so would I just need a 3.5mm jack to phono cable going from line out on the e5 straight to an amp to power the speakers?

  still can't make my mind up. just wondering, is it possible to connect my sound blaster e5 to an amp via the optical out? this would save me selling my e5 and spending more than i need to if i can just hook it up to an amp. i was looking at the emotiva amps you recommended but can't see an...

just remembered - i was looking at the marantz pm 7005 last week but don't know if its worth spending the extra money. it does have more power for speakers though. 

thanks for all the replies guys. i think i'm going to end up going with the teac ai 310 da. although something with a little more power for the speakers would be better.  i am pretty new to all this and still learning, but we'll see.  will report back.

thanks mate, thought that might be the case.  i was hoping for an all in one solution but i guess i'll have to start looking for an amp. any suggestions for a good dac/amp and speaker amp combo for my desktop?

hi all, new member here but long time lurker. so, i'm just a bit confused with what to do with my desktop setup. currently have a pair of fidelio x2's running from a soundblaster e5. love the headphones but the e5 has to go as i am looking at also buying a pair of elac b6 debut or kef q100...

hi all just joined forum but been a lurker for a few years. thought i'd introduce myself before i start posting questions about buying a new desktop setup.