From: asdyp@acad2.alaska.edu
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.games-l
Subject: Re: Subject: Soundcards
Date: 17 Apr 92 03:20:24 GMT
Organization: University of Alaska

In article <9204100323.AA18526@fraser.sfu.ca>, dannyl@SFU.CA (Danny Sui-Kit Leung) writes:
> 
>   Hello All,
> 
>    It seems to me that soundcards are becoming more common and I feel obsolete
> without one. Especially for games that practically demand them, if not because
> they're required, but out of some aesthetic need. Games like WC II, Falcon 3.0,
> upcoming Ultima VII, just to name a few. So from someone who doesnt have one:
> 
>    What kind is recommended? It would seem most intelligent to buy a Sounblaster
>  simply because is practically universally supported.( Can someone dispute this
> and differentiate between SB and SB/PRO for me too).

Thus far I cannot see any reason to buy a SB/PRO unless you are really
interested in multimedia.  I suppose it might be better wired for fast 486s,
but other than that it is not worth the extra 100 bucks they want.  SB/PRO is
much better than a SB, but new games can fool you by saying they support it
when they really only support SB sound.  If you want a TRULY excellent sound
board, buy an AdLib Gold.

>    Are the other brands which claim to be 100% SB compatible truly so? I've
> heard of an ATI soundcard which costs the same if not marginally cheaper than
> a SB. Is this product worth the money?
 
Maybe it was just me, but I borrowed a ThunderBoard before I bought my SB, and
I had a heck of a time getting some games to work right with it.  Some games
would work with it as a SB, and others had to call it an AdLib, even thought
they supported SB.  Some would work with it ONLY as a SB, even thought they
also claimed to support AdLib.  Go figure.  I bought a SB and I am very happy
with it flying Falcon 3.0 v3.0c on my 386/16.

>     What kind of warranty typically comes with a soundcard? Or do they just
> never break down, like modems seem to be. (My modem has a 7 year warranty, as
> if I'm still going to be using it in 7 years!)

My SB is coverd by a one year warrenty.  Whee. 

>     I've seen a soundcard (SB/PRO I think) that was attached to a pair of truly
> miniscule speakers (5 watts I think). Can soundcards drive speakers any bigger
> than that? Can I use my stereo reciver to boost the signal and power, say, 100
> watt speakers? This would require that the soundcard can be treated as a tape
> deck or CD input. IS this possible? The idea of thunderous Falcon 3.0 sounds
> coming at me at 100 watts/channel makes me weak in the knees ;). Or possibly,
>  can a pair of headphones (ie. from a walkman) be used as well? Just so touchy
> family members cant whine.
>    If I cant do the above two things, then I doubt that I would buy one.
> Well, if I could the speaker thing at least, that would be enough for me :).

Boosting through a real stereo is the only way to go.  Listen to EOB/EOB II on
good stereo speakers and you'll be convinced.  Falcon3 sounds best when heard
through a good headset as it helps to convey the atmosphere of the game better.
 
>     I suppose that's 'nuff for now. Thanx in advance for all services rendered.
> 
> 
>                            Dan Leung
>                      dannyl@whistler.sfu.ca

Don't mention it, Dan.  You don't need a SB/Pro to get great stereo sound from
your games.  A SB will do fine, at least for another year.  Won't be too long
before SB is considered as gauche as AdLib, and AdLib is laughed at like
PC-Speaker.  Yeah, RIGHT!

_____
David Prentice
asdyp@acad2.alaska.edu
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU