Yes, that is correct. In some instances even, you won't hear much improvement over integrated because the speakers themselves aren't good enough, so don't get an el cheapo set of 5.1 speakers either. I recommend the following sets:
In order of increasing price:
Logitech X-30 (if you can find it) or X-540
CreAtive T-6100
Logitech G-51
Logitech Z-5300e
Logitech Z-5500 (pricey)
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