Fiddle,
You don't mention your Mac setup. If you have the latest BIAB with real tracks and Garageband on
your MacBook you can do some pretty nice home recordings and jamming. I use a M-Audio interface to record sax or vocals into Garageband and then mix.
That's my setup and I play it through either a PA or high powered Onkyo stereo system
with floor speakers with 12" woofers.
You mention that you are not a professional musician so this type of set up should do you well.
I am a professional and I find few things to quibble about with this setup both at home and playing gigs.

Ernie