Need help with bookshelf speakers connected to computer.

[hdls]

From what I read you want to move away from "PC speakers", i.e. Logitech-style cheap systems, which means you aim to get better sound quality. If this is true, I would definitely include an external DAC to your system. One elegant option is to get an integrated amp which also has a good quality DAC - there are several examples but NAD developed one which got good reviews within its price range (e.g. NAD D 7050, $790 on Amazon). It will play pretty much anything from your computer, network, wired or wifi or bluetooth. Not sure about high resolution formats though.