what i find is folks like to spend a lot on too good of a set-up. then never really get a chance to let it lose to do all it can.
i have a 2.1 set-up i bought a long time ago that is too much for the house. i can't really crank it up without bugging everyone else in the house and possibly my neighbors lol.
think i might have paid $40 when i got them but its been a while so can't recall fully
Altec ACS 45.1 - speaker(s) overview and full product specs on CNET.
www.cnet.com
unless you live alone on a farm with no one around for miles, don't bother spending crazy money on sound. others in the house and those close by (especially if you're in an apartment/dorm type arrangement) will never let you fully use that expensive set-up anyway!!
a decent $40-50 kit should more than ample for the average user.