A really primitive solution (as you might expect from a one-time GPO telecomms enginer) is to connect the audio output from your PC to the input of your home stereo system. Play the files on the PC and play the sound over the system, or record to tape (or whatever).
My audio system has a lot of processing adjustments I can make and produces excellent cassettes for use in my car which doesn't have a CD player or USB for my MP-3 player (don't laugh, it's a Ford).
Oh God, i'm so depressed. Brain the size of a planet and technology is passing me by.....