Sound

Sound

Amp that sound | FAQ
This probably the easiest thing, for max compatability buy a geninue SoundBlaster soundcard, I believe that the SoundBlaster PCI ones (not the Live!) are actually Esoniq chipset (so probably not wise to buy one of those).

I have two options

SoundBlaster 16/32/64 ISA

Advantages

Works in 100% in DOS (no drivers needed, just a SET BLASTER variable).
Really cheap.
Probably the only perhiphal that has been going good for so long!

Disadvantages

ISA (newer motherboards only have 1 or none ISA slots).
Restricted to 44khz max output, not good for DVD playback.
No 3D or hardware stream support.
Slower than PCI.

SoundBlaster Live!

Advantages

PCI faster and faster gameport too.
Excellent features.
EAX/3D support.
48khz for DVD playback.
Multiple speaker support.

Disadvantages

Does not work on DOS on all machines.
Sound in DOS requires your motherboard to support NMI (Non-Maskable Interrupt) in order to work.
Requries drivers for DOS.

Amplifier

You've got the soundcard sorted, now you need a way to amplify it for your speakers in your arcade machine, you could probably connected them without an amp, but I'd suspect that the volume would be really low.

20 Watt RMS Audio Amplifier for PC-Based Applications

Quantum3D have an amplifier which I think would be ideal for me, its fits inside the PC like a cardslot allowing to amplify sound output for a variety of speaker configurations.

Update:Unfortunately I'm being told from the US that it is only available as part of a complete system, oh well thats a shame!

Off course you can use other amps out there, always check to make sure they output at the correct ohms!

Another way is to use Powered PC speakers, but you are more restricted, remember my goal is to create a portable PC machine.

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Sound FAQ section

Q: What motherboards support NMI (Non-Maskable Interrupt)?

A: I believe most new ASUS motherboards do, maybe best to e-mail the company before you purchase that shiny new mobo.

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