okay cheif, I'm going to be honest. All that money you saved by haveing a computer replace most of the hardware, ought really be spent on monitors and soundcard. Bluesky media are nice, but pricier then some, I really recommend just hitting the listening area with a few REALLY familiar cd's made commercially, and listen to them on everything you can. I know some people who think it's more realistic to have a bookshelf system because that's what people have, thus it transfers good to their system. I figure it IS about haveing it transfer good between systems, so I say maybe get some mid price monitors and keep the home stereo handy, and the ipod, and the car stereo, and.yah. Anyone who tells you to get 'this brand' is bull, you know you can't trust others ears for your sound;) I know you know this stuff, but your asking, so maybe to hear it again is good? Good luck hunting, don't forget to rest your ears lots between listens:)
Wyle E.