I am having trouble getting sound out of my computer and into my stereo.
I get a loud hum that drowns out the music (the music is audible).

The box is running Esound, to which I connect over my wireless network using the WinAmp esound plugin.

The box has a K-2 450 MHz and is running debain testing with a 2.4.18 kernel.
The soundcard is an onboard C-Media 8139 and I am using ALSA.
The connection is a shielded, gold plated RCA single male to double RCA male cable plugged into the CD connection to my JVC reciever.

The clerk at Best Buy told me that the cable wouldn't work, as it was meant for iPods and potable MP3 players, and the computer soundcard had insufficient voltage (which didnt make alot of sense, since I don't believe there is much voltage coming out of a portable MP3 player).

Do I need a PCI soundcard instead? or is there a way to get my setup to work?

Any help would be appreciated.

It's not static so much as a 'hum'.
Through more googling (didn't think to use 'hum' as a search term), I think its the 60 Hz AC power signal from the computer getting into the stereo.

One solution appears to be using a transformer to match the impedance.
Does anyone have any experince with this product:
Radio Shack Transformer

Or should I search for a better solution (use a PCI soundcard perhaps?)

I dont mind putting a few bucks into this solution, but I dont want to spend a ton of $.
(If I am wrong please correct me!)

Solved!

Ground Loop Isolater works great!

(and the Best Buy dude wanted me to buy a external soundcard - ha!)

Nice work fatman and thanks for posting back with what worked for you -- J.W.