This site has some good info:
http://shsc.info/PCPartsPickingGuide
I personally don't like the quality of Creative sound cards or speakers... That site mentions the M-Audio Revolution 5.1/7.1 ($75/$90).
The only place where high end audio is appropriate is music, and for that you only need two channels.
Swan m200's are great speakers. They are a basic pair of self-amplified two-channel speakers. They are a good way to get into high end audio without breaking the bank or getting too complex. CD Music is not mastered for more than 2 channels anyways.
What are you planning to use those extravagant creative speakers for?