My first proper computer-audio setup

[sekh]

Hey folks,
 
I'm getting ready to put together my first high-ish fidelity 2.0 (and eventually 2.1) setup for at-computer listening of music and the odd movie.
 
I am currently running an early-nineties Technics Amp via onboard soundcard which powers either my Audio Technica ATH-M50s or some very large speakers from the eighties with 10-12" woofers on them.
 
I'm looking to move to something a little more compact. It was suggested that I purchase a Nuforce Icon2 and some Carnival 2's which should provide greater sound quality in a smaller package. These both nicely into what I was hoping to spend in terms of an amp and speakers.
 
My first question is: is this a good setup? I like that I'm able to add a subwoofer at a later date if necessary and that I don't have to buy a separate pcie soundcard which would eat into my amp budget.
 
The other question is: I have an old Kenwood KA-5700 amp from the mid 70s sitting on the shelf. Would you recommend I use this instead of the Icon2 for amplification - perhaps get a dedicated (and cheaper) DAC or pcie soundcard but buy the same speakers or something similar?
 
I'm a total noob when it comes to this stuff so any help would be appreciated. Thanks a bunch in advance.
 
Cheers!
 
//Edit I wouldn't mind spending a bit more and getting some floorstanding speakers if they had a small footprint.

 

[trog]

Nope NuForce amps are overpriced and if u thinking on a start up decent amp + passive speakers i would either go T-amps or used vintage/classics like NAD amps, etc

You can try that Kenwood and audition some speakers u fancy in shops, etc within your means With no frills stereo amps u have one set speaker out or no sub out so one would typically connect a sub via high level input to sub using speaker wire