Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.ps2.hardware
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From: smsmith@hpuxa.acs.ohio-state.edu (Stephen M. Smith)
Subject: Re: Here's some info on MCA SoundBlaster
Message-ID: <1991Apr9.030440.27249@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>
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References: <3008@sparko.gwu.edu>
Date: Tue, 9 Apr 1991 03:04:40 GMT
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In article <3008@sparko.gwu.edu> timur@seas.gwu.edu () writes:
>
>There is no on-board amplifier.  I was given two reasons for this: too
>much power drain and too complex to incorporate.  I didn't ask, but
>this implies that board space was NOT a factor.  Anyway, it doesn't
>matter much, because a friend of mine has the ISA SoundBlaster, and he
>says the amplifier is sucky anyway.  I asked if they recommended an
>external amplifier, and they said that they don't have any recommendations.
>Any decent amplifier (e.g. a stereo amp) will do.

The ISA SB has a mere 4 Watt amplifier.  It works fine for me
because I use headphones (which sound GREAT).  If my computer
were in a place where I could crank up the sound, I would
certainly hook it into a stereo system.  My ISA SB came with
an adapter cord for hooking it directly into the back of a
stereo amplifier.

>It has a joystick adapter, but there is no switch for speed selection.
>I didn't bother to ask him how it works.  As you may know, joysticks
>usually require a speed selector switch for different speed machines.
>I can only assume that the reference disk takes care of this.

I don't know anything about the speed selector switch you're
talking about, but I HIGHLY recommend using the SB joystick
port for your joystick instead of any other card.  Numerous
people on the net have remarked how good it is, and I have had
absolutely no problem with mine (I have calibrated it and tested
it lots of times too).  If the MCA SB joystick port is as good,
you will definitely like it.

BTW, I use the CH Flightstick.  It's more expensive than most,
but it works great and feels great.  I got it because people on
the net recommended it, and I am not disappointed.  You can
get it for under $40 mail order; check Computer Shopper for
competitive prices.

Steve Smith
smsmith@hpuxa.ircc.ohio-state.edu