, I forgot to mention in my original post that I will be doing some gaming and I listen to quite a bit of music.

 

[halcyon]

Both the Audigy 2ZS and the X-Fi are rather solid. The X-Fi has a few more toys, but as far as audio quality they're really no discernable difference, and X-Fi will cost you more...so I'd recommend the Audigy (unless you won't sleep well unless you have the latest and greatest).

If you just want good sound and don't plan to be gaming you can do better (cheaper) than either the 2ZS or X-Fi with the Audigy SE http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829102002 and still do very well. ...and don't think you have to do Creative to get a descent card either, M-Audio will get you clean audio ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16829121123 ). However, if you're gaming stick with Creative now, they still have best audio acceleration for games IMHO and support the latest iterations of EAX.

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5.1/7.1 Speakers? $80 tops? In addition to the Logitech X-530 you might consider the Creative Inspire 5800's: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836116151

Cheers!

 

[AMP]

Halcyon, thank you much for the information!!
Think I will go with the Audigy2, as I am not completely sold yet on the X-FI. Thanks for your input on this topic!