5.1 Sound System under $500

[Silmarunya]

I'm currently looking for a decent 5.1 system that I can use for gaming and especially listening to music on my PC. My budget is €500, but I'd like to get a decent-ish soundcard as well, so it will be around €450 in reality. That's a maximum, if I can get something decent for less, it's even better.

Requirements:
- 5.1
- Clear, crisp sound
- No/very little creaking
- Not too massive

Not required:
- Heavy thumping bass (a bit of oomph is nice, but I don't need a system that can double as an earthquake generator).
- Extremely high volume

Oh, and if someone has tips on a budget sound card, please give them as well. I'm currently looking at lower end Asus ones like the Xonar DX, but all suggestions are welcome.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Babelfish112]

yeah, me too! i'm also looking for a good 5.1 system, I'm thinking of the Logitech X-530 at the moment, but it looks a little cheap-mid range. so i'm looking for something better.
Are Altec Lansings good too? I want to stay about the $200 AUD range.

 

[rexter]

For $500 - Get an Amplifier and speakers like the one below.

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR308-5-1-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B003BEDQQM/ref=sr_1_8?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1288819911&sr=1-8

and

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-NS-SP1800BL-5-1-Channel-Theater-Speaker/dp/B001AVRD62/ref=pd_cp_e_1

But you'll get more sound quality on the speakers like this one - http://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Surround-Theater-Speaker-AV-HTB/dp/B00064JWSG/ref=pd_cp_e_3