I am looking to build an HTPC using a ubuntu derivative OS, and I was curious about drivers. I know sound card drivers are hit and miss, and I was hoping someone might be able to either recommend me an excellent sound card that is compatible with linux, or approve the sound card I would like to get with my HTPC.

I would like to buy an ASUS sound card, because the advertised SNR, bit rate, and features on this card are very good for the price:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16829132053

The features I really want in a sound card are support for 5.1 and 7.1 channels, 3d sound effects for movies mostly, and some basic functionality for audio recording and sound mixing (if I ever decide to do that kind of thing). Your thoughts and suggestions would be very much appreciated, thank you!

EDIT:

I should add that the sound card must be low profile ready and PCIE in order to be compatible with the rest of my hardware. Thank you!

There are some kernel compatibility lists online?!

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...rd-4175493477/

First choose a card for you and than search online if it is comaptible. Once owned, test different distros with unetbootin prepared usb for best results.

Most integrated audio seems to be snd-hda-intel these days and works out of the box (or eventually as the kernel improves). Otherwise a usb soundcard can be a way to get what you want without worrying about these things. Plus a few extra input/output options. Some have analog knobs for volume control, mute buttons, and other perks. Plus the extra cable length of the usb helps keep your short cable ear buds in your ears.

I really haven't had audio issues for linux in years. Outside of the crazy EQ on some chipsets with boomy base and boosted treble to help gamers out, or favor cheap headsets. And some extra configuration to tell it which audio device to use, since your motherboard, video card, webcam, and who knows what else seems to have a soundcard of some sort. Granted that the webcam is audio input only, the video card is likely audio over HDMI, and other quirks. It's not always easy to get the configuration your want, but I've found it possible in most cases.