I was intrigued and still am by direct control of quality
speakers from the soundcard.

That said, I'm still connected to a receiver amp called the
Yamaha RP U100. The Yam has a USB connection which allows control of
the unit from the PC via onscreen software from Yamaha.

I use audio streaming extensively especially for news. I am
not in an area where the Pacifica Network of 300 media outlets
has a free air outlet for news broadcasts such as Democracy Now.

That's just voice, but I also like to listen to Nevada classical
public radio in Wisconsin.

With the Winamp media player and its extensive plugins and
skins, a set of good powered monitors should be able to connect
directly to the PC setup.

I think that a PC Sound forum would be well received, but the topics
are covered in these other forums especially gainclone and
single driver and high eef speaks.

Here is my favorite spin on PC speaks from the transmission
line forum:

• Baby Snakes