X-230 from logitech are like 40 and are very good speakers for the price. I couldn't believe so the sound for so little cost. It's about 70 to go up to the X-530 which are just the 5.1 version of the X-230s.
Personally I use Z-5300s and love em, but they're above your budget by a bit, I tihnk.
$90 Creative Inspire P7800 7.1 vs. $60 Logitech X-530 vs. $134 Logitech THX Z-5300e
Which is the best cause the 5300e stomps them both for sub power but overall I dunno how huge of a difference they make over the others in everything else.
I'm in the same boat as the OP. Looking for a cheap 2.1 solution for use with an xbox 360. I have the z-5300s for my pc and they freakin rock. Unfortunately my 360 is another location so I need some new speakers. I hear every1 saying good things about the x-530. How about the x-230? Are they practically the same thing except 2 speakers instead of 5? I'd go with the surround sound but I don't have the space. So I'm really only looking at 2.1s. Would this be a good match? I can get them for 40 bucks delivered from techonweb.com. Anything else that can compete for 2.1 for around $50???
I got a set of Logitech's X-530 5.1 surround sound speakers and they are going to be here Wednesday. I bought mine from ebay for $49.95 with free shipping... I am upgrading from some 12" subs that have literally been taped back together. I am sure I will be amazed by these X-530's when I get them. I have read lots of reviews and none have complained about them so...