Speaker Recommendation Request

[meeps]

Hi,

I am in the market for new speakers but in need of direction. I'll first explain my primary uses.

I have a headset that I use primarily for gaming, but for instance if I'm playing a racing game I usually like surround sound (But I rarely play a racing game). I don't really care what I use for watching movies (headphones usually). But I MAINLY use speakers for music. I wouldn't say I am an audiophile, but I am definitely close to one and see myself moving towards that direction.

What speaker configuration would be in my best interest? Should I forget 5.1 and look right into 2.1, or even two studio monitors and a sub-woofer (I'd purchase the woofer down the line)?

I mostly want clarity for my music, so let me know which configuration I should focus my search on.

Extra Information:
The sound card which it will be hooked into:
Newegg.com - HT | OMEGA CLARO Plus+ 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz PCI Interface Sound Card

The speakers I'm currently using (and want to get rid of):
Newegg.com - Logitech X-530 70 watts RMS 5.1 Black Speaker System - Speakers

I would greatly appreciate any suggestion.

Thanks

[meeps]

ALSO: My budget is 200-300, possibly more if I can find things on ebay.

[fntn]

For the money these are very hard to beat. As of late, Behringer has been giving a lot of companies with overpriced equipment serious heartburn. This speaker is one reason why.

Behringer Behringer Truth 2030A Active Studio Monitors Pair Studio Reference Monitors at Markertek.com

[gfiandy]

In answer to your first question should you forget 5.1 - for $200 to $300 if you want good sound quality for music then yes.

[meeps]

Okay thanks, I actually came to that conclusion over hours of research last night (basically slept in my classes this morning because of this).

Heres the main question now though:
Should I look into investing in non-passive studio monitors that comply with my sound card? (getting passive monitors would result in my investing in a receiver, which would break the budget)

OR

Should I look into a pre-packaged 2.1 setup? (I'll need suggestions for these to narrow down options)

Also, what setup would take the most advantage of my sound card? (it has Optical & Coaxil SPDIF out) Is digital that much better than analog? (I bought the card planning on getting speakers that would comply with digital out but I'd like to know my best option)