Deringer, could you clarify exactly what you're trying to do? Are you seeking a decent set of speakers for your computer so you can listen to music while using your computer, or do you want to use the computer as a front-end to a larger 2-channel rig? I would suggest a different approach for each of these two possible goals.
1) Good computer sound: Look into some of the active speakers (check the archives for some suggestions). Alternatively, consider a small integrated amp, such as a Creek, powering small monitors.
2) Computer as front-end for other rig: Get an external DAC, with at least coax + Toslink digital inputs (virtually all soundcards have at least one of those), and preferably USB inputs. This DAC will send its output to your rig. You will then need to look into music management software (iTunes, Slimserver, MediaMonkey, etc) to provide easy access to the music.
I hope that helps.
Michael
1) Good computer sound: Look into some of the active speakers (check the archives for some suggestions). Alternatively, consider a small integrated amp, such as a Creek, powering small monitors.
2) Computer as front-end for other rig: Get an external DAC, with at least coax + Toslink digital inputs (virtually all soundcards have at least one of those), and preferably USB inputs. This DAC will send its output to your rig. You will then need to look into music management software (iTunes, Slimserver, MediaMonkey, etc) to provide easy access to the music.
I hope that helps.
Michael