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Computer 5.1 setup - receiver or not? and, which speakers?
Currently I have an old soundcard in my machine running through an old 2-channel Pioneer stereo, with some old Pioneer tower speakers. It sounds pretty decent, but the receiver is dying I think because one channel cuts out a lot. And I want to move up to a 5.1 system for gaming, but still retain good 2-channel performance for music.
My first move will be to get a new soundcard, probably one of those Auzentech Xplosions.
After that, my first decision is do I get a powered speaker kit so I don't need a receiver? Or do I get a newer receiver with 5/6/7 channels and use that to drive "real speakers" as I've always done in the past? Honestly, I like having a receiver, and imagine that maybe it sounds better that way... but finding space on my computer desk for a receiver has always been a hassle and it would be so convenient (space-wise) to not have one. Is it possible to get good sound going straight from the sound card to powered speakers?
Next task, speaker selection. I read awesome things on the computer sites about the Logitech Z-5500, but honestly I bought another Logitech set once (not quite as high on their product lineup) and listening to mp3's on it sounded like crap compared to my old Pioneer 2-channel setup, and I returned the Logitech set to Best Buy immediately. Should I be looking outside of "computer speaker kits"? Does this decision depend on whether or not I'm using a receiver? I like having a physical volume knob, again whether or not I'm using a receiver.
I guess I'd prefer not to spend more than $500 (not including the sound card) on this whole thing. The main reason for upgrading to 5.1 is for the FPS games I play. But I still want to have good sound when listening to music (mp3's), at least as good if not better than my old Pioneer 2-channel setup.
Thanks in advance for any insight!
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