Thanks for all the info! Having looked into it a few more days, I think that I'm gonna give the 5.1 Ultras a shot afterall. Like many have said here, I don't think I'm gonna find a better set-up unless I want to go ahead and spend several times as much. (Promedia systems selling for $200 on eBay).
The sub/amp problems are probally not as bad as I had thought initially, considering that the owners of ones that DO work just fine are probably alot less likely to bother making comments about it. And with the money I'd be saving I could afford to get the sub fixed a few times anyway..
I can look forward to upgrading in the future once i get out of college and start making some real $$$.