Best MAME arcade machine (Newbie help)

[fba]

I guess the last 14 years of telling my wife that I wanted an arcade machine in my "man cave" have been worth it.   We are finishing our basement, and she is not only willing to let me have one, she is paying for it too!

So, now I just have to figure out what I am going to get, and I am looking for feedback from folks that have MAME cabinets.  However, she has some requirements, as do I.  Those would be :

1. Has to fit down my stairs in to the basement.  It is ~32 in. wall to railing on the stairs.
2. Has to have a light gun
3. Would like it to be able to play some of the older home console systems (e.g. NES, SNES, Genesis) either through direct attach or using ROMs for games I own.

I was initially looking at the X-arcade, but I have also looked at Dream Arcades, Dream Home Arcades, and North Coast Customs.  For people that have these systems (or suggestions on other systems), how do you like them?  What do you dislike?  What would you customize?

Or, would I be better getting a JAMMA cabinet (which would be cool too) and a j-Pac or i-Pac?   And if so, which cabinet should I be looking for to have enough buttons to play a wide swath of games?

Looking at the MAME cabinets available, it looks like you can get systems that use the older style CRT monitors, or newer ones that use LCD or LED displays.  I like the thought of the CRT to maintain that classic feel, but can see why LCD might be preferable.  What do you guys think?

Also, for light guns.  I can't seem to find any that are the "old fashioned" ones that only work with CRTs.  Do these exist anymore?  Or, if only the IR ones are available, which ones provide the best feel?  And how hard is it to mount them in the arcade cabinet without it destroying the overall look?

I am also willing to consider "flat-pack" or kit cabinets that you put together yourself.  My biggest concern there is finding a monitor that would look good.  However, building my own from scratch is pretty much out of the question.  My wife says it has to look professional, and my wood working skills aren't good enough for that.

In case my skill set factors in, I have a basic background in electronics.   I can solder, and have a basic understanding of logic gates and ICs.   I can put a computer together in my sleep, and would have no problem getting a system set up to run inside a cabinet, if needed.


Thanks!

[Typefighter01]

Dream Arcades has a labour day sale on until September 2, $500 bucks off!

I see they offer a light gun upgrade on their 32" Dreamcade Vision for $159 (its also on sale, normally $179).

The Dreamcade Vision is $2700, but might be too big to fit down your stairs. A cheaper option that will definitely fit down your stairs is their Cabaret @ $1900, only problem is, I don't see an option for light guns and considering the screen angle, it might not be the best cabinet for light gun games.

I don't have any experience with Dream Arcades, I just happen to notice the sale.

Also noticed they are revamping their DIY kits and will be releasing them on their website in the next few weeks (in case cost is a concern, I am sure the kits will be substantially cheaper).

[dvautour]

I have an Xtension Arcade Cabinet on order from www.recroommasters.com . I also ordered a Tankstick from X-Arcade and coin-door & mech.

Can't beat the price for sure. I'll send pics once everything comes in and is assembled.

[Rick]

Can't beat the price for sure. I'll send pics once everything comes in and is assembled.

So. These guys are the ones to beat, are they? *tents fingers* Innnnnnteresting...

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Can't beat the price for sure. I'll send pics once everything comes in and is assembled.

So. These guys are the ones to beat, are they? *tents fingers* Innnnnnteresting...

Lol, for some reason Rick, you remind me if this guy

[keilmillerjr]

I have an Xtension Arcade Cabinet on order from www.recroommasters.com . I also ordered a Tankstick from X-Arcade and coin-door & mech.

Can't beat the price for sure. I'll send pics once everything comes in and is assembled.

Prices seem reasonable, and the cabs look nice. I do not like the fact that they utilize the tank stick. However, you I assume you could easily make a custon control panel where the tank stick would go, secure the door and add a coin door.

[Rick]

Lol, for some reason Rick, you remind me if this guy

Unfortunately (and maybe it's because I'm 41, and sheltered) but I do not know who that guy is. What I DO know is that it's smart business to figure out what your competition is doing, and the prices that they are selling their products for.

[fba]

@Typefighter01 - Thanks for the pointer.  Unfortunately, it will be another month or two before I am ready to buy.  You mention the angle for light gun games.  I hadn't considered that before.   Is there an optimal angle for gun games?  I'm assuming that the issue with angle is you have to point at a slight down angle to really get the full screen area for use?  A fully vertical screen would be a bit more natural?

@dvautour - Thanks for the heads up on those guys!  I'm really torn on the type of screen to use.  I think my goal is skewed toward the classic games from my youth, so I am thinking that an older style CRT might be the way to go.   Would love to hear what others think though.

@keilmillerjr - I saw another post on here about the "hate" for the X-Arcade gear.  What is the beef that people have with X-Arcade?  I was looking at the North Coast kits, and their control panels are significantly more expensive.  Is there that much a difference in quality?

@Rick - Who do you work for?  And I have no idea who that guy is either, and I'm 36.

Right now, I am leaning toward the Ultimate Arcade II from North Coast as a kit.   I like that it has the 4-player controls since I imagine this system will get the most use when several friends are over.   I also like that I could put in either a CRT or an LCD.   And that the CRT mounts a standard arcade monitor, which seems like it would maximize the classic feel.

Does anyone have any experience with these?   How hard would it be to add a light gun?

Thanks for all the help!

[Monkeyvoodoo]

From what I can gather about the feelings towards the x-arcade gear is the quality vs price. Joystick and buttons are not that great compared to the kit we for our scratch builds.

I've never owned an x-arcade stick so I can't say it's true what they say about them.

Also, I'm 34 and you're all video game Luddites
That is Stan the used ship salesman from the monkey island adventure game series.

[Rick]

@Rick - Who do you work for?  And I have no idea who that guy is either, and I'm 36.

I'm currently self-employed, and am working on some designs of smaller cabinets right now (a la this thread) as well as a larger custom project for another member. I am hoping to produce larger cabinets as well, with time, and am planning on providing some competitive pricing to the marketplace.

[Rick]

Also, I'm 34 and you're all video game Luddites That is Stan the used ship salesman from the monkey island adventure game series.

From the Wiki:

Stan (full name: Smilin' Stan S. Stanman) is one of the most frequently recurring characters in the Monkey Island series, having made appearances in all five games. He is a famously sleazy salesman who has run a number of disreputable businesses within the Tri-Island Area and possesses an obsession for money. Though he is never well-liked or particularly successful, Stan is eternally upbeat and confident, forming an odd and unstable friendship with Guybrush Threepwood throughout his various scams and get-rich-quick schemes. However, Stan's love for money and filthy lucre would eventually go to his head as he serves a much more sinister and antagonistic role in Tales of Monkey Island, after realizing just how many of his personal interests could be obtained if he prosecutes Guybrush for his various crimes on Flotsam Island, even going as far as falsifying evidence and witness testimony.

Oh, and now I'm sad. That's what I remind people of?