The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Audio/Jukebox/MP3 Forum => Topic started by: Keith O on August 11, 2002, 01:07:28 pm
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I have a Sound Blaster 16 (ISA) that I'm using in Dos. I noticed that the card has a buit-in amp. Here's the blurb:
The built-in stereo power amplifier delivers a maximum output power of 6 watts per channel to 4 ohm speakers and 3 watts per channel to 8 ohm speakers....
Is that enough power to have decent volume on my cab? Also which is better - 6 watts 4 ohm speakers or 3 watts 8 ohm speakers? Lastly, the size of speaker that my cab was made for is 6" - is that an issue as well regarding sound quality?
I'd appreciate any help with this as I'm pretty much a novice when it comes to amps/speakers/etc.
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I've tried the same card that you are using with the Happ 4" shielded speakers (part# 49-0228-00). The Happ round speaker grilles are a perfect match for them (part# 49-5181-00). I believe these speakers are rated at 8 ohms.
You should have no problems with them being loud enough. And if you are using them for games, the sound quality should be more than adequate.
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My wife has a gateway at work with a soundblaster with onboard amp. It is loud enough to be obnoxious in her little office.
For a given amp, 4 ohm speakers will be louder. That's why car audio is always 4 ohm. It also requires more power from the amp, so if you turn it up, it might sound bad. 8 ohm would be a "safer" purchase, but 4 ohm is probably a better choice.
See if you can dig up the specs on the amp. Maybe it's designed for 4 ohm. If you have two of them you can always run them in series to create an 8 ohm unit.
Bob