I just want a solution that gives me the same functionality (or anything near it) on my PC without using the empeg.

Have you thought about simply plugging your empeg into the "Line In" jack on your PC?

That's what I've been doing ever since I got the empeg. I take it between my desk at home, my car, and my desk at work. That way, I'm listening to the same playlists and music all day wherever I go. Also, it allows me to mix my music with the PC's sounds so I can still hear my e-mail notification sound even though music is playing. And by scrounging an extra power supply for it, I can do this without needing to transport a power supply back and forth.

The player was designed to work this way. I much prefer using the empeg to play and manage my music than any PC program.