At the moment I using a Sound Blaster Audigy SE card and a set of cheap Creative speakers. What I would like to know will I benefit from a different sound card and what speakers do you guys recommend? I 've been looking at the logitech Z5500 and the G51's but can't decide which I should go with. As for a sound card I have no idea other than a more expensive Creative Xfi card, but I've always been told more expensive doesn't always mean better quality. This set up is for gaming and also music. Thanks for your help.

Personally I've always found creative cards to be excellent, but many would beg to differ. Asus has recently entered the sound card market and people seem to approve of their Xonar model... it's a bit pricey IMO, but does have some nice features. There are 2 versions: pci interface and pcie interface, but I don't think a sound card can really benefit from the bandwidth of pcie so spending the extra $20 for the pcie version wouldn't be worth it IMO. Here are links for both: PCI     PCIe

If you're not interested in spending $200 for a sound card, Auzentech has a Dolby certified 7.1 card for $80. LINK

The Z5500 and G51 are in different leagues... if you can swing close to $300, go for the 5500s since they handle DTS, are far more powerful and have 1 of the best if not thee best sub you can get with a speaker set marketed for PC and game use.

Thanks for the info , I found this deal on the Z5500 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1068250&Sku=L23-6334 ) now to just pick out a sound card. I'm checking out your links so thanks for the input.

I've dealt with Tiger before... Newegg is always my 1st stop, but Tiger's good too.

The auzentech 7.1 card is nice if you cant afford the Asus d2x. It gives great surround especially if you get the logitech z5500s you were looking at.

Here is a deal on Reseller ratings lists. It's the z5500s for 200 counting shipping. DEAL

So you are saying the Asus Xonar is better than the Auzentech 7.1 Prelude. Spending a little extra money doesn't bother me as long as it's worth the cash. I'm only going to be gaming , listening to music and maybe watch a movie every now and then. But whatever card I get , I would like to be able to hear some quality sound and with the least amount of problems setting up. I dual boot between XP Pro and Vista Home Premium 64 bit, so I'll need driver support for both.Thanks for your help and if anyone else has some suggestions I'm open to hear them.

Well the chip inside the Asus model is the latest and greatest while the auzentech is 1 gen behind. I know personally if money was no object the asus model would be my choice with the auzentech second if i ran out of money. 

I Just know I have the Xfi-Fatality in my current machine and it was the worst choice ever as creative has totally droped the ball on pc support. Ever since, I have been researching none creative solutions and those are the best out right now.

Asus is also working on a HDMI model but no word when that will be out.

FlyinBrian, thanks for the help and could you tell me if these two cards are the same ? 

http://www.directron.com/xonard2pm.html#caption

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132001

They look the same to me. I know they make a PCI-Express edition too and the directron link didnt specify which edition it was.

I did notice the newegg reviews a bit low but as long as you know how to do normal installation of products I think you will be fine. I have found newegg user reviews to often be a case of ID10T errors.

 Anyways here is the high end model and it uses a mini pci-e connector.

my preference The pci edition is the same exact card though. Both cards are large so if you have a small case you might have to get something else.

Thanks for your help FlyinBrian, I found the same card in a PCI version for $160.00 shipped and have ordered it . I have plenty of room in my case but I perfered the PCI over the PCI-E. You've been a great help with picking out my card and I appreciate it . Once installed and I've had a chance to use it , I too will be able to advise forum readers of a good quality sound card. Thanks again my friend for your help.

Any time, that card mixed in with the logitech z5500 digitals will be insane sound.