Sound card and speaker question

[armatage]

I'm looking to ditch my surround system as I now use my projector to watch TV and DVD's, so I'm after a surround system for my PC. I wouldn't save I have anything close to perfect pitch so no need for uber sound quality.

I'm looking for 5.1 and I don't really want the extra 2 speakers with 7.1 but the card I've seen is 7.1. Can you still use 5.1 speakers with a 7.1 card?

The card:Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1 http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SC-040-CL

I'm not sure if I want to spend £100 on a set if speakers so I've been looking at http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-093-CL&groupid=702&catid=22&subcat=165

What benefit would I gain by spending more on speakers?

Will the sound card have software that will act as a graphic equalizer?

How will the speakers connect to the sound card? i.e. will there be a separate connector for each set of speakers?

Cheers

 

[AgedIdiot]

Can you still use 5.1 speakers with a 7.1 card?

Yes - I have

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SC-043-CL&groupid=701&catid=11&subcat=
with
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SP-046-LG

and have been very pleased with clarity etc of the combo.(after turning bass down a tad)

I moved up from Creative P5800 5.1 set , which were similar in spec to the one your looking at , and noticed a massive improvement in sounds both in music and games

I have no expierence of the card you've listed so it would be wrong for me to try and compare ; I am sure someone else can oblige.