Sound cards - external - compatibility

[William]

I have good (but not Klipsch  ) 2.1 speakers but can't find a decent 2.1 sound card. I want to upgrade from on-board audio and am only interested in music - not video or games.

All the current sound cards are 5.1 and up. Can I use my 2.1 speakers with, for example, the Creative Sound Blaster Live - 24bit External 5.1 Sound Card?

I suppose I'm asking does 5.1 mean up to 5.1?

[Xbandito]

In a simple word "yes", you can use 2.1 speakers with a 5.1 or 7.1 sound card.
(though 5.1 speaker sets are dropping in price "like a stone" )

[William]

Thanks for that.

Am I right in thinking that, for music, 5.1 speakers wouldn't add anything to the 'listening experience'? Can't believe I just used that phrase 

[Xbandito]

5.1 speakers "seem" louder and clearer (to me anyway) than 2.1 and I use them for online games, makes a world of difference when you can here someone sneaking up behind you and know what direction they are coming from 

[MoHux]

5.1 speakers "seem" louder and clearer (to me anyway) than 2.1 and I use them for online games, makes a world of difference when you can here someone sneaking up behind you and know what direction they are coming from 

It'll probably be the wife, come to give you an earbashing to turn it off!!!