[enoctis]

Possibly cheap...

Your sound quality is not derived from your stereo equipment if it's running through your computer. I have my home stereo setup so that I can listen to any form of media; including my PC. Either way you decide to go, you're going to end up buying an amplifier because a PC doesn't generate enough wattage to power large speakers. It will cost about the same no matter which route you venture.

Since we've established that the cost will be the same either way, I strongly suggest getting the system you want, but making sure that you can set it up to your PC as well. This can easily be accomplished by purchasing an amplifier that has RCA inputs (red & white input jacks). A system like this can be identified without having to open the box or look at the unit. If the unit is only an amplifier/radio but has buttons to choose your input source (e.g. DVD, VCR, TV, Aux., etc.) then it has RCA jacks.

Then all you need is a "Mini to RCA" (mini being the small headphone plug) cord. Plug the RCA ends into the amplifier and the mini end into your headphone jack on your PC.

It would also be very beneficial if your PC had a graphic equalizer. If not, I would purchase one. If you're using an external graphic equalizer, run the RCA plugs to the equalizer instead of the amplifier, then run a set of "Male to Male" RCA plugs from the equalizer to the amplifier.

Hope this helps

 

[enoctis]

Another thing...

You said you get horrible reception where you live, right? Just about any system that you would purchase with RCA inputs will require an FM antenna. It may or may not come with one; check. If it comes with a basic single-wire antenna, it would be to your advantage to purchase a 2-wire.

Talk to the sales guy in the electronics department of whichever store you choose to purchase from; he'll know what I'm talking about. It comes in the shape of a "T". After connecting the U-clips to the FM connector on the unit, run the base of the "T" straight up your wall, and then along the ceiling run the 2 ends of the "T" in opposite directions (to, obviously, form a "T").

This will drastically improve your FM reception!