So is the VA7 Model 1 really that bad?

[Yoder]

Hey guys,

Like many of you, I sold my original genesis only to regret it a few years later (now). So I got the bug again and knew that I wanted a Model 1 like I had in late 1989. So I found a deal with a super clean Model 1 and a Model 2 Sega CD for $30 at the game store at the flea market.

The first thing I noticed about this machine was that licensing screen that I had never seen, and audio that sounds like the genesis-on-a-chip machine (retron 3) that I have. Oh, and I then noticed that it didn't say "High Definition Graphics" like mine did.

After a little reading here, of course, I found that I have a later model 1...and with more reading and peering inside the machine I found that I have a VA7 which explains the muddier audio.

I still don't feel that I have "my" machine from back in the day (an Altered Beast early launch console) so I think I'm going to look for a nice clean early Model 1 to replace this one.

But my question is...is the VA7 really that bad? I know some of you will say "definitely" and some will say "I can't even tell the difference in the audio", but do most of you guys agree that this console "should be avoided at all costs"? Does the VA7 have any redeeming characteristics?

It's a shame b/c this one I have looks like it was barely every played. Super clean inside and out, and the cart slot is still shiny gold. Or maybe I'm just being too anal :-/

Thanks

[Lastcallhall]

It's probably super clean because it's original owner fired up their Sonic 2 Pack-in and heard how shitty the sound was and boxed it right back up...

-JK- I've never owned a VA7, so I can't say. Never owned a model 2, either - I've always been on the lookout for VA6 & older boards. I'm sure someone here will give you a good breakdown on the audio circuit.

[Kaijuboy]

In a nutshell, while I havent noticed any gameplay differences in my tests, the VA7 's sound is definitely inferior.

-Its 7db quieter than a 'normal' VA1.
-Dynamic range (the range between 'high" and 'low' sounds) is compressed.
-Stereo seperation is lessened
-Bass output is HALVED




PM me if your still looking for a Gen.

[64k]

I hate the VA7....the audio is for sure worse! as above really.

you can tell the difference between the different models.

[Christuserloeser]

A good friend of mine had a VA-7. I could easily tell the difference in audio quality whenever I came over with a new game I had. It wasn't as bad as my brother's model 2 though (although both machines have very similar hardware inside).


IMHO a VA-7 in itself is worthless but what you can do is to have it modded for Crystal Clear Audio by TmEE.

[kool kitty89]

I think it varies as much as it does among the "bad" model 2s (ie ranging from plain mufflign to hiss to heavy distortion), but I'm not sure. (some mentioned the worst VA7s are worse than the worst model 2s though)

Here's a direct comparison:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFXCnEEAppo


Skip to 2:20


The VA7 does consistently have the CXA1145 video encoder like most NTSC model 1s and also lacks some other problems that make the same video encoder look worse on model 2s (for whatever reason) and also means definite S-video modding is possible.

[Yoder]

Hey guys, thanks for the info and the laughs! Wow, Kaijuboy, those are some techy specs! Man, 7 dB decrease is almost half the volume, right?

I just resurrected a beat up model 2 that wouldn't power on or anything...turns out it was a loose power connector and a ridiculously dirty cart slot... But I was surprised to find that the video looks beautiful on it...through composite. I then found that it's a VA3 model 2 and it sounds like it's a desirable model with the better sony chip in it. It's a 3/4 size motherboard.

So this will give me a good platform to compare them with.

I found a good deal on a Model 1 with a 32X and 6 games for $30 locally, so I may grab it if it turns out to be a clean HDG one.

I'm gonna watch the youtube video now. Thanks for the link kookitty89...

Oh, and I'm definitely going to s-video mod whichever one I stay with. I was just playing with my newly re-acquired gray and purple 16-bit system that will go nameless, and I couldn't believe the difference in s-video vs. composite. It's a shame that Sega didn't build s-video into their console...at least it gives me something else to hack :-)

[Jesse813]

The VA7 definitely sounds worse the HD Genesis, though not quite as bad Model 2

[Christuserloeser]

If you got component in on your TV you could go the RGB route

[Yoder]

Wow, I "checked ote" that video ;-) The difference is very noticeable...man, I do remember my old genesis having nice strong audio with lots of dynamics and some "edginess"....especially the metallic sounds. That early model 1 is def. what I remember from BITD.

I need to do some comparisons with the two I have here...

[Ecco]

Hey guys,

Like many of you, I sold my original genesis only to regret it a few years later (now). So I got the bug again and knew that I wanted a Model 1 like I had in late 1989. So I found a deal with a super clean Model 1 and a Model 2 Sega CD for $30 at the game store at the flea market.

The first thing I noticed about this machine was that licensing screen that I had never seen, and audio that sounds like the genesis-on-a-chip machine (retron 3) that I have. Oh, and I then noticed that it didn't say "High Definition Graphics" like mine did.

After a little reading here, of course, I found that I have a later model 1...and with more reading and peering inside the machine I found that I have a VA7 which explains the muddier audio.

I still don't feel that I have "my" machine from back in the day (an Altered Beast early launch console) so I think I'm going to look for a nice clean early Model 1 to replace this one.

But my question is...is the VA7 really that bad? I know some of you will say "definitely" and some will say "I can't even tell the difference in the audio", but do most of you guys agree that this console "should be avoided at all costs"? Does the VA7 have any redeeming characteristics?

It's a shame b/c this one I have looks like it was barely every played. Super clean inside and out, and the cart slot is still shiny gold. Or maybe I'm just being too anal :-/

Thanks

Well I grew up with the VA7 without realizing it, and I had inferior sound & music my whole childhood. LOL It was still great at the time, but now that I'm old and I got a Hi-Definition Graphics Model 1 (without TMSS), I could tell right away the difference. Better music & sound, like fuller and with more bass. Everything sounds better, especially games with amazing soundtracks like Phantasy Star IV. And it's great not to have to deal with that TMSS screen for a few seconds each time you turn the power on.

Nope, nothing redeeming about the VA7.

[Yoder]

LOL. Yeah, I really don't dig the TMSS screen. And the font is just ugly...WTF?

[dbtmellis]

TMSS...5 seconds of my life i cant get back

[Yoder]

I don't even know what it stands for, to tell you the truth...how about...

TMSS: The Most Sucky Shit ;-)
or
TMSS: That Miserable Sega Screen

[Guntz]

TMSS = Trade Mark Shit System