Hi Everyone,
I just picked up a model 2 sega genesis for 7.00 at a thrift store. Under doing some research and cleaning up the system I found out that I have a model va1.8 which is a crappy version of the model 2. I own a model 1 hd model but I also have a model 3.
It looks like that the va4 version is the best for sound and picture for the model 2 genesis so should I bother to try to find it or is it true that the model 3 is actually the better of those two genesis versions? I know the model 2 has stereo sound and model 3 has mono but I also read that the model 3 has a clearer and better sound than the model 2 and some model 1's
So should I bother with finding another model 2 va4 version or just stick with what I got and play the model 3?
I know what evryone will say "just play the model 1 hd version". Right now I don't any av cables for it and I just ordered av's for the model 2/model 3.
I just want to play genesis games on the best version of the sega genesis console that's all guys
sega genesis model 2 vs model 3 question
Re: sega genesis model 2 vs model 3 question
I've owned several versions of each of the models over the years. Recently, I've had several versions at once to compare them all together. I was having a tough time deciding which version I liked the best, but I finally made a decision and I'm pretty sure I'm sticking to it.
Use this guide for a good comparison between models: http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread ... m-bad-ones
The Genesis that I have right now, and plan to keep as my main Genesis, is a model 2 VA3. The VA3 and VA4 are pretty much identical as far as I can tell. The only difference being is with the VA3 you have a chance of getting one of three video encoders. With the VA4, you're (I think) guaranteed to have a CXA1645 (which is probably the best encoder found inside a Genesis, same that the model 3 uses). My VA3 has the CXA1645, so I guess I lucked out.
I also currently have a model 1, HDG with no TMSS. Deciding to keep this or my VA3 model 2 was a tough choice. I was focusing on audio for a while, but my deciding factor was the Sega CD. I don't wanna use a model 1 Sega CD, and I already own a model 2 Sega CD. The model 1 Genesis sucks with the model 2 Sega CD. So there it is.
The audio difference between my model 1 and 2 Genesis isn't that big of a deal. Unless you're an audiophile that knows what to look for, and have a quality sound system to hear it on (TV speakers wont count) then the difference isn't anything. I have taken multiple sound clips from four different model Genesis, so this is where I'm coming from.
I'd stay away from the model 3 for two main reasons. One, it's mono audio. And two, no Sega CD link. If you don't ever plan on using a Sega CD, I guess that's not a problem, but having only mono audio sucks. I can't remember if there's plans out there to mod the model 3 for stereo audio, I think there is. I also recall hearing that some how the Game Genie doesn't work with the model 3. The Game Genie, primarily used for cheats, can also be used to boot some imports. So this is something to consider.
For the model 2's with shitty audio, Google "genesis crystal clear audio mod". I don't know if you have the means to do such a mod, but I've heard the results are fantastic. Some on this forum has done the mod and claims that the audio is better than a model 1. So if you can perform this mod, you might end up keeping your VA1.8 model 2.
Whatever Genesis model you end up keeping, I recommend having it modified to output S-Video. I'm assuming your not using RGB, so S-Video will be your best picture quality. The step up from composite is amazing, ask any one. As far as I know, every model 1 has the CXA1145 inside, which can output S-Video, so it's a very simple mod to do. The model 2 can have 3 or 4 different encoders though, so it might be hit or miss. If you have a model 2 with a shitty encoder, you can always replace it, but that's of course more involved. And the model 3, as far as I know, always has the CXA1645, which will output S-Video. It's a pretty simple mod to perform. If you can't do it, perhaps you have a buddy that can. Either way, highly recommended.
So in short, in my opinion, the VA3 or VA4 model 2 is the best Genesis to own. The model 2 has always been my favorite looking out of all the models anyway.
Use this guide for a good comparison between models: http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread ... m-bad-ones
The Genesis that I have right now, and plan to keep as my main Genesis, is a model 2 VA3. The VA3 and VA4 are pretty much identical as far as I can tell. The only difference being is with the VA3 you have a chance of getting one of three video encoders. With the VA4, you're (I think) guaranteed to have a CXA1645 (which is probably the best encoder found inside a Genesis, same that the model 3 uses). My VA3 has the CXA1645, so I guess I lucked out.
I also currently have a model 1, HDG with no TMSS. Deciding to keep this or my VA3 model 2 was a tough choice. I was focusing on audio for a while, but my deciding factor was the Sega CD. I don't wanna use a model 1 Sega CD, and I already own a model 2 Sega CD. The model 1 Genesis sucks with the model 2 Sega CD. So there it is.
The audio difference between my model 1 and 2 Genesis isn't that big of a deal. Unless you're an audiophile that knows what to look for, and have a quality sound system to hear it on (TV speakers wont count) then the difference isn't anything. I have taken multiple sound clips from four different model Genesis, so this is where I'm coming from.
I'd stay away from the model 3 for two main reasons. One, it's mono audio. And two, no Sega CD link. If you don't ever plan on using a Sega CD, I guess that's not a problem, but having only mono audio sucks. I can't remember if there's plans out there to mod the model 3 for stereo audio, I think there is. I also recall hearing that some how the Game Genie doesn't work with the model 3. The Game Genie, primarily used for cheats, can also be used to boot some imports. So this is something to consider.
For the model 2's with shitty audio, Google "genesis crystal clear audio mod". I don't know if you have the means to do such a mod, but I've heard the results are fantastic. Some on this forum has done the mod and claims that the audio is better than a model 1. So if you can perform this mod, you might end up keeping your VA1.8 model 2.
Whatever Genesis model you end up keeping, I recommend having it modified to output S-Video. I'm assuming your not using RGB, so S-Video will be your best picture quality. The step up from composite is amazing, ask any one. As far as I know, every model 1 has the CXA1145 inside, which can output S-Video, so it's a very simple mod to do. The model 2 can have 3 or 4 different encoders though, so it might be hit or miss. If you have a model 2 with a shitty encoder, you can always replace it, but that's of course more involved. And the model 3, as far as I know, always has the CXA1645, which will output S-Video. It's a pretty simple mod to perform. If you can't do it, perhaps you have a buddy that can. Either way, highly recommended.
So in short, in my opinion, the VA3 or VA4 model 2 is the best Genesis to own. The model 2 has always been my favorite looking out of all the models anyway.
Re: sega genesis model 2 vs model 3 question
Thanks for all your time and info ziggy. I will start looking for a va4 or va3 model 2. I'm going to keep all my systems and if I do find a s video cheap on ebay then i'm going that route. I don't plan on getting a sega cd so I guess for now I'm stuck with what I got. Ziggy How can I make sure I have a va3 or va4 model 2 in my hands before I buy it and find out its another crappy version?
Re: sega genesis model 2 vs model 3 question
Take a look at that link I posted, I believe it has good tips for identifying the revisions for the exterior. For a VA3 and 4, take a look at the back of the console. Look at the metal shield in the vent holes, if it doesn't take up the entire console (only about 2/3) then it's a VA3 or 4. Look at the link for more info.