That's a very different card than the X-Fi Xtreme Audio that you mentioned before
It's important to use the correct names and model numbers so that we're all on the same page
Anywho, the advice still stands. Unless you're using the analogue outputs, there's no need for the Sound Blaster card. Using the optical digital output will bypass everything that a sound card would do to the sound. You just get the pure, digital audio signal coming out. Then it's up to the AV Receiver to do the audio processing and digital to analogue conversion.
So, as we've repeated, if you want to use your Sound Blaster card, then you'll want to get some self-powered speakers and you will NOT need any AV Receiver. So if you're using your Sound Blaster card, self-powered speakers and a subwoofer are all you're after.
If you want to use an AV Receiver, return the Sound Blaster card. You don't need it. Use the optical digital output on your motherboard. Then get a pair of passive speakers. And you'll still need the same subwoofer
Since speaker grills are important to you, the AV Receiver, passive speakers, and subwoofer combo are the way to go. Not saying the Sound Blaster card isn't good. You just don't need it with this setup! So why waste the money, right?
