Windows 7: Powerful speaker system for my Asus Xonar D2X

You do realize that 1/2 the power in watts does not mean that it will be 1/2 as loud, right?

How LOUD will it be? - N-Track Wiki

As it seems, the Edifier s550 is better than the Z5500 but I dont like the design of both. My original choice was JBL Cinema 300 but then again I would need a receiver.

Ok. Whats do you think about raising the budget to $1100 and get me a Harman Kardon Receiver AVR 1600 and speakers HKTS 30

Thoughts?

That's the way I would go and did go.
I had internal sound and powered 5.1 logitechs.
Went to a Omega Claro with XT-250 bucks, got a yamaha receiver from ebay--100 bucks and a set of Energy Take 5.1 Speakers-400 bucks.

Not a recommendation, because I don't know enough about them, but here is one thought:

Amazon.com: Klipsch Reference Series RF62BK Floor Standing Loudspeakers (EACH): Electronics

And another:

http://www.orbaudio.com/?gclid=COjbn...Fapl7AodjUsPWA

I use a pair of Alesis M1 Active MK2 studio monitors for my PC and if I want surround sound I'll use my HTPC with the Pioneer/JBL/Polk 5.1 setup.
The Alesis have very good imaging and I do most of my gaming, movie, and tv watching with them. they also play loud and clear at levels that hurt your ears.

Do you actually have your 5.1 setup you use now with the speakers in the proper place? I see a lot of people have all 5 speakers sitting on the desk facing the user which defeats the purpose of surround sound.

Currently staying at a temporary place so my speakers are not properly placed, but this whole set up would be for when I find a permanent place to live.