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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:
--- Quote from: dvautour on August 31, 2013, 10:22:29 pm ---Can't beat the price for sure. I'll send pics once everything comes in and is assembled.
--- End quote ---
So. These guys are the ones to beat, are they? *tents fingers* Innnnnnteresting...
:D
Monkeyvoodoo:
--- Quote from: Rick on August 31, 2013, 11:02:40 pm ---
--- Quote from: dvautour on August 31, 2013, 10:22:29 pm ---Can't beat the price for sure. I'll send pics once everything comes in and is assembled.
--- End quote ---
So. These guys are the ones to beat, are they? *tents fingers* Innnnnnteresting...
:D
--- End quote ---
Lol, for some reason Rick, you remind me if this guy