I was using SB Audigy 2 for quite a long time, and was happy with it, but after I purchased a more "serious" speaker set (2xAudio Pro EVO 50 floor speakers, Audio Pro Sub 8 and a Yamaha RX-V359 reciever, to be precise) I was thinking of buying a better sound card (as Audigy is mostly targeted at gamers). I am looking for a not-very-expensive sound card that is:
- Fully supported by ALSA
- Sounds good (music/movies)
- Can do 5.1
- Has a hardware mixer
- Has digital output (preferably coax, but optical will also do)
- Costs less than or equal to $150
Are there any cards that meet these criteria? I would be glad to hear your opinions and suggestions.