any decent powered speakers?

Rsbeck, I currently have two systems in my house. I have a dedicated two channel system in my office (NAD electronics and B&W 201i speakers), which is where my computer is. My computer is connected to a wireless network in our house using Microsoft network adapters.

I have a 5.1 system in the living room (Integra receiver and PSB speakers). This receiver also powers a second zone in the kitchen with a pair of Paradigm Atoms on top of the cabinets. I have a Creative Soundblaster wireless music receiver (c. US$250) connected to the Integra receiver. This lets me play mp3s from my computer over the wireless network. It connects to the Integra using regular RCA cables. I could also use a digital cable and the Integra's DACs, which would probably sound a bit better, but the Integra won't run two zones with a digital input for some reason. Now, the quality isn't all that great, but it's fine for when I'm working in the kitchen or something. And most of the serious listening happens upstairs on my two-channel system anyway. But it saves from having to shuffle CDs all over the house, because I can access everything over the network.

The trouble is that the system is too complicated for my girlfriend to use. She used to listen to music while she cooked, but she told me yesterday that she finds this system too complicated. So I'm thinking of a simple little system for the kitchen...just a Creative Soundblaster wireless receiver and a pair of powered speakers.

Good lord, I'm long winded this morning! :-)

Sounds like we have similar situations. The Soundblaster system has trouble with files that are ripped at high bitrates; it just won't play them. This is discussed on their website, where I think they recommended a bitrate no higher than 192. Also, I think the files have to be mp3 or windows media. So for this system, you have to sacrifice some audio quality. However, as I use it just for background music while doing dishes and whatnot, I find it acceptable.

Actually I like the system quite a bit. It's great to be able to access your entire collection. Also, the remote control is radio frequency, which means I can control the unit, which is in the living room, from the kitchen or wherever else I happen to be. The remote also has volume control, which is handy. We're doing lots of work around the house these days (painting, etc), and it's been great for that.

But it's definitely not an audiophile system. For serious listening, I use my dedicated two channel system.

I think there are other solutions, such as using the Turtle Beach system with a wireless bridge, but I don't know much about them.

I'm happy to answer any other questions that you may have.