Sega Genesis Questions, (Page 5 for Update)

[Mad_Hatter]

A while ago, I cleaned and checked out my entire place to only found out my mom took my Sega Genesis to Goodwill. So, it is time I buy a new Sega Genesis. I am not sure which one I should buy though. I used to have a Model 2 (I like that design the best).

- Although I do not have any immediate plans to buy and play a Sega CD 2 and a 32x, I would like one of the Genesis models that will work well with the Sega CD 2 and 32x.
- I was thinking of buying another model 2. The model 3 is cheaper and smaller, but it does not work with the 32x from what I heard.

Which Sega Model should I get?

Model 1 Vs. Model 2: Does one offer any performance of quality advantages over the other? I read that the Model 2 provides better audio ?

Which Sega Region outputs 50 Hz and which outputs 60 Hz? I prefer the 60. I believe it was PAL that uses 50 Hz and NTSC and Japan output 60 Hz?

My last question is, what is the point of Sega Genesis AV Mods? I looked on YouTube and people do these AV Mods. Why not just by an AV Cable? Doesn't that provide the same profit? AV Cables will provide the best output for the Sega Genesis?

[Nemoide]

The general consensus is that the best model of Sega Genesis is the model 1 that says "High Definition Graphics."
You'll have to make sure you get all the wires that originally came in the 32X box to hook it up to a model 1, but it shouldn't be a major issue. And with a model 2 Sega CD, the end will hang out unless you buy a spacer thing. Again, probably not a big issue?

Or just get a model 2 and live with it! The only downside is slightly worse sound quality. But you get the bonus of built-in stereo support, rather than relying on the headphone jack or Sega CD for stereo!

As for output, I would say just buy whatever model came out in your region. Which is probably the Sega Genesis, since you aren't calling it a Mega Drive.

And AV Cables are a step up from coaxial, but they are not the best output. There is a big difference between it and something modded for S-video or a workaround to get component!

[Aar1012]

Sega-16 has a good guide on telling you a good Genesis from a bad one. I was lucky to find the type of Genesis that I wanted before I found this guide.

I recommend the Non-TMSS 'High-Definition Graphics' model 1 Genesis. The sound is better. The only problem is that it doesn't support stereo outright. Since you plan on getting a Sega CD, however, you can hook the headphone port (which has stereo support) into the SEGA CD and the SEGA CD will port out to Stereo. I recommend the Non-TMSS model because of aesthetics. You don't have to see that ugly 'Licensed by Sega...' line when you turn on a game.

[SaturnHST]

For model 1's, the earlier ones sound the best. The easiest way to tell is to get one with the "High Definition Graphics" print on the top casing. There are non-HDG models that also sound good, but there is one that sounds as bad as most model 2's. You can tell by looking at the power jack. If it's all the way to the edge, it's a good one. If the power jack and the other ports are shifted more to the center, it's a bad one.

To tell if it has TMSS or not, look at the FCC ID on the bottom sticker.


For model 2's, the later ones sound better than most model 2's (almost as good as most model 1's). But good sounding model 2's are hard to find. You will more likely come across bad model 2's than good ones. You can tell by looking at the shielding through the bottom vents. If it's shorter (3/4 motherboard), it's a good one. If it covers the full length of the vents (full motherboard), it's a bad one.


I prefer using a good model 2 with the Sega CD 2 and 32X since the aesthetics match and it has stereo output from the back so there's less cables to deal with. Sega CD 2 is also easier to repair since there are less moving parts and the top casing just pops right off. With Sega CD 1, you have to deal with the motorized tray and complicated moving laser assembly. For 32X, there are now 3rd party cables available for both models so it's not bad as it used to be. Also look into getting a Sega Trio ac adapter so you don't have to hook up 3 bulky power bricks.

[bmoc]

If you go with a model 1 and decide to get a 32X, it can be hard/expensive to find the original patch cable adapter for a model 1. I recommend picking up one of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sega-Genesis-1- ... 2580781827

It has the added benefit of offering stereo sound out of the 32X's AV port. As others have said, you can patch your audio into the SegaCD and output it from there, but this does the same thing with less wires.

[theclaw]

A while ago, I cleaned and checked out my entire place to only found out my mom took my Sega Genesis to Goodwill. So, it is time I buy a new Sega Genesis. I am not sure which one I should buy though. I used to have a Model 2 (I like that design the best).

- Although I do not have any immediate plans to buy and play a Sega CD 2 and a 32x, I would like one of the Genesis models that will work well with the Sega CD 2 and 32x.
- I was thinking of buying another model 2. The model 3 is cheaper and smaller, but it does not work with the 32x from what I heard.

Which Sega Model should I get?

Model 1 Vs. Model 2: Does one offer any performance of quality advantages over the other? I read that the Model 2 provides better audio ?

Which Sega Region outputs 50 Hz and which outputs 60 Hz? I prefer the 60. I believe it was PAL that uses 50 Hz and NTSC and Japan output 60 Hz?

My last question is, what is the point of Sega Genesis AV Mods? I looked on YouTube and people do these AV Mods. Why not just by an AV Cable? Doesn't that provide the same profit? AV Cables will provide the best output for the Sega Genesis?

Model 1 has better sound. Though stereo wiring looks messier since it uses the headphone jack. Can also use the first Master System converter easiest.

60hz systems are like US, Japan, South Korea, etc.
Older NTSC TVs won't work for a 50hz version.

Most AV mods are because Genesis has RGB for its best output. Which is usually found on European TVs.

[MaxWar]

For model 2's, the later ones sound better than most model 2's (almost as good as most model 1's). But good sounding model 2's are hard to find. You will more likely come across bad model 2's than good ones. You can tell by looking at the shielding through the bottom vents. If it's shorter (3/4 motherboard), it's a good one. If it covers the full length of the vents (full motherboard), it's a bad one.

I will add a bit more to this, there are two variants of the 3/4 motherboard. VA3 and VA4.
There is a way to tall them appart. VA4 has two square holes in the metal shield, VA3 doesnt.


VA3 might have a crappy video encoder in it while you are assured to get a good one with the VA4. Furthermore, VA4 sound output has the Cleanest Signal to noise ratio of all the genesis. If you install a CCAM on it, it can sound awesome. Its only problem is that it cannot be overclocked.

[Jagosaurus]

I have a model 2 hooked up to my model 2 sega CD. I have a free standing model 1.

Keep in mind that you'll need a 3.5mm (headphone) male to stereo RCA (red & white) cable to get true stereo out of the model 1 (runs from the headphone jack in the front).

These can be found on amazon for dirt cheap: http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Audio-Cabl ... 5mm+to+rca

I know my model 1 also puts out a better picture. It is especially noticeable if hooked to a LCD instead of my normal CRT.

[KalessinDB]

I will also throw out that a Model 2, with the CCAM (Crystal Clear Audio Mod), has been shown fairly conclusively to sound as good or better than the Model 1's. You can check the various threads on Sega-16.com for more in-depth reviews.

This is my favorite choice because awesome audio and best aesthetics (imo)

Now I'm debating modding mine to be region free bios'd... I have a Mega Everdrive to force my SegaCD into other regions, but I hear that it's occasionally tweaky...

[AppleQueso]

Model 2's don't work with the Power Base Converter without heavily modifying the PBC itself, so that's worth considering I think.