Blackbird there are alot of differences in quality of speakers. I have a Sony 5.1 system (450w), a Logitech z680 (400w), and a Bose 5.1 system. I'll tell you the sony and logitech is no where sound as good as the bose. The bose gives more crystal sound. If you happen to listen to opera music (Mozart, Beethoven) you will feel like you're in the concert itself lol. $50 won't get you anything with quality for 5.1 really unless you find someone that just want to get rid of their stuff and doesn't know values of the item. Like my uncle bought a really decent 5.1 Logitech 640 from someone on local ad for only $50 while it worth voer $100 =). If i was you i rather save up some more money and get something better (around $100-150) You should look into logitech z5500 sometime it would go as low as $150 with rebates and stuff.