I was toying around with the idea of building a system using my PC as the pre/pro. Run cables from my PC to an amp which powers the speakers. Does anybody know if this would work? I'm not sure if the soundcards outputs would work like pre-outs.

Go here: http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=16&product=14309

They tell you to hook it to a receiver, but a computer has volume controls and processing, so all I need is an amp right? Could somebody please correct me if I am wrong (with technical evidance from a reliable source).

If you have the pro i believe you have optical toslink, so i dont see why it wouldnt work, that sound card is amazing musta cost you a shiny nickel though. is it the Internal or external model?

I don't have one yet... I'm just looking into my options. It's $400. Weighing out my options to get the best sound for the buck.

Let's pretend this is what I go with (building a HTPC). What would be a good amp for a 5.1 setup?