Update -- I am tentatively targeting the Energy Take Classic 5.1 speaker set ($349). That puts the total at around $700, depending on shipping. And the Energy Take Classic 5.1 should be available locally for me to listen to. Not that listening to speakers in a crowded showroom floor tells you (or at least me) much at all. The first line of attack in something like this is always research and reviews.
So, the total solution is
Sound Blaster ZxR ==> Emotiva UPA-500 ==> Energy Take Classic
with no other components (other than wires) required.
Since I'm a bit of a nubie in this area, I welcome feedback about this solution -- or even it will work, better selections. I think it is right, a bit more than I had planned on spending, but still affordable and probably close to the best that I can do for sound quality for under $1000.
So, the total solution is
Sound Blaster ZxR ==> Emotiva UPA-500 ==> Energy Take Classic
with no other components (other than wires) required.
Since I'm a bit of a nubie in this area, I welcome feedback about this solution -- or even it will work, better selections. I think it is right, a bit more than I had planned on spending, but still affordable and probably close to the best that I can do for sound quality for under $1000.