5.1 Surround sound PCI card and Speaker System

I guessed I could invoke a typical 80-20 rule and get 80% of home theater
performance from an inexpensive PCI card and 5.1 Speaker System for less
than 20% of the cost. I have heard of people spending $30,000 and $40,000
for installed home theaters. My first attempt was with a 2002 technology PCI
sound card, some 2002 technology 5.1 speaker hardware and 2002 vintage mixer
software for about $100.



Now I am thinking about upgrading to 2007 technology and spending a more
reasonable $200 - $600 applying what I have learned from my first economical
experiment. PowerDVD does a great job of allowing me to select 5.1 surround
sound on my DVD movies. I have learned the following:

1.. Placement of the 5.1 speakers is critical. My present system uses
wired speakers and the wires are a pain. I would prefer to try wireless
speakers this time - at least at a minimum on the rear speakers.
2.. Much of my expected sound improvement with the replacement system
should come from a more sophisticated 5.1 PCI sound card and associated
improved mixer software. I would like the mixer software to give individual
volume control on each of the four surround sound speakers (or front and
rear volume controls and associated left right balances) plus I would like
both independent volume control and bass control on the central speaker and
bass speaker.
3.. I would like to be able to select only the front 2 surround speakers
and the bass speaker from a stereo mode on the mixer. For monaural, I would
like to again select all the speakers mixed with the same treble/bass and
volume settings as for 5.1 surround sound but in a monaural environment.
4.. I am ambivalent about reverberation control and room environment
selection because I have never heard them work well even on expensive
systems so far.


Another question - does anyone know of a PCI sound card and 5.1 wireless
speaker system sold as a package that works well in the $200 - $600 price
range? I would think a manufacturer that had control of the sound card and
speaker hardware plus the mixer software might be able to match the
components better.



TIA. Stuart//