Take a look at some of these pre-amps for computers.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829102182
http://www.nextag.com/computer-preamp/search-html
Same here. I went from 17 hops to 14 with higher ping times and a different route! The test isn't smooth like it used to be either. It stops 2-4 times during the test. When it does that I close the tab until I get a test with out stopping.
Most if not all 2/2.1 systems the Sub Wolfer has an amp built nto it. You can get just desk top speakers with an amp in them. Here is an selection from Newegg.
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=60&name=Speakers