Audio using home computer


I have a dell desk top computer. I use iTunes to organize my music. Currently I listen to the music on the Harman Kardon speakers that came with the computer. I'm ready to invest in some high end equipment. Is there equipment out there that interfaces with a computer so that you can store CDs on a harddrive and download music from the internet (iTunes)? I want to use this in my office at home. Any suggestions or places to look?

Peter
mknabebd83
Peter,
Try to post your question under PC Audio forum to get more responses.
Cheers.
If your computer has a digital output, you can get an inexpensive Home Theater receiver and go into it's digital input and get the speakers you want. If no digital outs are present, you can take the mini-plug out that now goes to the HK speakers and use a converter to RCA then send the signal to any preamp and amp combination or receiver.
Here is an Audiogon link to a computer-based system that works well : http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vbudg&1132590092&read&3&4&
You should look at the Wavelength audio line of USB DAC's. Forget about using a soundcard, and feed iTunes out via USB to a compatible DAC.
Peter,
Suggest you check out the squeezebox here:

http://www.slimdevices.com/

Good luck!