The biggest problems with using a PC is the noise, When I was using my PC (I upgraded to an Aurrender and COULD NOT BE HAPPIER) the biggest issue was the noise form the power supplies and the crappy USB interface (USB sucks. Its for peripherals - not music). I got an ESI Juliet Sound Card and replaced the power supplies and it sounded good - but the ease of working it was annoying. You need to be a network admin to handle it. The Aurrender was a game changer for me. PCs suck for music. Leave them for work and get a real streamer.
Audio PC
How important is it to make sure an audio PC is built specifically for that purpose. Is cross talk between PC parts common in terms of creating noise that will be audible through monitors or headphones.
What steps would you guys reccomend to figure out if noise is being generated by components rather than a power outlet?
Is it very expensive to hire an electrician to install audio friendly outlets in your home/studio?