Computer speaker setup

[Zephyr]

First off, hey to everyone here. I've just joined the forum, looking for a bit more insight specifically on audio. Figure this might be a good place to start :p.

So, I'll get right down to it. I currently have an Audigy 2 ZS Platinum in my rig, coupled with a mish-mash of speakers. An Altec Lansing XA3021 2.1 speaker system (specs found here (http://alteclansing.com/downloads/xa3021%20sell%20sheet.pdf)), 2x Bose Acoustimass cube speakers, from an old Bose surround sound setup, and 2x Sharper Image midrange/tweeter combo speakers, that came from a CD-Player bought there.

All of these are driven by the one Altec Lansing speaker system, with the 2 speaker outputs split off to all the speakers using RCA cable Y-Adapters.

Now, I know this isn't in any way the ideal setup, but it's what I'm running. Now, I'm the worst kind of audiophile - the broke kind :(.

The two options I've been looking at:

~Buying a decent receiver off eBay, capable of 6.1 speaker output, and that has a decent selection of both audio and video out.

~Buying a 5.1 computer speaker setup, probably the Logitech 5500's.

Now, I would love to have a receiver, if for no other reason than I would like to have the FM Tuner/Video routing/Audio routing easier than running it all through my computer. But, I'm afraid that with 3 different kinds of speakers, one of which configured to run in a 2.1 set only, I'll get less-than-ideal sound. Distortion in some speakers, different power requirements in some speakers, yada yada yada.

Does this make any sense?

If so, opinions?

[Sui]

I just the big question is, " What do you want to do?"

Are you going to be making music or is this for playback only.

Sui

[Zephyr]

Lots of music listening, some movie's and gaming, but the main thing is music listning.

[Zephyr]

*bump*

Nothing?

[Sui]

Is sounds like your main concern is enterntainment. Not music production. Music production is more concern with a flat response. The speakers that you have listed are FAR from flat. They have a heavy, "Hi-Fi" feel.

So, the best answer is to go and listen to as many speakers you can in the price range you want to spend. Sound is all about personal preference, there is no wrong answer. As long as you like the way they sound.... there good.

Sui

[Bops2000]

Then again you could "bi-amp",
with all those speakers, pick up a surround receiver, (and another stereo receiver), set your output on the card to line out and kick some butt.
I used to run soundblaster cards rear out to one amp and front out to another amp (100 watt marantz's), definately disturbed the neighbors...... Be good