all, thanks for the help and setting me off on the course toward audio perfection. yes, perfection. i demand nothing less!

i have taken the plunge away from my TV speakers. what i ended up with:

• Emotiva UPA-2 (http://emotiva.com/upa2.shtm)
• M-Audio 2496 sound card for RCA out straight to amp (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Audiophile2496.html)
• Those blasted Sierra-1s. Too pretty to ignore, plus I won't be in this huge room forever!

I am poor. Thanks for all the tips. Will be back after I'm set-up!