Just a shot, but I sense you might like this idea, or maybe not. Since you have the computer, a simple way to get some nice sound without much fuss or cost is to get a relatively simple and excellent sounding external DAC, if you don't already have one, and plug it into some $400+ or so powered (active) monitors and you're all set. This way you don't have to rely on an old amp. The Audioquest Dragonfly DAC for $250 turns your computer into a top notch source, and would fit the bill perfectly, resulting in total upgraded component cost of under $700. Depending on what speakers you end up with, this could give you some pretty nice audio. I don't know that much about which exact active monitors would be best, but there's lots to choose from at this link for examples.

http://www.sweetwater.com/c405--Active_Monitors/low2high/pn2

Somebody around here probably knows what the good ones are.

Edit: I realize you didn't ask about a DAC, but if you are getting sound out of an audio jack on the computer and not via USB (or any other digital connection), then you are starting with a less than stellar sound from the start. If you are playing MP3's, there is no hope haha

http://www.highfidelityreview.com/ascend-acoustics-cmt-340-se.html

http://www.hometheatersound.com/equipment/ascend_cmt340se_cbm170se.htm

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/reviews/aa2007-04.pdf

I suggest the following:

Get a pair of Audioengine 2 powered speakers for $200, and add a subwoofer for the low end. No receiver needed.

The Audioengine 2 speakers are very good (see the Stereophile review here) and mine just sit on either side of my computer monitor.

I would recommend the Polk PSW 505 subwoofer, which has been under $200 recently and is quite adequate unless you want to blow the walls down.

I have these speakers and a Sony 2500 subwoofer (cheap) and the sub is fine for my setup, since my volume is never real loud.

If you really want to use the receiver, consider a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers, which are $350 per pair at Music Direct. They are very good (see Stereophile review).

commsysman wrote:

I suggest the following:

Get a pair of Audioengine 2 powered speakers for $200, and add a subwoofer for the low end. No receiver needed.

The Audioengine 2 speakers are very good (see the Stereophile review here) and mine just sit on either side of my computer monitor.

I would recommend the Polk PSW 505 subwoofer, which has been under $200 recently and is quite adequate unless you want to blow the walls down.

I have these speakers and a Sony 2500 subwoofer (cheap) and the sub is fine for my setup, since my volume is never real loud.

If you really want to use the receiver, consider a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers, which are $350 per pair at Music Direct. They are very good (see Stereophile review).

What do you mean about using a receiver? I'm also in the same shoes playing most of my music from my computer and wondering what equipment i should get. If I get the dragonfly DAC, can I use it with the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1?

I've read many reviews and the following speakers seem to stand out:

Boston Acoustics A26

Wharfedale Diamond 121

Q Acoustics 2020i

How do the Audioengines compare? Can all these speakers work with the DAC?

Tks alot.