I like those Altec Lansings a lot - a friend of mine has the 2.1 version and they are extremely clear.
Creative Inspire T7700 7.1 mated with a Creative Audigy 2ZS Platinum sound card (with I/O's in front 5.25" bay) for me. I had to play with the equalizer to get it to sound like I want (lacking in midrange), but they work well and give me what I need.
