[mdlug] Audio computer

[Robert Meier]

Garry,

> I need a permanent OS (Linux please) to run what well be my new Stereo
> computer.  I am not 100% finished with the hardware.

More than the distro, you should be concerned with the sound card.
For many years, sound cards were optimized for game play, with myriad
features but poor reproduction quality (i.e. high THD).  Only recently
(for HD TV?) have the high-fidelity sound cards been available again.

So, unless you want sound like a kazoo, select a hi-fidelity sound card.
The difference between the cards was the linearity of the analog
section.  Unfortunately, I've found it difficult to get good audio
specifications (e.g. THD, frequency range, ...) for a candidate.

Most (all AFAIK) of the ISA SoundBlaster(TM) cards had hi-fidelity.
Currently, I've been well pleased with the
  Model: "ASUSTeK nForce2 AC97 Audio Controler (MCP)"
  Vendor: pci 0x10de "nVidia Corporation"
  Device: pci 0x006a "nForce2 AC97 Audio Controler (MCP)"
  SubVendor: pci 0x1043 "ASUSTeK Computer Inc."
  Codec: Realtek ALC650 6CH
  Board: ASUS A7N8X-VM

> Let the distro wars begin.

SuSE has worked for me.

Reporting,
-- 
Dr. Robert J. Meier S.P.Q.R.