audio interface / amp / dac question

[panduh]

Hi all, I've been mostly a lurker for the last few years and I am finally trying to get some help on a purchase I am looking to make soon.

I am trying to decide on an audio interface for general purpose use (I do not do music production). I already have a full setup for my DJ needs, and this will be just for my personal use on my desktop computer. I figure I will just post current setup and some requirements for my needs as well as some nice to haves. 


Current setup:
Dual boot Fedora / Windows 8.1
2 krk rokit 5s
1 krk rokit 10s (sub with crossover)
NI Kontrol ZI (as a soundcard only ... I had it lying around so it worked)


I'm looking to get a soundcard that replace the kontrol z1, as it isn't doing any good taking up space on my desk.

Needs:
Balanced output (xlr or 1/4 inch)
Volume knob for easy adjustment
Headphone out (1/4 inch pref. but 1/8 is fine too)
Microphone in (again, 1/4 inch pref, but 1/8 is fine too)
Good quality audio
Windows support
Linux support (or at least a base driver to function well enough)

Nice to haves:
Front facing RCA in
Front facing Headphone out
Front facing microphone in
Phantom power for microphone
Multiple input options (or even dual input options, i.e. simultaneous playback from 2 or more sources)
Headphone amplification


Budget:
Ideally, I'm looking for something around 300-500, however, based on my requirements and desire for incredible audio and intense research over the last 2 years, I am aware that I will probably end up spending more like 800-1500, which I suppose I'm ok with as long as it is a good product and has all my requests and will last a decent time.  To give you an idea of where my budget stands and what I'm looking for, I will list out my previous setup, which I miss dearly.

Previous setup:
2 yamaha hs80s (front side audio)
3 maudio bx5as (front and rear audio)
2 infinity 12 inch reference subs in custom enclosures (separated)
1 crown 602d 2500 watt amp
Behrenger crossover
Lexicon omega audio interface
NI audio 6 DJ for added inputs


Any help is appreciated. 

[Binge]

focusrite makes great stuff with what you need.

[GuilleAcoustic]

I'd take a look at M-Audio and ESI. I have had an M-Audio 2496  for 8 years and it is a great card.

[djchup]

Hello, fellow dj/producer here.  I can give a recommendation to Audio-GD products.  I think the NFB-28 or the NFB-10.33 would fulfill all of your requirements, although they are a little pricey.  http://www.audio-gd.com/Products-EN.htm.  I own an NFB-15, but it doesn't have balanced output, I just use as a DAC and preamp that can quickly switch between headphone and monitor output.

[GL1TCH3D]

Hello, fellow dj/producer here.  I can give a recommendation to Audio-GD products.  I think the NFB-28 or the NFB-10.33 would fulfill all of your requirements, although they are a little pricey.  http://www.audio-gd.com/Products-EN.htm.  I own an NFB-15, but it doesn't have balanced output, I just use a DAC and preamp that can quickly switch between headphone and monitor output.

I don't think they have phantom power mic support.

[GL1TCH3D]

Honestly I'd get a small good phantom power unit for $100ish (focus rite) and spend the rest on a solid DAC and amp setup.

I don't do much recording and it's very dependent on what you're recording whether a $100 phantom power setup will provide good mic quality.

[GuilleAcoustic]

Do you need it external or internal ?

[panduh]

Thanks for all the input, everyone.  I've been doing reading on some of the suggestions here and am still a bit lost as to what I need.  I do have a pcie slot available in my desktop and would be ok with an internal card.  The maya seemed nice but I just can't seem to make a decision on what to buy.

[Spopepro]

If you're willing to go to your upper budget range, the best device out there is the USB Pre2 from Sound Devices. The preamp is is clean and has enough gain for my sm7b (notoriously gain hungry). It is USB powered, has been plug and play with every OS I have (win 7/8.1, arch, macos). Dips on the back for settings means no drivers required. It's made as a professional audio interface for the road, and is built to survive it. Little things like using a USB 3 type b jack even though it's a USB 2 device just because the type 3 jack holds the cable more securely. I don't think you will ever have regrets with it.

As a side note: internal cards are often a poor choice due to incredible noise on the pci power rails. Easier to get cleaner power out USB.

[panduh]

If you're willing to go to your upper budget range, the best device out there is the USB Pre2 from Sound Devices. The preamp is is clean and has enough gain for my sm7b (notoriously gain hungry). It is USB powered, has been plug and play with every OS I have (win 7/8.1, arch, macos). Dips on the back for settings means no drivers required. It's made as a professional audio interface for the road, and is built to survive it. Little things like using a USB 3 type b jack even though it's a USB 2 device just because the type 3 jack holds the cable more securely. I don't think you will ever have regrets with it.

As a side note: internal cards are often a poor choice due to incredible noise on the pci power rails. Easier to get cleaner power out USB.

This is exactly the type of thing I've been looking for.  I think this may be the choice for me.

[Kouni]

I've been looking at that kind of audio interfaces lately, and the best value to me seems to be the Audient ID14. Good preamps and converters, only the essential inputs/outputs one big versatile control. Don't know about Linux support though.