Cable help for a beginner--5.1 speaker system

[LivngLifeless9]

Hey everyone!
 
So I'm about ready to get some new speakers for my computer now, (and possibly for later use on a personal entertainment area) yet I'm having some trouble figuring what cables would be appropriate. The speaker system is http://www.amazon.com/Audio-EXMS581-Surround-Speakers-System/dp/B00ALXZGIM/ref=zg_bs_tab_pd_bsnr_1 from a company that does have history, yet searching for reviews comes up short(I'm still optimistic that they will sound great for the money). With this I am also looking to purchase http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Soundblaster-Surround-System-SB1095/dp/B0044DEDCA/ref=cm_cd_ql_qh_dp_t as my current computer has a relatively old/useless sound card. Unfortunately, the speaker system has only RCA connections, so what I think I need is a RCA to RCA (front), RCA to "rear" (rear/side), RCA to "center/sub" (center and sub). However I cannot find a cable specific to RCA to rear or RCA to c/sub. So my question is: are the "rear" and "c/sub" connections specific (where can I find these?), or could a RCA to 3.5mm be used in place? 
 
If you have any other system setups you would recommend I would be happy to hear them, but please keep in mind that I'm going for a <$200 setup.
 
Thanks.

 

[deadlylover]

Hey,
 
I believe you can use the Stereo 3.5mm to 2x RCA no problems.

 

[billybob_jcv]

I think we need to back-up and go over a few basics. That speaker system seems to have the 5 satellite speakers (front, center, rear) connect to the combination subwoofer/amplifier/control unit via individual RCA jacks. Is this correct? And, is the *input* to the speaker control unit also via a set of RCA jacks? The Amazon page says something about the speaker system also having a USB connection - can it connect directly to your computer via USB? If it can, then maybe you don't need the Creative X-Fi 5.1? If the speaker control unit does not connect to your computer via USB, and it does have a set of 6 RCA jacks for input, then you would connect the outputs of the X-Fi to the speaker control unit inputs.

The X-Fi has a combination of RCA and 1/8" mini jacks for output. Assuming all the inputs on the speaker control unit are RCA, then it would go:

Front Left: X-Fi RCA -> Speaker Control Unit Front Left RCA (any RCA-RCA cable can be used)
Front Right: X-Fi RCA -> Speaker Control Unit Front Right RCA (any RCA-RCA cable can be used)
Center: One channel of the X-Fi C/Sub mini-jack -> Speaker Control Unit Center RCA (you need a stereo mini-jack to stereo RCA cable)
Sub: Second channel of the X-Fi C/Sub mini-jack -> Speaker Control Unit Sub RCA (covered by the cable above)
Rear Left: One channel of the X-Fi Rear mini-jack -> Speaker Control Unit Rear Left RCA (you need a stereo mini-jack to stereo RCA cable)
Rear Right: Second channel of the X-Fi Rear mini-jack -> Speaker Control Unit Rear Right RCA (covered by the cable above)

I don't know which side of the X-Fi mini-jacks used by the C/Sub and Rear needs to go where - you would need to check the X-Fi manual for that.

 

[LivngLifeless9]

@deadly
That's what I figured after a bit more digging, but thanks for the reply! 
 
@billybob
The system is 5.1, front, rear, center, which all connect to the back of the sub. All input/outputs on the system are RCA. However, the USB on the speaker system is for I believe just flash drives. So you would load music on the drive and plug it in, and you would be able to switch through the songs from the simple interface on the sub.
 
I've got all the cables I need, so I'm pretty sure I know how to set this up now. Thanks so much

 

[tjohnusa]

The item is available straight from the distributer for $109 / free shipping.....no manual available online so good luck with it...also the adaptor cables you need are included. Let us know how it sounds.