Hifi Link vs Sound Blaster Live 24 bit External

[Hara]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for a cheap (around $50) portable audio out (to a Charlize + Attenuator) solution for my laptop and/or desktop computer. I have been searching and been looking between these two options

Creative Sound Blaster Live 24 bit External USB
http://www.creative.com/products/pro...&product=10702

and

Xitel Hifi-Link
http://www.xitel.com/product_hfl.htm

They are both similarly priced. The Creative option has the benefit of spdif out for a future option of outputing to a higher quality dedicated dac. (Although I don't know how prone the digital port is to jitter or bandwidth issues)

However I'm concerned for the initial sound quality. Anyone know of a comparison or at least an account for either? Or another alternative?

Some additional notes:

-Linux compatability is highly desirable because my laptop is linux only!
-24 bit audio is more of a bonus than a necessity because I don't have any 24 bit sources at the moment.