I still remember when audio output meant writing your own interrupt handler and directly poking IO ports, so at least we've come a little way since then.
Unless I was allowed to use jackd, but that probably doesn't count.
BTW: I think you meant to say "parallel-port-to-DAC", where "DAC" all too often meant just a simple cobbled-together resistor ladder.
Who cares about HiFi when you can have actual sampled sounds instead of tinny beeps? :-)