External USB Audio card for Linux System

[fixxxera]

Can you point me to a good USB audio card in the $200-$300 price range that is know to work on linux?
I can go with a PCI substitute but i want to do it as a final option cause of the static noises. I am quite new at this so i dont know how to pick a good card.
Thanks in advance!
Edit: Playing flac files mostly, using direct alsa output to Sony 2x60W(analog) and 2 speakers JBL 60W, 4ohms each.

 

[liquidzoo]

Music only or gaming too?

Most/all of the USB sound devices should work. Some may have additional software that may not work, but the output itself should work.

Under $200:

Schiit Magni/Modi (this will be $200 + shipping)

Schiit Fulla

FiiO E10K

Creative Sound BlasterX G5

There are others, but that list should get you started.

Edit Changed FiiO A3 to E10K

 

[fixxxera]

Music only or gaming too?

Most/all of the USB sound devices should work. Some may have additional software that may not work, but the output itself should work.

Under $200:

Schiit Magni/Modi (this will be $200 + shipping)

Schiit Fulla

FiiO E10K

Creative Sound BlasterX G5

There are others, but that list should get you started.

Edit Changed FiiO A3 to E10K

I am a gamer but I care only for music output. Game sound doesn't impress me. Thanks for the suggestions. You say some stuff may not work, does that include EQ?

 

[liquidzoo]

I am a gamer but I care only for music output. Game sound doesn't impress me. Thanks for the suggestions. You say some stuff may not work, does that include EQ?

Anything that needs special software (like virtual surround) may not work unless there is a linux version of the control panel. That would only matter for the Creative or Xonar external sound cards, though. The stuff from Schiit or FiiO will use whatever EQ you already have and work just fine.

Note most of what I posted are headphone amps. Not sure how they'd do with speakers.

 

[cel4145]

E10K would work well for most people with a large majority of headphones. It has a dedicated line out, which helps with hooking up to powered speakers (or speaker amp) that have their own volume control. The volume control on the E10K would not adjust the speaker volume.

The Schiit Modi 2 is a good DAC, and you can get the Magni 2 Uber that has a pre-out for connecting speakers since then you can control the volume with it. The Modi/Magni would likely give you the best SQ in your budget range (or certainly, probably can't do better) and will drive even very difficult to drive headphones.

 

[Barfoos]

The ODAC is a USB-Soundcard with only one output and without inputs. ~100 USD.