[medex]

I found this site while looking for a Linux soundcard.  I am building a new system without onboard audio and need a good pci or pci-e sound card for my system.  I'm not really sure of what works and what doesn't, in terms of Linux compatibility.  But I want the best sound for the cheapest price.  My max price is around $80, but the lower it is the better. 

 

[ujamerstand]

How about a DAC? anything PCM270* based USB DACs will be able to be recognized by the Linux kernel. There are plenty on eBay. If you're into DIY, you can always build a grubDAC or bantamDAC for around 30 bucks. 

 

[medex]

How does a sub $80 dac compare to something like the M-audio 2496? or other Envy based cards.

 

[cladisch]

For PCI(e) cards, Linux supports various X-Fi and Xonar models and various cards based on the Envy chip.
The X-Fi's aren't very well supported (the driver was written by Creative and lacks many features).
For Xonar support, see http://www.alsa-project.org/main/index.php/Matrix:Vendor-Asus.
 
USB devices are usually pricier than comparable cards with the similar features.

 

[Hybrys]

Quote:

USB devices are usually pricier than comparable cards with the similar features.

This is true in a sense, but there's another side to it.  Sound cards usually have features you don't use/need, such as surround sound and EMI shielding, thus you spend money on things you don't need.
 
A cheap Xonar or uDAC would be my recommendation.  There was someone saying recently that the uDAC didn't work on linux, but I've seen it work there, along with posts like the below.  So an up to date OS would be recommended.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/456945/first-impressions-nuforce-udac-usb-dac-amp-with-line-out-and-s-pdif-out/705#post_6324462