Need Help Starting from Scratch

Definitely audition speakers yourself! That is the most important choice. Once you choose speakers that you like, you can seek advice on what amplifier mates best with those speakers, etc. Choose speakers that are appropriate to your room size (likely bookshelf size) and musical tastes (they should be able to rock, but have good midrange presentation). Then go from there. In my mind, there are some big bang/for/buck products, including the Odysey Stratos amplifier, maybe the Music Streamer, perhaps the Lightspeed Preamp (I've never heard it, but check out the agon thread), the ERA bookshelf speakers). Let us know what you come up with.

OK - it looks like a computer is your preferred source. You'll definitely need a DAC. What type of digital out does your computer provide (coax SPDF, optical, USB, firewire)? You'll want to choose a DAC that makes optimal use of your computer out. The first two output formats are easier to get "right" than USB, but USB can be excellent when done right. To get good USB output, you want to choose an "asynchronous" DAC, which range in price from $350 (Music Streamer 2+) to thousands, or get an asynchronous USB/SPDF converter (e.g. Empirical Audio Offramp, likely outside of your budget). If your computer outputs either of the first two formats listed, you can choose from many standard non-USB DACs.

I think you should limit yourself to the following setup choices:

Computer -> DAC -> integrated amp -> speakers

Computer -> DAC -> powered speakers (with volume control)

Computer -> DAC/Preamp -> amp -> speakers

Computer -> DAC/Preamp -> powered speakers (V control not needed)

I personally wouldn't buy a receiver or integrated with an internal DAC, except for the Decco mentioned above, but that doesn't have a very good amplifier, so I wouldn't do that unless I wanted to add an external amp to that!

There are a few good DAC/Preamps out there. The Benchmark is one of them, but there are others. You want to choose one with a very good volume control.

I've heard good things about that Music Streamer 2+, and would be tempted to get that plus a conventional integrated and speakers, or the Benchmark plus a warm sounding amp and speakers (I think the Benchmark, especially in earlier version, could sound a bit analytical).

My exposures to Tylers have been very favorable. My exposure to the amplifier in the Decco (which is solid state, the preamp is tube) was just OK, nothing to really get excited about. If you're going to get a Decco, consider trying it with external amps to see what it can really do. Just my 2 cents.

I would go the opposite direction, and try to somehow borrow a better amplifier and hear what the system can do with it in the chain. If insignicant, great. If significant, try to find a really good deal on an amp to add to the system (cosmetically challenged amp, why not - who looks at a black box!).

Anyhow - good luck. You're assembly some high quality components, and you should be pretty set with your PC source.