Hey all. I'm planning on building a home recording box that will be using audacity. I wanted to get a very good sound card but I was afraid to go bleeding edge for fear that it is not linux compatible.

Anybody have any experience with home recording? Any suggestions on a good sound card to get?

Any of the Soundblaster Live Cards seems to work well for recording. I would rate audio quality as good. A little lacking for professional work.

I don't think the Audigy2 cards are fully supported yet.

I have a M-Wave Audiophile 2496 Card to be tested later this week.
Definitely better quality and works in Linux using Alsa drivers.
You'll want ALSA if you intend to record at higher sampling rates.
The card sells for roughly $200

Better still M-Wave's Delta 44. Same chipset "Envy24"
It has a 4x4 breakout box. Nice touch for (un)balanced i/o's.
Sells for around $300.
Mines on order... Should have it this week.

Hope this helps.