What sound setup to go with?

Okay, I'm an avid gamer.... Counter Strike, Wolfenstein, Soldier of Fortune, etc... I'm looking to get a new speaker setup for my machine since I am relocating my PC to a room that doesn't have my stereo in it (that's what I originally used for my sound setup via an phone jack to RCA splitter). I want to have 3D sound so I can hear things behind me (for those games that have that capability). I think I want a 4.1 speaker system and keep it under the $250 mark along with picking up a new soundcard that also stays under the $150 mark. Is there a brand and model card that clearly stands above the rest? I'm open to any suggestions since I haven't looked for a soundcard in over 8 years... Thanks all!

<a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11092865&m=488&cat=521&scat=524" target="_blank">Speakers.......</a>


<a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=286625" target="_blank">Sound Card</a>
I didnt shop around too much, but this is a pretty good set up. I have this sound card and I am very pleased with it...

I got to agree with "cc_penguin" ! It 's actually nice seeing someone recommending the speakers you just bought. I've had the Creative Inspire 5300 for about 2 months and i can honestly say that for the price they give you a hell of a great value. I'm running it with an audigy and its a very good music and gaming and affordable sound system.

I'm using a SBLive OEM and a 3 peice set of Cambridge Digital speakers.. 28 watts total.. great sound I'm very please.. Sad part is all the parts are disco'd.. I'd recommend Creatives latest offering with a good set of digital speakers from either Cambridge or Altec Lansing

I hear good things about the latest logitech speakers.

Check out <a href="http://www.tomshardware.com/video/02q1/020325/index.html" target="_blank">THIS</a> Article before deciding anything, theres lots of good choices out there.....

I have a pretty good home theater setup, sony dvd, speakers, etc...and I hooked my pc up to this and I still prefer my Sony VJ700 headphones to the regular speakers...excellent bass, highs...perfect surround...

[quote]Originally posted by KCarter335:
<strong>Okay, I'm an avid gamer.... Is there a brand and model card that clearly stands above the rest? I'm open to any suggestions since I haven't looked for a soundcard in over 8 years... </strong><hr></blockquote>

NO. & there are better than SB (Yammaha??).

Avid gamer who hasn't changed his s/c for 8 years??? You are in for a surprise! :)

$400 usd? You have a lot of choices for speaker s/c combinations there.

I used to work for Wharfedale and all I'll say about PC speaker systems is they are all cra..., sorry - for PC's, if you want some decent speakers get some for a hi-fi.

You have enough cash here to buy a digital s/c feed it to a graphic eq., with surround sound, via midi port and deliver through some 'real' speakers.

Or you could follow everyone else's advice and buy plastic pretty stuff that looks nice, isn't it what it sounds like that's important?