Great sound card for linux

Akonovo

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Jun 18, 2014
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Hello all, I'm looking for a decent SoundCard that works on Linux.
I've tested Creative SoundBlaster Z and it sounds so nice, but it does not even sound on linux T_T
I'm using 99% of the time a pair of stereo headsets, so I don't need any 7.1 or similar stuff.
My main sound activities are gaming, watching movies and listening HQ music.
My budget is about 100$ / 70€

I've read in other posts that USB-external cards are better for linux because you don't need any driver to make them work. However I'm not sure if an usb-card can offer the same sound quality that a pci card of the same budget
I've been also looking for some Asus Xonar PCIe models, that seems to have nice community drivers support (alsa-project)

Which sound card can you recommend me, that offers HQ sound and nice sound positioning(stereo)?

Thanks for assistance!
 

Akonovo

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Jun 18, 2014
35
0
4,540
I don't think that audio on Linux is terrible... Most of on board cards sounds better with linux community drivers than windows official ones. The problem is that manufacturers does not offer official support for linux. But thats not a linux problem by itself.

Anyway,
I'm thinking about getting a Xonar DX. It's its quality is comparable to a SoundBlaster Z?
Its the EMI shield really necessary?