Sega CD setups

[j_factor]

I'm contemplating replacing my Sega CDX and X'Eye with a proper Genesis + Sega CD setup. Since I'd be starting with a clean slate (I don't own a regular Genesis), what would be the best combination of models to get?

I don't care how good they look or whatever. I'm talking strictly function.

Right now I'm kind leaning towards model 1 Genesis with model 2 Sega CD, because I prefer the original Genesis and I'd rather have a flip-top for CDs. But does this cause any issues? Like, Sega CD 2 doesn't have that little input for the cord that connects to the headphone jack, does it? If not, how does it get sound from the Genesis?

Also, what games (if any) have issues with a model 1 or model 2 Sega CD? And is the model 2 actually slightly faster like I've heard?

[darkwingduck13]

I have a Model 1 Genesis with a Model 2 Sega CD, and I absolutely love it. Part of it is due to the look of it, though, which you're not concerned with...I just love the look of the original Genesis unit.
Functionally, my setup works great. I run my audio from the Genesis headphone jack and have no problems whatsoever...everything just works. I don't know that I would give up a CDX or X'Eye for it, though...especially not the X'Eye, which is what I originally purchased only to find it was broken and had to be returned. :-/ I suppose you must have some interest in using the 32X or the Power Base or some other functional reason as to why you'd be willing to trade-off one for the other.

[David J.]

The most reliable is a Sega CD 2 with any Genesis Model, sans Model 3.

[Elusive]

Model 2 both ways. There's no chance of the disc tray dying and leaving you with an unplayable machine - I think the only maintanence other than polishing and cleaning I've done to my model 2 Mega-CD is occasionally pushing down on the lid when it refuses to recognise the door being shut.

[Joe Redifer]

It sounds like you've already made up your mind, so that's what you should go for.

[j_factor]

Functionally, my setup works great. I run my audio from the Genesis headphone jack and have no problems whatsoever...everything just works.

Can you elaborate on this? The original Genesis+CD combo relied on that little cord that plugged into the headphone jack and to a port on the Sega CD unit, to exchange audio information or something. Without that thing, are you limited to mono sound, or what?


I don't know that I would give up a CDX or X'Eye for it, though...especially not the X'Eye, which is what I originally purchased only to find it was broken and had to be returned. :-/ I suppose you must have some interest in using the 32X or the Power Base or some other functional reason as to why you'd be willing to trade-off one for the other.

Well, yes. I can't get my X'eye to work right with my 32x -- the colors look really messed up. I don't know if it's just my unit or what. Also, I would like to be able to use the Power Base Converter (without modification).

My CDX works great for both 32x and PBC, but its incompatibility with a small number of games is a dealbreaker. I'd like to have one Genesis setup that does it all, even if I have to disconnect and reconnect a 32x and PBC all the time. I have a lot of consoles (all on one tv), so I don't want to have any unnecessary duplicates.

[Joe Redifer]

The original Genesis+CD combo relied on that little cord that plugged into the headphone jack and to a port on the Sega CD unit, to exchange audio information or something. Without that thing, are you limited to mono sound, or what?
That little cord is not required. Using the headphone jack in some form IS required if you want stereo sound, however. Either the Genesis stereo audio is routed out of the headphone jack and into the SegaCD with that little cord, and the resulting mix is output via the SegaCD RCA audio jacks (allowing you to adjust Genesis volume independently of any sound made by the Sega CD's sound chips and/or CD drive). Or you do not plug that little cord into the back of the Sega CD and instead run a cable that goes from the Genesis headphone jack straight to your stereo. The volume on the Genesis will then adjust all Genesis and Sega CD volume simultaneously. I recommend the former hookup because it allows you to lower the volume of the Genesis in games like Lunar 1 where the sound effects are way too loud and crappy, allowing them to mix better with the music which is about 8db quieter.

[j_factor]

Is the former option still available if it's a Sega CD 2?

[Joe Redifer]

Yes, the Sega CD 2 has a mixing jack.

[j_factor]

So is there any particular benefit to the Sega CD 1 then? Other than the fact that it looks like an incredible powerhouse.

[Joe Redifer]

Other than looks, not really. It might be less durable since it has a motorized tray. I find the CD menu a bit easier to navigate on the Sega CD 1. I remember trying out a BackUp RAM cart at a local store to see if it would still save, and they had a Sega CD 2 there. It seemed to take awhile before the Sega CD 2 menu would let me access the cartridge in any form, and it seemed that I needed a disc loaded to do so. With the Sega CD 1 you can do that almost right away with the disc tray empty and the game boots automatically if there is one in there.

I don't have a ton of experience with the Sega CD 2, so maybe someone else could correct any inaccuracies I listed.

[David J.]

I still don't really know how to get to the backup ram with a Sega CD 2. Internal or Cart.

[ary incorparated]

You guys know by now im a european ,and i also hate my sega cd 2 pal,you american got some nice and findable games i have a few us games but i have to complain about the big cases why there not stylish,but i cant play US games on my mega cd 2 with CDX key cartridge in my megadrive neither does the nice and small cdx work with it,CDX plays every nice sega cd game but i have eternal chamions us and Batman and robin and like to play it easely and i want to play my pal games,for me sega CD 1 i like the autoamtic tray system nice luxiory,i bought one and soon its coming trough the mail.