Importance

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Abstract

A power amplifier device for amplifying an audio signal from sound generating circuitry in a micro-computer is provided. The device is retained in a housing secured in a drive bay of the micro-computer containing a disk drive such as a compact disc read only memory drive, a compact disc recordable drive, a digital video disc drive, etc. The amplifier device and disk drive may also be configured in a unitary housing. The device receives a line-level audio signal from the audio circuitry and transmits the signal to a frequency and time response contouring device, to adjust the response of the signal. A power level adjusting mechanism, such as a volume control, adjusts the power level of the signal generated by the frequency and time response device. Amplifiers are coupled to the volume control to amplify the audio signal to a level determined by the volume control. The amplification device connects to at least leftwardly and rightwardly positioned loudspeakers to provide stereophonic sound at the desired level. When the device is retained in the disc drive bay, access to the volume control and frequency response contouring device, such as a graphic equalizer or separate bass and treble controls, is substantially facile. The amplification device provides contoured and amplified audio output signals to the loudspeakers, so that the loudspeaker is capable of producing high quality stereophonic sound. A front panel of the housing may include terminals, such as line-input and mic-input, for providing a facile access location to couple remote devices to the audio circuitry, as well as a microphone for capturing audio information necessary for voice driven software.

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First Claim