Post recording setup advice

["Dale Hoffman" dale40203]

Hello,

I've been feeding my recorder signal through an old stereo receiver 
and from there to an M-Audio FireWire Audiophile digitizer by way of 
the receivers phone jack.

My receiver's controls are accessed through a remote which is clumsy. 
I'm getting tired of this setup and wonder if I need something like a 
preamplifier? The catalogs show mixers and workstations, and have me 
confused not to mention concerned about cost.
What do I look for?

I'd like to side step the Receiver amp completely except for playback 
through the attached speakers.
Any advice or direction appreciated.

Thanks,
Dale Hoffman