It seems like basically everyone uses HDMI for sound now, or just USB through a DAC. I never felt a need for more than a 2.1 setup and use Logitech G560s in one place and Kanto Yu6s with a sub for my office. Both systems are completely fine and require no thought or effort to set up or use. I've never thought I needed some skookum surround sound system for a computer, though.
I think if you want 5.1 you might want to just go through an amp and a set of passive speakers at whatever price-to-performance level you're after, because everything else will be a compromise.
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