ok, well that's a **** load of info. so let me try to sort things out.

1) the info i got on the polks are that they are series 4-5020. i googled and didn't find anything. but i also got the info on the speakers and tweeters, they are 6.5" woofers. http://www.parts-express.com/wizards...AT&srchCat=488 on this page there are a whole lot of options for replacements speakers with a wide range of prices and lots of good reviews. it seems like i can get a decent set of replacement speakers for around $100. additionally, i found out one tweeter is bad. but those are additionally fairly cheap. so unless i'm mistaken i can rebuild these speakers from anywhere from about $70 and up. but i also need an amp. can that sony sub i linked to power the speakers? if not, i have a sony receiver i can get my hands on. i'm not sure if this is useful or not, but i'd imagine i could use the receiver to power the speakers and then i could run my laptop output to the receivers input. so unless i'm mistaken again, i could rebuild these speakers for $200 with quality speakers, i've got the receiver to power everything. i'd imagine the polks would put out decent sound without a sub, and then if/when i want to upgrade i can add a sub.

so i'm not trying to ignore all of your advice, i'm just curious if this is an ok option or if not why it isn't.

2) what is a DAC and why do i need it?

3) i'm kind of hesitant to go for a regular computer speaker system. they seem to be fairly limited in upgradeability and if they break you're kinda out of luck.

4) those audio engine speakers look good, i don't need an amp (correct?) and i can always add the sub later. but for around the same price i can rebuild my polks. will the polks be better quality or is it just a better idea to get the audio engines?

as far as money and space, its more of a limit i'm putting on myself. i've get much more than my $200 budget, but i'd rather start with something that will be better than i have with the option of upgradeability. space is a minor concern for now, but next year i'll have my own room in a house, and either way i doubt i'll be getting a sub so big i can't fit it in my dorm anyway.

and again i'm not trying to disregard all of your opinions. that was just a ****load of info and i'm just trying to understand everything and make sure i'm making the right choice.

also, i'm typically an ebay/craigslist scavenger so i have no problem going used, i just don't know where to start.