help with audio set up

Hi guys,


I would like to be pointed in the right direction so I can do some research and find the best solution. From where I am now the amount of information available is overwhelming and I need some help getting started.


For the past 15 years I used a NAD 2400 with a NAD pre-amp, two boston acoustics floor speakers (VR something, for the life of me I cannot remember the model number and I am not at home right now. I think they are VR6 or 7, anyway, boston acoustics floor speakers with no amplification of their own).


Well, my NAD went bad a few days ago. It would cost me like $200 to get it fixed, so I am thinking about upgrading to something different with center channel, rear speakers and (maybe) a sub.


Most of what I watch is satellite TV, I listen to satellite radio (XM on directv), I watch some football and occasionally movies.


I am thinking about setting up a HTPC and buy a 5 or 7 channel amplifier. Initially I would use the PC only for sound processing, not video stuff. Would that be all I need given that the audio processing would be done by the PC sound card? Would that be a good configuration or I am going the wrong direction?


I really enjoyed my NAD and I have a budget which I would say is between $500 and $1000 for the amplifier, center and rear speakers and computer sound card. I am planning on buying everything used on ebay, so hopefully $1000 can get something decent considering that I already have the main speakers.


I am very interested in your opinion so I know which way to go. I don’t understand exactly how an HTPC can work as a sound processor for surround but before I start digging in I would like to know if it is a good way to go or if I should just get an HT receiver and get it done that way.


Thanks a lot guys and Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays, whichever you prefer )