Can anyone recommend a good soundcard?
 

I currently have a PCI express Creative soundcard in my PC, it doesn't work at all with Linux, so I am considering changing it for another one.

It has to support SPDIF output as it's connected to my surround amp. I have heard M-Audio cards are widely supported, but is that the entire range of them or should I choose a particular model?

I mainly use Ubuntu based distro's...

Many thanks,

Richie

The ice1712 driver is used for sound cards that use the Envy24 chipset. These include several models from Terratec and M-Audio (formerly Midiman). Such cards are generally professional quality multi-track sound cards.

Supported card listing..
http://alsa.opensrc.org/index.php/Sound_cards

If you are planning to setup a Home based recording studio, then I would say you should definitely go with something from M-Audio..