[linux-audio-user] 8-channel system

[luis jure]

hello list,

i might (with emphasis on the conditional) get some external funding for
buying an 8-channel audio system for our school of music. i need some
recommendations on:

1) the best audio card (with linux support, of course) we could get in the
us$ 800-1200 price range.

2) good active speakers in the us$1000-1500 price range each. (do some
speakers work better than others when put together in an octophonic set? i
have no idea)

i'd really appreciate if someone could share experiences and
recommendations on this subject.

best,

lj