You are right. Computer audio is a frustrating learning curve. You read, read, and read, and teach yourself. You ask questions online and hope for good answers. Then comes the "trying it for yourself" part. If the results aren't good you read more and ask more questions in the forums. It goes on... More trial and error.. You may not get the sound you want,or you might.
Someone needs to publish a book "Computer Audio For Dummies."