What do you use, or are planning to use, to power your cab's audio?

[rackoon]

I am just curious to how most of you are powering your cab's speakers and what kind of speakers you are using. Also, I have a few questions for any one who might know the answers.

My cab is half built and I was planning on using what I already have which is the following: 2- 90watt max 6x9s(car speakers)
Built in sound on motherboard (Its a new MB Yet, I don't know if I will Need a sound card )
Old Kraco 200 watt amp
Radio shack potamiter (yea I know its spelled wrong)

Is 200 watts enough to pump out enough sound in a crowded room?

Also, I might ditch my old crappy amp for a equalizer with a 200watt amp built in. They are real cheap about $15.00 plus $15.00 for shipping. Seems to good to be true. Any one know of theses equalizer/amp things are junk or not? One thing that scares me about these things is that they are less than half the size of an amp with the same watts.

Any way I hope that through this thread I will find out if I am headed down the wrong path or not.  I suppose I could switch to PC speakers if I have to. 

[kelemvor]

I'm just waiting for a deal to show up on WOot where I can get 2 speakers and a asub for $20 or so.  No need to pump out volume for a crowded room, just for the two people standing in front of it.  But I have my own Jukebox system setup through my stereo that does music so I wouldn't use it for that.

[Silverwind]

I was originally going to go for an elaborate setup with a receiver and etc.. but I eventually used the KISS method and just plopped in some PC speakers.  Works fantastic.

[jjd]

Decent JBL PC speakers using on-board sound wired through a Radio-Shak potentiometer (or potamiter) works just fine for me.   

My wife says it's too loud without adding anything fancy. 

[Fat_Trucker]

Same here.

2.1 PC speakers from Cambridge soundworks running on a soundblaster live. Subs in the bottom of the cab (can't turn it up past 3 or the glass rattles) and the 2 satellites sit behind a speaker panel underneath the screen.

Also has a handy volume control on a long lead which is mounted on the side of my CP so nice and easy to turn it up and down (worth considering this when you choose them).

[whatzcrackn]

i was going to do one of these options for my cab:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&PartNumber=302-610&DID=7&raid=27&rak=302-610

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-956&raid=27&rak=300-956

And yes I am okay with opening the cab to adjust the volume, it will be a console (xbox) based cab, so I will be fooling around back there anyway.

What is your feedback? (And be nice )

[rackoon]

I forgot to mention that I am building a three sided cocktail table and the speakers are positioned right at the players shin. So unlike a stand up cab the speakers wont be aimed at the users head.

[jjd]

i was going to do one of these options for my cab:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&PartNumber=302-610&DID=7&raid=27&rak=302-610

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-956&raid=27&rak=300-956

And yes I am okay with opening the cab to adjust the volume, it will be a console (xbox) based cab, so I will be fooling around back there anyway.

What is your feedback? (And be nice )

Well, conisdering that those are both more than I spent on the PC, monitor, encoder, trackball, speakers, and volume control combined, my opinion is that they are overkill.  But if you like them and think they will add to your cab then go for it. 

 

[whatzcrackn]

i was going to do one of these options for my cab:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&PartNumber=302-610&DID=7&raid=27&rak=302-610

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-956&raid=27&rak=300-956

And yes I am okay with opening the cab to adjust the volume, it will be a console (xbox) based cab, so I will be fooling around back there anyway.

What is your feedback? (And be nice )

Well, conisdering that those are both more than I spent on the PC, monitor, encoder, trackball, speakers, and volume control combined, my opinion is that they are overkill.  But if you like them and think they will add to your cab then go for it. 

 

LoL

I just want good sound and not muffled sound.  games sound so kool when every note comes thru crystal clear.  And I am looking for a better/cheaper way.

forgot this link:

http://www.happcontrols.com/amusement/jukebox/495140200k.htm

[jjd]

I'm certainly no audiophile so my advice on sound may not work for you.  The PC speakers are perfect for me. 

[kelemvor]

If you really want to crank it up without pissing off the wife/gf/neighbors/etc..  just wire in some headphone jacks and get some nice headphones with volume control.  Then you can crank it as long as you want.

[juggle50]

I got a pair of PC speakers and took out the amp and wired a pair of Bob Roberts 4" Arcade speakers to them.  That way I've got Arcade speakers that plug into the PC.  It's not a high end sound system by any means but is arcade authentic and sounds very good.  I've also got a cocktail and they sound fine even though they are blasting at my shins.

You probably know this but be very careful about car speakers as they are not sheilded and the magnets will really screw up your monitor.  Saint's book talks about how you can get bucking magnets to reverse the polarity.

[rackoon]

Yea,  I know about shielding and  bucking magnets. Yet I still want to pound out heavy sound.

Does anyone remember the first time they put a quarter in a PAC-MAN cab and herd that fat and loud GALUUMP!
( I must have that!)

[Level42]

The audio part on my cab is actualy pretty much finished (except for an external volume pot). I used my old JVC stereo Amp. and tore apart a couple of (VERY good sounding) old Philips HiFi speakers....
Here's how I built it into the cab and the whole story:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=42798.0

It sounds HEFTY !!! Don't forget those Asteroids thuds

[maxlamer]

On my setup i use the audio from the television and just made the cables longer so i could mount them in the cabinet.

I wasn't worried about getting crystal clear sound as i dont know of any older arcade machines that were, so i think its more authentic this way.

[farmecologist]

I use a logitech PC speaker system.   It has a small sub with two speakers that are hacked into car speakers ( not really necessary though ). 

If you use a PC speaker system, make SURE you get one that has an external 'control' module.   The set I use has a module with a volume control, sub control, and a headphone jack.   I routed the module cord through my control panel and attached the module for easy access.    It works great!  The headphone jack is an especially nice feature.  When you plug the headphones it automatically mutes the speakers.

[rackoon]

It seems like most of you are using PC speakers. I almost want to go with a car amp and speaker set up just to be different.