Best Sound Card Clone for 286

[chjmartin2]

Hi,

I have a 286 that I want to put back on the shelf ready-to-go but don't want to use any of my premium 16 bit ISA sound cards. What would be the best clone that is readily available and somewhat inexpensive? Random thoughts appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

 

[Oddsocks]

If you have a stash of cards sat there not doing anything, why not use one of them? I'm not so sure that there's such a thing as a readily available and somewhat inexpensive ISA sound card, but really it depends on your definition. I mean I saw a NOS GUS go for $450. To some that might have been a bargain but waaaaay over what I could spend.

 

[twolazy]

286? Sound Blaster Pro or Pro 2.0 compatible... In the compatible range, suggest a Media Vision Pro Spectrum 16. Get SB pro emulation (Thunderchip), and good stereo adlib/mpu!

 

[Svenska]

On my 286/12, I had some stability issues with an SB16 (CT4170), even though UNISOUND did a great job initializing it.

I had better luck with a MAD16 Pro (OPTi 82C929A with OPL3 clone): Excellent sound quality, good SB Pro compatibility and WSS support. Feels a bit like overkill for a 286, so I'm now running an AudioDrive (ESS688 with OPL3 clone). Works flawlessly in both in DOS and Windows 3.1 and has great sound quality.

There are many clone cards which work just great - and may provide better audio quality than original Creative parts.

 

[Robin4]

other option could be an aztech card.