I've had real arcades, multicades and MAME machines. I've bought, sold, and built them all. In my opinion, most "AVERAGE" gamers will not realize the difference between "real" arcades and multi machines / emulators. If it's fun and you enjoy it....then that is all that matters. Besides, buying the real hardware can be EXTREMELY expensive when compared to buying multi machines.
I myself love Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo....and have played it for MANY years. That is one game that I myself can tell the difference between the real hardware and anything else.