Need some help... soundcard or something else?

[kaehyu]

Hello,

I've been thinking of getting a presonus firestudio or an alesis io 26 interface (I need the firewire connection) for my home recordings. However, as far as I know, these audio interfaces do not have 5.1 output. I was wondering if anyone else could confirm this?

If that was the case now, would it be better for me to get a higher end sound card or is there some kind of hardware "soundcard" for output (like audio interface is to soundcard input [for mic])? I am pretty sure there are controllers like so.. if someone could suggest something or tell me the term to get started on research, I'd be very grateful.

P.S. would there be such a thing as audio interface/"controller" hybrids for both mic input and speaker output? I'd much rather have that if that is the case.

 

[kaehyu]

Also, 5.1 speaker suggestions are very welcome as well

It's for my desktop.

 

[Alpha 1 Omega]

most recording class product only work in stereo.. you could just use a sound card or if the pc mother board supports optical out u could use 5.1 speakers with decoder on board..