I have not decided to make the leap in Linux just yet. I am wanting to use Zorin to replace my HTPC Windows 10 setup. I am rather ignorant as far as Linux goes.
I use my audio output via SPDIF off of the mobo. I am not talking about optical out. I connect a custom daughter board from the SPDIF output from Gigabyte mobo and use AES/EBU output that is connect to my integrated amp for audio playback.
From what I read it should work as it automatically shows up in Audio Devices in Windows and Mac OS. Just want to be sure...
Theoretically it should work. But in Theory a lot of Things does work what in Practise doesn't work.
I think a first easy Way to try it would be whne You download Zorin, create a bootable USB Stick and start it. Use the Try Mode and test it. The System maybe runs a bit slow because the Performance on USB is not the best but I would think to test if Your Sound Stuff ist working it should be enough.
When you want to go a Step further, You could install Zorin alongside Windows (Dual-Boot). Then You have it on Your Machine and You can test the Audio Stuff and in general the Hardware.