Ok....so the upgrade paid off. When I bought my PC system, I had the opportunity to upgrade the standard speakers into the Altec Lansing 45.1 for a mere $49. Hey why not. I had already shelled out around 2 g's anyway...whats $49 bucks more? I am so glad I made the decision. After doing a little research, I found out that the 3 piece (2 satellites and 1 subwoofer) are rated pretty high among customers. Thats all the info I needed. (Ok so I also pulled up the manufacturer's website and found the specs and features:

Driver (per satellites): One 3 inch full range driver
Driver (subwoofer): One 6.5 inch long throw
Frequency Response: 35Hz - 20kHz
Satellite Power: 12 Watts
Subwoofer Power: 20 Watts
Input Impedance: >10k ohms
S/N Ratio: >65dB
Built-in Power Supply: UL/CUL/CE Approved

High quality, high performance three-piece system
Powered speaker satellites are electronically controlled
and magnetically shielded
Powered subwoofer extends the low frequency
response to add realism and bass
Electronic up/down volume controls and new wood
subwoofer delivers enhanced low frequency bass
response

The company line on control:
The PowerCube Computer Speaker system offers an
electronic control to adjust the volume of the powered satellite
speakers and the subwoofer quickly and easily; most systems
require separate adjustments. Just set the subwoofer output
level for the desired bass effect and the electronic control will
take it from there.

They arrived separetly from the PC (its always great to get more than one package). They matched perfectly with my standard PC color, almost too perfectly as the grey on the covers is the same as on the PC and the HP 880c. Once put up, the looked great. The setup was equally easy as the left satellite connects to the right, which then connects to the subwoofer and then down into the soundcard speaker 1 output jack.

The first thing I wanted to test was the DVD playback....man I jacked up a great Hindi film (ok so I am a fan) and the songs that played sounded almost as good as my Sony WEGA TV (the ACS 45.1 have a little help from the smaller room which has better acoustics). So obviosly the next test was to try out the TV card....Audio reception was great, and while watching a Monday Night Football game, a big hit from the safety really sounded like a 911 call should be placed.
Next came the game test....I tried Tomb Raider and each sound, from Lara's fireplace crackle to the sound of her diving into the water was crystal clear. I accidently placed the subwoofer on top in a hutch space and tried out Mech III. This was a good thing. Trust me. With each hit, or step I took, the whole desk would rattle, just as the Mech would. Talk about realism!

I also loved the way that the Soundblaster Live! Value card has these nifty Environmental Audio effects. This great little utility made me really take advantage of the ACS 45.1 features to try out the surround sound feel.

The best part about these speakers is that with their compact size (think Bose) they can fit any system, desk space and still deliver an amazing boom. No matter what I tried to playback, mp3, mpegs, TV, DVD, CD, games, etc. the quality was just too overwhelming. Now its hard to watch/listen to any media anywhere else in the house.

The only downside of the ACS 45.1 set is that when I use my microphone I sometimes get that annoying and scary reverb. Even though the speaks are shielded, be careful. Ease up the mic volume a little at a time.

These speakers sell for around $100 at most retail outfits, and as always the internet offers a discount of about $20. Dont worry that they havent received many awards, editors choice acclaims, etc. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. A C note is all you will lose, but the enjoyment is well worth it. So if you are buying a new PC, ask to upgrade or take the standards and then pick up these bad boys later.