Worth Upgrading to a Genesis Model 1 from a 2?

[MagOps]

Hey guys first post! I just got done with my Neo Geo MVS collection and am starting on Genesis. My friend gave me his Gen Model 2 dirt cheap but I am wondering if its worth the upgrade to get a Model 1 for better sound and picture quality? My Model 2 is one of the Malaysian ones so I dont know if its terrible or not. It looks like its the first rev. but I haven't taken it apart yet.

[Gunstar Green]

Well it depends, if you have one of the 3/4 motherboard Genesis 2's then the answer is a "maybe" and depends on how much of an audiophile you are. Those have pretty good sound quality and I feel the average person won't be able to tell the difference. As for video quality the model 2 varies widely since they used lots of different video encoders.

If you have one of the other model 2's it's more likely you'd want to think about upgrading.

Here's Sega-16's guide for telling apart good Genesis models from bad ones. Keep in mind even some of the model 1's are stinkers like the VA7.

http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread ... m-bad-ones

[Ziggy]

I was in the same boat as you. I had multiple model 2 consoles and a High Definition Graphics model 1. I was mulling over which model I should keep for myself. I ended up with a model 2.

It all depends which model 2 you have. Late model 1's and early (and mid?) model 2's suck. Later model 2's are fine though. Take a look through the vent slots on the bottom of your model 2. You can see the metal shielding, and you can see if it takes up the entire inside or not. Later model 2's had a slimmed down motherboard, and it only takes up about 2/3 of the inside. You can clearly see the shorter board through the vent slots.

The later revisions to the model 2 had better audio. Some argue that it still isn't as good as the original model 1. I did a lot of comparisons, and it is slightly different. But I didn't find it to be any better or worse.

If you're gonna get a model 1, it's important to know that the last revisions of it had shitty audio as well. So don't think you're golden by getting one. If you wanted to hunt "blind" for a model 1, I would just be sure to get one that has the High Definition Graphics above the cart slot.

All model 1 revisions have the CXA1145 video encoder. Later revision model 2's have the CXA1645 video encoder, which is a refined version. This is one of the reasons I went with the model 2.

Check out this guide to determine what revision you have now: http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread ... m-bad-ones

You can also use it to pick out a new Genesis, if you wish.

Whatever revision and model you get, composite video on the Genesis sucks. If you're in the states (assuming you are since you called it the Genesis and not Mega Drive) RGB isn't the easiest to use. But the CXA encoders can output S-Video, you just have to do a little modification to the console. If you or some one you know has the means to do this mod, I HIGHLY recommend it. S-Video is an amazing improvement over composite on the Genesis.

[MagOps]

Thanks for all the help. It would appear that I have the early Model 2. My local game store has a really nice Model 1 with "High Def" label above the cartridge slot for like 30. As long as it has the High Def writing am I ok?

[Gunstar Green]

Unless there's issues with the console itself due to age the High Def models are all good ones.

[Ziggy]

Yeah, those early model 2's sound like complete crap. I would suggest getting another model.

Of course, there's the "Crystal Clear" audio mod. It's designed for the earlier model 2's.

http://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=3719.0

But if you don't have the skills, then yeah, get a different model system.

One thing to consider is if you ever plan on getting the Sega CD add on. The model 1 Sega CD, which matches the asthetics of the model 1 Genesis, are more prone to needing repairs. I think they're also more expensive. You can use a model 2 Sega CD with a model 1 Genesis, but it looks bad IMO. And you need the little extension piece so the model 1 Genesis doesn't hang off the edge, and it's usually not included with the purchase of the add on console.



I mean, whatever floats your boat, but I just thought I'd point that out. This was a big contributing factor of why I ultimately went with the model 2.

Another annoying thing about the model 1 is that it only outputs mono audio from the multi AV output on the back of the console. If you want to hook up stereo audio to your TV, you need to use the front headphones jack (with a 3.5mm to RCA adapter). And then you have a wire coming out the front of your console, I find that annoying. You might not mind, but again, just thought I'd point it out.

You can add stereo audio outputs on the back of the console, which is what I recommend you do if modifying the console for S-Video.

As I said, I highly recommend modifying the console to output S-Video. Unless you're gonna convert RGB, S-Video is the way to go for the Genesis. Composite video from the Genesis is just really poor. And if you can't do it yourself, I recommend finding some one to do it for you. It's worth it.

For the model 1 Genesis, this is the mod I suggest: http://www.jamma-nation-x.com/jammax/genesismods.html

There's a few different schematics on the net for the CXA1145 S-Video output, I've tried them all and this was the best one.

[Snatch1414]

Not to hijack the thread, but quickly: Is there any difference in durability/lifespan between models 1 and 2? I have two model 2's because I haven't found a model 1 with the "High Definition Graphics" label yet (the version I had back in the day). Frankly the model 2 feels like a hollow piece of crap when I hold it and, more importantly, it has trouble booting up certain games.

Now it's entirely possible I have a few bad carts (even after cleaning) but even with the ones that work properly I tested just tapping on the console itself and sometimes that is enough to stop the game from working. I haven't tested my 2nd model 2 yet but would the model 1 fix any of this or do I maybe just happen to have a wonky model 2 that might have a lackluster pin connector?

[AppleQueso]

A point for the model 1 that nobody else has mentioned: The Power Base Converter won't fit on a model 2 without needing to chop off a big chunk of plastic.

[Hobie-wan]

A point for the model 1 that nobody else has mentioned: The Power Base Converter won't fit on a model 2 without needing to chop off a big chunk of plastic.

FTFY

No murdering PBCs.

[AppleQueso]

A point for the model 1 that nobody else has mentioned: The Power Base Converter won't fit on a model 2 without needing to chop off a big chunk of plastic.

FTFY

No murdering PBCs.

I definitely don't condone that!

I should also suggest keeping the way the PBC sits in mind when doing mods on a model 1. The back of it overlaps a good chunk of the backside of a model 1 Genesis.