What "hi-fi" system to get?

[gallinazo]

Evening people.
While renewing my system (PC) Im poundering to also upgrade my sound systems.
What I have at the moment is an old creative inspire t2900, and a x-fi extreme music.
Now, as I said, im working/trying to upgrade ALL my system. And that includes the speakers.
And, as many others Im sure, my PC space, is not only my workspace but overall my multimedia space, I work, surf, play, watch movies, videos and listen to music on my computer. And i want to take the sound aspects of such to the next level.
With my x-fi, I have the option to "simulate" surround sound, or..well...mp3 files aside of being "crystalized" can be "forced" to play in surround; i want to finally use fully that feature, as well as enjoy 5.1 channels in dvd and blue ray and videogames.
But, the question then, is.....what surround system to get? which one?
Bear in mind that (unfortunately) I just wont be able to throw more than 3000 at such HT, actually I will struggle a bit to reach and barely surpass the 2000 mark, so, with that info, please let me know what can i get, that performs well, giving the most crystal clear possible audio and LOUDER.

Despite my intentions, I will discard the bang & olufsen beolab3, for the price factor mentioned above, despite the kinky looks they keep sending me
Not to mention that i want 5.1 channels, so....

What do you suggest guys???
After a fast search on internet, i have a few options that overall-so far, seem to be ok:
Polk Audio RM6750 5.1
Polk Audio RM10 http/www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Speaker-System-Pewter/product-reviews/B000ID1ISM/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 though this one seems to lack subwoofer, but....

Energy 5.1 take classic home entertainment system
http/www.amazon.com/Energy-Classic-Entertainment-System-Black/product-reviews/B001202C44/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Definitive technology pro cinema 600

Boston Acoustics Horizon Series MCS130 5.1-Channel Surround Speaker System
http/www.amazon.com/Boston-Acoustics-MCS130-5-1-Channel-System/dp/B000W9EZ6O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1239930817&sr=1-1

Or, build a system with NHT speakers like this:
http/www.amazon.com/Build-NHT-Classic-Surround-System/dp/B000RA8BKY/ref=sr_1_33?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1239940034&sr=1-33

Those are pretty much the contenders so far, with the possible addition of something from Cerwin-Vega or JBL, though I still cant find enough info nor packs.
Which brings me to another question, since on many of this systems I didnt find (or catched) lots or any info about its powering......Do any of these options have built in amps???
It would be a lil bit annoying to also have to find an amplifier to handle the 5.1 system, so any suggestion/ help will be highly appreciated.
Also remember that my output will be an x-fi extreme music, perhaps not the greatest audiophile card/device, but is what I got, and for better or worse i wont be able to upgrade it for some time.

I...I think that pretty much sums it all. If you have any comments/suggestions on these systems, or, if you have suggestions for better options still on the aformentioned budget, please post'em, so I can check'em up and see if i can get it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Guest]

I can see why you put "hi-fi" in quote marks. Most of the systems you describe seem to be good quality PC or AV sound systems. May be good if you must have surround, but I think you could get a lot more "fi" from a simple audiophile stereo amp and a pair of decent hifi speakers.

When I started transcribing vinyl to digital using my computer I tried PC speakers but I could not really tell what was going on until installing an old Mission Cyrus hifi amp and a pair of KEF bookshelf speakers.

Total cost from flea market £20 (say $30) though I cheated a bit and rebuilt the KEFs using spare crossovers from KEF 104A monitors.

Bought new you might be looking at $300 total for amp and speakers.

 

[ddawson24]

If you're getting into home theater and this isn't just for your PC I would suggest Definitive Technologies. They make amazing speakers. I have owned Polk, Cerwin Vega, MTX, and Bose. I'll probably never need to buy speakers ever again since I purchased my Definitive Technology speakers. The Polk speakers are very good for something that is a bit cheaper but you did mention higher end so I suggest the DefTech stuff. Your ears will thank you. Of course you will need a nice home receiver to power those. Right now I'm still saving up for my receiver but I believe I'm going to get the Harman Kardon 7550 when it is released. Other than that I really like Denon and Yamaha for receivers. For my PC I just use a Toslink connection from my creative Xi-Fi card to my home theater.

 

[nsherin]

For home theatre speakers (of the small satellite type), I'd take a look at Canton Audio. I found them to sound fuller and less harsh in the higher frequencies than Bose. They were also around 50% cheaper. I use the Movie 80 CX package with an Onkyo TX-SR606 and am very happy with the sound. One of the sources in my setup is a Mac Mini, but a PC would also given excellent results.

Onkyo has just released the TX-SR607, which means you should be able to find discounts on the '606.