dell xps with bad audio output ??? u mean quality or the volume ??
xps are supposed to have good audio as far i know..
also 50k wud be decent enough for stereo setup..
get an amp and pair of BS as u mentioned 12x12.. and connect your laptop.. that wud do ..
Dell xps 1330 has a very low volume to even access the quality.
for now want to buy a amp and 2.1 channel ... i might change once i go for a few auditions, lets see!