How To Get 5.1 Audio Out!, What card? What monitor setup? Options

[DigitalAssault]

Hey everyone! I recently purchased a dual 1.8 G5 tower strictly for music... I have been a PC user in the past but there were too many distractions so I am getting an audio production only machine.

My question is... What would you suggest for a solution to output 5.1 audio on the G5? Is there a particular internal card or external box you would suggest? What about a good audio monitoring package?

My major concern is not cost. Like most of us here, my main concern is longterm reliability and support for the products.

Also, I have used Cubase previously and was thinking about moving to Logic Pro (Apples all out support can't be a bad thing!). Can I use Logic to program my tracks for 5.1? Is Cubase SX3 a viable option vs Logic Pro 7 anymore?

I generally produce on my own: dance, triphop and chillout music. No big recording sessions with a band scheduled any time soon!

(Also, I am only inputting via Midi (usb is fine for that) and need some basic audio in functionality for sampling from my records and a real synth now and then.)

Any suggestions would be greatly appriciated! I realise this is a big question so thanks in advance for your help! Your advice does make a difference!