Good Lord, im almost touched by the fact you've started a thread specifically to address me! Apologies if i went a bit off topic in that thread - ive had a drink, but i guess thats no excuse LOL! re squeezebox etc...I've a lot to learn about sch things. What i like about the pc is that ive got the screen to use to select songs/make playlists. i wouldnt have that with a squeezebox would i...? My initial plan was to, as i said, i think, to upgrade my leads and interconnect, then get a sound card. However, one idea im keeping in mind for the future is to build a pc optimised for audio reproduction, but still capable of day to day computing tasks as such, if you see what i mean. im inspired by a thread here somewhere by someone who made a media centre pc. of course, mine would be a bit diferent, as itd be a pc optimised for music, rather than a pure media server. Another idea was to get a laptop that can handle my internet requirements, and upgrade my curent pc to do the music server job. these ideas are inspired by the fact that i like having my music on screen (long term id like to have it linked to an lcd with vista OS so as to operate music from the couch as im a lazy beggar - preferably a remote capable of fulfilling as many functions as possible), plus limited space in my box of a flat (cant have a dedicated hifi rack - amp lives on a shelf on a desk under my printer). Im sure ive missed plenty out but, anyway, many thanks for the interest, i look forward to hearing your thoughts.