Do sound cards drive speakers?

[Rednite]

I have been reading the reviews of several sound cards. I have not been able to find out if the sound cards have enough output to drive speakers or, as I suspect, you need a separate amplifer/receiver to drive the speakers.
If that is the case then it would seen the amp would have as much impact on the quality of the sound as the sound card. Also some amps may would better with some cards than others?
So, do I need a sound card and an amp/receiver?

Rednite

 

[The Best Alias]

Most soundcards can drive a tiny pair of speakers or headphones. Most PC speaker sets are self powered. If you're like me, you'll step up to the pump and get a good DAC, power amp, and speakers.