Yes I got the quality part, as for my monitor I use it mainly for watching movies I have a 2nd one 18' that I use primary for internet, word-processing etc.
I know that Creative do pretty good speakers ( Creative GigaWorks T3 2.1-CH PC multimedia speaker sys - 80 Watt $250), as do Bose (Companion 20 $400), but it all comes down to aesthetics plus ease of use, do you need a remote control or an attached controller, no controller just an on/off switch with volume control at the back of the speaker?
As to how my speakers are positioned;
I have the sub woofer to the right of my chair under the desk. (my desk is comprised of 2 glass tops 1 is about 1 metre long while the other is 1.5 metres my wall is just under 3 metres long)
I have shelves at the top there are 2 speakers 1 at each corner & a middle speaker in the middle, on my desk another 2 speakers L/R on my desk.
At my rear I have 2 speakers mounted on the wall corners wires going through the ceiling.
I don't have the sub woofer on my table no space, as I have my monitors,computer case,printer,amplifier/receiver,scanner, plus other items.
As for the fffsssss sound I believe this has been fixed with modern speaker systems, could be sound card related to.
Whichever brand you decide on if you are paying the big $$$$ you should get good quality plus if it does play up you still have your warranty
Ben..