You are over thinking it.

"Most new record players come with a RIAA amp" Well no, the USB ones do, the DJ ones mostly don't. If you get something in the way of lets say a vestax handy traxx, then yes it has volume control on it. I would imagine there are other USB devices that also have it.

If you connect your TT to your sound card then, sure you can listen to music. Downside being the computer needs to be on when doing so, besides controlling volume from the software mixer in the computer is not all that fun. If you connect you active monitors to the TT, then you have to switch cables when you want to mix on the computer for example. That or have two pairs of monitors or a line switch.

This is all over thinking it...

Get a small mixer, plug in your computer and your TT into it and run the cables to the monitors. Now you can control volume and have all your devices connected always. And no need for the computer to be on if you want to listen to some records.

Savvy?

thanks for replying. I havent decided if Im getting a Dj turntable or a consumer one, any recommendations? If I get a small mixer to connect my TT and my soundcard will for example this one do the job?:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-502-Xenyx-mixer/dp/B000J5UEGQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1279356886&sr=8-3

thanks again

Yes, even that should do the trick

ok, one last question: if I get a this mixer and a Dj TT will I have to get a RIAA preamp as well? :s

No

ok, thanks