I just saw this post. This is something I've been working on for a year.
Lubuntu is the best software for a Mame Cabinet.
I use AdvanceMame, AdvanceMenu and AdvanceMess. In Peppermintos, LXLE, PointLinux - the result is the same. The sound is delayed by 30 seconds. In Lubuntu, everything works perfectly.
I have Lubuntu installed on a 16gb SanDisk Usb.
1) sudo apt-get install build-essential
2) sudo apt-get install libsvga1-dev
3) sudo apt-get install libsdl1.2-dev
Extract advancemame, advancemenu and advancemess in it's own folder. cd - change directory to each folder.
1) ./configure
2) make
3) sudo make install
After all 3 steps are performed in the last folder, run the following commands:
advmess
advmenu
Open your HOME folder, and view hidden files. You should see a folder named .advanced
In this folder is a folder named roms. Drop your roms in here.
The whole process took under 2 hours, only because it takes awhile for the system to run sudo make install.
For fun, I added a folder named MP3, added my favorite songs in here, and then edited advmenu.rc
sound_background_loop_dir /home/mame/.advance/mp3
It will play all songs in this folder in a random order. Perfect for parties, even if nobody wants to play video games.