Dream Megadrive/Genesis setup

[daiikkon]

I am a Sega fan from way back. I remember when Genesis came out. Sonic totally blew me away(and still does honestly).

I am planning on buying a Genesis setup because emulation is not satisfying. I wondering what is the best Megadrive/Genesis setup? Is it the Laseractive or just a Japanese Megadrive with a CD attachment?

[Zebbe]

Early model 1 MD/Genesis (with High Definition Graphics (and Stereo Sound if you're European) written on it), no TMSS, Mega/Sega CD add-on (model 1 or 2 depending on if you want the CD tray opened automatically or manually), 32X (with cart-slot that fits for JP carts), two official 6-button pads, mixing cable between MD and MCD, RGB-cable, stereo speakers (TV speakers usually suck) and CRT TV (LCD/HD doesn't work well with old video games). Just my cup of tea...

[JDB]

I've been on the look out for an oldskool 4:3 CRT for my MD... but the problem is.. what size should I go for? I think a 14" is too small (although that's the way some people roll), but I don't want to go massive either, because I've heard with really big screens all the artifacts become more apparant...

So,

What size do you guys reckon I should go for?

[Christuserloeser]

I agree with Zebbe on the early model #1 MD/Genesis with High Definition Graphics logo. I don't think the TMSS really does make a difference, and also it's nearly impossible to check before buying.
Just look out for the HD logo and possibly the EXT port. Both hint at a very early model, and those are what you are looking for.

If you want SCD, it doesn't matter which one you end up with, although a model #1 frontloader surely would look better with a model #1 MD/G.

Other than that, and like Zebbe wrote: 2x official 6-button pads, RGB-SCART cable, and CRT TV. Tototek's MegaCart and MD-Pro flash carts won't hurt too.



I've heard with really big screens all the artifacts become more apparant...

It actually depends on the TV itself. I got a RGB capable 29" Nokia TV from the late 80s that I use. It looks breathtaking, really.

[CMA Death Adder]

I am planning on buying a Genesis setup because emulation is not satisfying.

Word.

[17daysolderthannes]

There are 2 possible routes that both lead to happiness:

#1 like everyone is saying, early model 1 that says "High Definition Graphics" around the circle surrounding the cartridge slot, a 32X with the appropriate (though somewhat rare) model 1 cable, A/V composite cables (some will say get S-Video mods and whatever, but composite is the best authentic experience, any more sharpness will cause graphics oddities). As for Sega CDs, I hear of lots of problems with the model 1, usually either a bad fuse or a broken drive belt, both can be fixed though (just connect both ends of the dead fuse with a wire/solder and use an appropriately sized rubber band for the drive belt), but at the same time I would imagine a properly kept model 1 should be a better quality unit all around. Its really up to you on Sega CD units.

#2 the JVC X'Eye. The X'Eye is a pretty rare and largely unknown Genesis+Sega CD all-in-one unit made by JVC. It is said to have additional audio goodies to provide the best sound available and from what I understand is pretty reliable. If you are patient and are good at eBay sniping its not a bad way to go, a Sega CD and Genesis will run you about $70 or so, so if you paid $80-$90 for a JVC X'Eye I would call it a win.

[TmEE]

X'eye sucks compared to MD1+MCD1/2 sound quality wise...

My favorite setup is MD2+MCD2+32X... only problem is that MD2 becomes my fav unit after extensive modding on sound part, and little bit of other tweaking to get rid of the ultr@ annoying TMSS screen.
Zebbe mentioned all you need if you don't want any modding to happen.

[daiikkon]

Is this an early model 1?

http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-SEGA-MEGADRIVE-BOXED-IMPORT-JAPAN_W0QQitemZ280274081778QQcmdZViewItem?hash=ite m280274081778&_trkparms=39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A3|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[Christuserloeser]

No, the early Japanese model #1 has "AV Intelligent Terminal - High Grade MultiPurpose Use" written on the bezel (like this: http://vc.sega.jp/) and a "SEGA®" logo (instead of just SEGA).

Some more info by Geo-16bit: http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4297

[Finny]

So, care to enlighten a n00b on terms such as 'TMSS' and 'mixing cable'?

[GohanX]

X'eye sucks compared to MD1+MCD1/2 sound quality wise...


I disagree with this. Although the Model 1s definately pump more bass, the sound of the X'Eye is so much cleaner to me. Different strokes for different folks. I should point out TmEE is much more hardcore than I am though. *edit* I just realized I have no idea which Model 1 I have. I probably have the bad one.

My dream setup is close to what I have: A JVC X'Eye, using an RGB cable going to a 27 inch CRT with component, and audio driven by an Onkyo surround receiver. It doesn't get much better than that in my opinion, the only thing that could make it better would be one of those hugeass Sony CRT's before they stopped making them. I would kill for one of those.

BTW, the mixing cable is a cable for first gen Sega Genesis/Sega CD combos. It connects the headphone jack from the Genesis to the Sega CD so that it can mix stereo sound and output through the Sega CD's RCA jacks. Model 2 Genesis's do not require this.

[otaku]

Well I've had a Model 3 and now a MOdel 1. I like my model 1 I just wish it was in pristine condition with box and papers and modded with svideo etc oh and to display my games of which I would ideally have many I would like a huge retail kiosk

I agree emulation just doesnt cut it. Hell even rereleases of games on newer hardware isn't the same. Thats why I have so much old stuff around including I just jumped into neo geo after a two year period of trying to satisfy myself with emulation/ports and neo geo pocket I finally am getting an aes

[17daysolderthannes]

X'eye sucks compared to MD1+MCD1/2 sound quality wise...

My favorite setup is MD2+MCD2+32X... only problem is that MD2 becomes my fav unit after extensive modding on sound part, and little bit of other tweaking to get rid of the ultr@ annoying TMSS screen.
Zebbe mentioned all you need if you don't want any modding to happen.

I dunno, I've heard the .ogg files of the modded MD2 vs. a hi-def MD1 and I still prefer the MD1. The MD2 takes too much modding to get on par with a hi-def MD1, and considering no one really knows there is a difference between models on eBay (quality wise anyway) they all go for about $20.

[Gentlegamer]

Controller-wise, I prefer the 3-button controllers myself. Excluding games like Street Fighter II, of course.

[Christuserloeser]

I disagree with this. Although the Model 1s definately pump more bass, the sound of the X'Eye is so much cleaner to me. Different strokes for different folks. I should point out TmEE is much more hardcore than I am though. *edit* I just realized I have no idea which Model 1 I have. I probably have the bad one.

I can confirm that a model #1 or a CCAM'd model #2 does indeed sound better than an X'eye. I did quite a few recordings and while the X'eye does sound pretty good and much better than a regular model #2, it can't compete with the HD model #1 or TmEE's CCAM.

Here's a list based on my experience:

1. HD model #1, CCAM'd model #2
2. Nomad
3. X'eye

The X'eye does sound much better than an unmodded model #2, but not as good as a HD model #1 or CCAM'd model #2.




My dream setup is close to what I have: A JVC X'Eye, using an RGB cable going to a 27 inch CRT with component, and audio driven by an Onkyo surround receiver. It doesn't get much better than that in my opinion, the only thing that could make it better would be one of those hugeass Sony CRT's before they stopped making them. I would kill for one of those.

I think your setup sounds pretty great! You gotta remember that these huge CRTs are extremely huge and extremely heavy. I honestly think you should be very happy with your 27" and its component in. It should do the job just fine.




The MD2 takes too much modding to get on par with a hi-def MD1

It does take a lot of modding indeed, but I still think it's worth it. If you want an X'eye or MD2+MCD2 combo, modding is the only solution to get some decent sound.




Controller-wise, I prefer the 3-button controllers myself. Excluding games like Street Fighter II, of course.

There are many many variants of the 3-Button controller. In my opinion, the pre-1992 controllers suck. With the 6-Button controllers you got only two (official) variants, and both are far better than at least 90% of the 3-Button controllers.

[The Sports Guy]

I would just be happy with a Sega, a model 2 Sega CD and a 32x.

Im beginning to think I am the only one who doesnt really care what his setup is, as long he has a setup.

[matteus]

can someone tell me which european model 1 I should be looking for?

[Christuserloeser]

can someone tell me which european model 1 I should be looking for?

The one with "High Definition Graphics and Sound" and possibly an EXT. port.



Im beginning to think I am the only one who doesnt really care what his setup is, as long he has a setup.

Well, if the model #2 MD/G wouldn't sound as crappy as it does, no one would care.

[matteus]

The one with "High Definition Graphics and Sound" and possibly an EXT. port.

Well, if the model #2 MD/G wouldn't sound as crappy as it does, no one would care.


I was under the impression that was the US model that had that?

[Christuserloeser]

The US model only has "High Definition Graphics", while the European one also got sound.

[matteus]

The US model only has "High Definition Graphics", while the European one also got sound.

Cheers time to go a huntin :)

[AD2101]

I am a Sega fan from way back. I remember when Genesis came out. Sonic totally blew me away(and still does honestly).

I am planning on buying a Genesis setup because emulation is not satisfying. I wondering what is the best Megadrive/Genesis setup? Is it the Laseractive or just a Japanese Megadrive with a CD attachment?

I didn't get to read through everyone's posts but this (http://www.segagagadomain.com/hardware-mega/wonder1.htm) is my dream setup. It really is a thing of beauty. Of course you can't go wrong with a "High Definition" model 1 genesis with a model 1 Sega CD either, that's my current setup (plus a 32X on top), and its awesome. I also have a model 2 genesis with a model 2 Sega CD and 32X and while its still great, it takes up a lot more space and the audio and video quality is noticeably worse than my other setup.

[Finny]

So, I have a Model 1, but I'm not sure which revisions (no "HD Graphics" logo). However, I could possibly swap it out for one with "HD Graphics", but would it be worth it? Should I even take the effort?

If I take a pic of my mobo, could one of you guys identify which revision I have?

[Zebbe]

It will be worth it. Do it ASAP.

[Christuserloeser]

I agree with Zebbe. It will be worth the effort.




I didn't get to read through everyone's posts but this (http://www.segagagadomain.com/hardware-mega/wonder1.htm) is my dream setup. It really is a thing of beauty. Of course you can't go wrong with a "High Definition" model 1 genesis with a model 1 Sega CD either, that's my current setup (plus a 32X on top), and its awesome. I also have a model 2 genesis with a model 2 Sega CD and 32X and while its still great, it takes up a lot more space and the audio and video quality is noticeably worse than my other setup.

I can't really comment on the audio quality of the Wondermega. TmEE repaired mine but I am waiting for a recording atm. What we know so far is that it uses the earliest known variant of the MD2 sound chip so it is possible that there isn't that much of a difference to a regular X'eye (Wondermega 2).
What is different is the mixer and that is what's causing the problem with MD2 based hardware.
What we also know is that the system's sound enhancement options can be applied not only to CDDA playback, but also to Mega Drive and Master System games.

Still, until we have a recording there is no way to be sure that it's as good as an early model #1 MD/G with "High Definition..." logo or TmEE's CCAM'd model #2.

[TmEE]

VA0 MD2s and VA7 MD1s also use the same ASIC as Wondermega, and they're functionally identical to all later ASICs. Wondermega has poor FM, and really loud PSG (just as Christuserloeser likes I think :) ). I'll do some recordings shortly... I've got a ton of things to record...

[omp]

I have a few MD1's here (Australian ones) model no's 1600-xx which has the "Hi-Def/stereo remark" as well as 1601-xx without the Hi-Def remark on the top. I can't really tell any difference in audio or video. I tried Bubsy because of the speech at the beggining ("what could possibly go wrong?"), they sounded the same. What games could I try that will show a difference between the two?

[Christuserloeser]

What games could I try that will show a difference between the two?

ALL games will sound different.

- The thing is that there seem to be many many variants that don't have the HD logo. While with most non-HD variants the difference isn't as incredible as with a model #2 MD/G, there even are model #2 units in model #1 shells.

Looking for a model #1 with HD logo is the only way to be 100% sure that you got a good model with proper sound.

Again, the difference isn't as huge as with model #1 vs model #2. However, while TmEE is repairing/modding my consoles, I am playing Beggar Prince on a non-HD MD1 and I can easily hear that it's not how it's supposed to sound, even via the TV's cheap speakers and without even knowing the game.

[TmEE]

The way to be sure is the TMSS screen... no TMSS screen, slightly better sound, usually... Sega's stuff is a bit hit and miss IMO.

[daiikkon]

Thanks for all the info guys. I definitely know what I want now.

Is the LaserActive worth any of the hype? I've heard its a holy grail of consoles, is that just because they are so rare? Does anyone know how the sound and video compare to the model 1's?

Thanks again

[Christuserloeser]

Since we don't have any recordings of the LaserActive, I can't say anything final, but I would assume that since it's been released in 1993 it uses the same chipset as the X'eye. We don't know anything about the mixing though, and that'd be much more important than the soundchip. TmEE's Crystal Clear Audio Mod proves that the soundchip itself is virtually the same in all regular hardware variants.



I'll do some recordings shortly... I've got a ton of things to record...

I just noticed this bit: I know that you have a long list or recording requests. Don't worry, just take your time. It's nothing too important anyway.

[KnightWarrior]

I tryed 8 Meg SMS Game on my early Mega Drive the Japanese Model 1...I can't play games like SF2 or Sonic Blast..it has no VDP chip in it for the 8 Meg Games

[Timstuff]

First post, yay! :)

Model 2 Sega Genesis, modded "Neptune style" with an internal 32x (http://www.longhornengineer.com/Projects/Neptune) )and a blue LED power light to show how special it is), model 2 Sega CD drive, stereo A/V outs, two official 6 button gamepads, the official 6-button arcade stick, import cart, 32 inch CRT SDTV (CRT is ideal for viewing pixel art IMO).

So far, I have a model 2 Genesis, two 6 button controllers, stereo AV cables, and a 32" CRT. I've got quite a long way to go.

[Dirt Ball Gamer]

I have a laseractive and I beleive Christuserloeser is correct about the chipset but Im not a tech guy its just something I heard so I could be wrong. I really like it a hell of a lot because it also plays pc engine games, laserdisc movies, and special laserdisc games unplayable on any other console. The thing that sucks is its composite, but that doesn't really bother me all that much.

Does the wondermega work with a 32x just out of curiousity?

[Aqua Hedgehog]

Genesis TMSS-proof Model 1 - Neptunized, Front-loader SEGA CD, A/V Connection, Reasonably-sized 4:3 TV, and my Cambridge Speakers with the woofer hooked to the headphone jack. Genesis Nomad with longer-lasting, rechargeable batteries and the LCD Screen from the PSP because its bigger and clearer than the tacky Nomad screen for portable fun.

[Finny]

Swap my Model 1 for HD Graphics Model 1 accomplished.

[GohanX]

Does the wondermega work with a 32x just out of curiousity?

I'm not sure about the Japanese Wondermega, but the 32x works with the American X'Eye. However, you can't open the CD tray with the 32x attached, you have to remove the mushroom if you want to swap CDs. This would make the multi disc 32X cds unplayable.

[nissling]

Use model 1 FTW! Model 2 is like a toy for seven years old boy.

[Timstuff]

Use model 1 FTW! Model 2 is like a toy for seven years old boy.

I have to disagree. I think that the Model 1 looks a lot more like a relic of the 80's, which I don't think is so great for a system that is primarily identified with the first half of the 1990s. To this day I think that the model 2 is one of the sexiest game console designs ever made.

[thedaemon]

I have to disagree. I think that the Model 1 looks a lot more like a relic of the 80's, which I don't think is so great for a system that is primarily identified with the first half of the 1990s. To this day I think that the model 2 is one of the sexiest game console designs ever made.

I agree, the model 1's looks like Atari's, old and outdated.

[TheEdge]

Could someone explain to me which Genesis Console was the High Graphic one? Or is that a new modded one that just came out?

[Timstuff]

All Genesis models function exactly the same, unless they're bootlegged or modded. I'm not sure if the Model 3 supports to add ons or not though, but that would be pretty much the only difference aside from how they look.

Perhaps what you're thinking of is that the model 1 Sega Genesis has text on it that says "High definition graphics." It's kind of ironic they'd say that now though, sice technically the Genesis put out a resolution about half that of a standard definition signal. The presence of the text is not indicative of a difference in visual output over the other models, though.

[TmEE]

The models with that text tend to have different internals, which yeld better video and sound.

[thedaemon]

All Genesis models function exactly the same, unless they're bootlegged or modded.

Well, the model 1 has a headphone jack and other features that model 2 and model 3 are lacking. Overall I think most people find the build quality to be higher on the model 1. But I agree with you that the model 2 is by far the best looking. Way better looking than NES or SNES. Take that Nintendo! :cool:

[Finny]

How the hell do I know if my TV is scart compatible? Only older sets? Where would the port be located?

[Christuserloeser]

How the hell do I know if my TV is scart compatible? Only older sets? Where would the port be located?

Chances to find a TV with SCART port in the US are next to zero. I have read that people try to import EU CRTs rather than trying to hunt down a TV with SCART in the US.

In the EU, it's almost impossible to find a TV that does not have a SCART port.

But to answer your actual question: It would be on the back of the TV. You're usually provided with two ports, one for Composite Video and/or S-Video, and one for RGB.

[TmEE]

Chris, look into Spritesmind for the SoR recordings from Wondermega

[Christuserloeser]

Thank you so much, Tiido! :)


Or is that a new modded one that just came out?

There's TmEE's Crystal Clear Audio mod (CCAM) for model#2 Genesiseseses. You could buy one here: http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5643 (or ask TmEE directly).

In comparision to a Wondermega, it does sound like this:


http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/4/21/1876835/SoR2-MD2CCAM.ogg
http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/4/21/1876835/SoR2-Wondermega.ogg


I don't think that this requires further comment...





I have to disagree. I think that the Model 1 looks a lot more like a relic of the 80's, which I don't think is so great for a system that is primarily identified with the first half of the 1990s. To this day I think that the model 2 is one of the sexiest game console designs ever made.


I agree with you that the model 2 is by far the best looking. Way better looking than NES or SNES. Take that Nintendo! :cool:

I like the look of the American and Japanese model #2s, but I think the EU one with its red knobs looks cheap in comparision to the model #1. In the review, my main complaint would be that while in the US and in Japan they kept the accessories from Sega CD to 6-Button-Controllers compatible in design, in Europe everything suddenly had this plastic black/red look, while the model#1 was entirely black & white.

Anyway, with TmEE's Crystal Clear Audio Mod you have the best of both worlds: model #2 shell and model #1 sound, so maybe you guys should opt for that.