Ultimate audio equipment?

Please see my post in General PC: http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.p...hreadid=260214

I really need some advice on the ultimate audio system for my new system.

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-7NNXP
CPU: AMD XP 3200
Memory: 1024Mb DDR PC3200 Kingston
Graphics: Nvidia Geforce III Ti500 (don't laugh, they are ample for my needs! :D )
Sound: <YOU DECIDE>
Speakers: <YOU DECIDE>
Hard Disk: Ultra3 160 200Gb SCSI
Peripherals: DVD-RW/CD-RW/DAT3
Monitor: 19" LG Flatron TFT

I only have a crappy SB 5.1 Live and SB310 speakers at the mo, and really want to upgrade to a stunning audio system, but can't decide...

The 7NNXP mobo has 6.1 channel surround sound AC97, but I don't know how that compares to something like an Audigy II Platinum Ex?

Any help will be much appreciated.

Cheers...