Best Genesis/Megadrive Model Overall?

[FinalBaton]

How much better is the VA3/VA4 over the VA2? I'm talking both in sound quality and RGB picture quality.

I got mine last year and reading up some more I guess I overpaid. Is the VA2 salvageable or is it a clunker?

The VA2's RGB picture is just as good as that of the VA3 to VA6 (and as far as I know, all Genesis models have a good RGB picture once taken care of the jailbars issue, but don't quote me on that. It's composite video quality that varies between mobo revisions, but who cares about that.
That one dude's RGB signal comparison does not show much difference between different models once the jailbars are gone. (and he didn't test the different mobo revisions nor did he identify which one he tested. still interesting to check though https://medium.com/rgb-inside/comparing ... d3703270ba )

The VA2's sound is pure awesomeness, it has my fave filtering of the whole range. Only thing is that here and there you will hear a sound that is crunchy sounding, or a crackle(because the gain on the pre-amp is too hot). You can however mod the console to fix that, or you can pipe the console's sound throuh a mixer(or an Extron matrix)or anything that let's you adjust the input gain(aka the sensitivity of the incoming audio) and lower that a bit, which will almost 100% get rid of the problem, to the point where it becomes a non-issue. Go listen to my Genesis OST sound captures on my Youtube channel, they're all done on a stock VA2 with the latter method applied. https://youtu.be/Zi_zzjCxUps?t=2m32s

Be happy that you have a VA2! it's a great fucking machine and my personal fave revision ever

[FBX]

It's just easier to replace the filtering caps on the VA3 for example, making it sound exactly the same as the VA2, only with the benefit of the better pre-amp gain.

[FinalBaton]

Oh I know, but I was just reassuring Triple Lei, who has a VA2 in his possession as we speak.

He's got a great revision, he doesn't need to go out and buy a 2nd Genesis, is what I'm saying.

[Triple Lei]

Overpaid? Why, how much did you pay?

I paid $80 shipped, but it came with two controllers (not red button), an official Sega power adapter, an RF adapter, and Sonic the Hedgehog. The guy knew what he had though, putting "non-TMSS" right in the description and showing the motherboard. Lousy knowledgeable sellers...

Well, I guess it saved me the trouble of buying several Genesis consoles and trying my luck.

You'll have to get some modding done, at least for the picture.

See, I thought Genesis RGB was famously "no mods necessary." It's not one of those mods where I lose composite, is it? Wouldn't want to lose Sonic's rainbow waterfall...

The VA2's sound is pure awesomeness, it has my fave filtering of the whole range. Only thing is that here and there you will hear a sound that is crunchy sounding, or a crackle(because the gain on the pre-amp is too hot). You can however mod the console to fix that, or you can pipe the console's sound throuh a mixer(or an Extron matrix)or anything that let's you adjust the input gain(aka the sensitivity of the incoming audio) and lower that a bit, which will almost 100% get rid of the problem, to the point where it becomes a non-issue. Go listen to my Genesis OST sound captures on my Youtube channel, they're all done on a stock VA2 with the latter method applied. https://youtu.be/Zi_zzjCxUps?t=2m32s

Be happy that you have a VA2! it's a great fucking machine and my personal fave revision ever

Thanks for the tip on the mixer! You think this Behringer XENYX 502 will do the trick? I was actually planning on getting one just to play around with, but if it gets rid of the VA2's biggest weakness, I'll be getting it that much sooner.

So thanks... you really did make me appreciate my VA2 a lot more!

[FinalBaton]

Thanks for the tip on the mixer! You think this Behringer XENYX 502 will do the trick? I was actually planning on getting one just to play around with, but if it gets rid of the VA2's biggest weakness, I'll be getting it that much sooner.

So thanks... you really did make me appreciate my VA2 a lot more!

Any decent mixer should do. That one seems to have good reviews so I think it'll be fine.

And no problem

[Lawfer]

I paid $80 shipped, but it came with two controllers (not red button), an official Sega power adapter, an RF adapter, and Sonic the Hedgehog. The guy knew what he had though, putting "non-TMSS" right in the description and showing the motherboard. Lousy knowledgeable sellers...

Well, I guess it saved me the trouble of buying several Genesis consoles and trying my luck.

$80 for all that is good! This is not overpaying at all.

See, I thought Genesis RGB was famously "no mods necessary." It's not one of those mods where I lose composite, is it? Wouldn't want to lose Sonic's rainbow waterfall...

From what I understand, early revisions such as the VA2 has some design flaws and that impacts both the picture and sound, anyways all Genesis/Megadrive revisions need some form of modding to get the best picture + best sound.

[FinalBaton]

the VA2, like pretty much all Genesis and Megadrive revisions it seems like, can exhibit jailbars on blue colors. That requires lifting pin 50 of the VDP chip, or cutting a bit of trace right after it. This will disable composite video, but you can install a toggle switch that will make contact OR disable the connection of the trace right after pin 50. That way you can enable composite video, or disable it for when you want to have jailbars-free RGB.

Otherwise it has a good RGB picture.

[FBX]

the VA2, like pretty much all Genesis and Megadrive revisions it seems like, can exhibit jailbars on blue colors. That requires lifting pin 50 of the VDP chip, or cutting a bit of trace right after it. This will disable composite video, but you can install a toggle switch that will make contact OR disable the connection of the trace right after pin 50. That way you can enable composite video, or disable it for when you want to have jailbars-free RGB.

That's what I did for my VA2, while on my VA3 I just stripped the trace clean off the board. The ideal mod would be to 'remake' the trace on a separate bypass board that then routes shielded wire back into the CXA chip. That way, the RGB is left unmolested, and this in turn also improves the composite picture quality as well.

[FinalBaton]

That's what I did for my VA2, while on my VA3 I just stripped the trace clean off the board. The ideal mod would be to 'remake' the trace on a separate bypass board that then routes shielded wire back into the CXA chip. That way, the RGB is left unmolested, and this in turn also improves the composite picture quality as well.

Yep! I was thinking of your mod when I mentionned the toggle switch

[tacoguy64]

I remember back then when i was researching which Genesis to buy I ran across the retro rgb article that stated that the High Definition model 1 were the best. I forgot how much I spent on it but I know it was more than $100 for a Genesis and sega cd model 1. I was afraid I might have to go hunting for a va 3 or 4 but the fix doesn't seem to be all that bad. Really i'm quite happy with the genesis i have it has very clear sound except for when the gain gets used heavily like when theres tons of explosions. Seems like with a little bit of modding I can take care of that high gain problem and clean up that rgb signal a bit more. Might actually try it when i finally get me a soldering kit.

[Ikaruga11]

So does the JVC X'Eye really have the sharpest RGB output and cleanest audio? I've also heard that CDs load faster on the JVC X'Eye than any other Sega CD model.

https://medium.com/rgb-inside/comparing ... 3d3703270b

Also, I've noticed that all JVC X'Eyes have a BIOS firmware of Ver 2.00 for the CD side, while some Sega CD Model 2 can have a BIOS firmware of Ver 2.21. What's the difference with the extra .21?

[SamIAm]

So does the JVC X'Eye really have the sharpest RGB output and cleanest audio? I've also heard that CDs load faster on the JVC X'Eye than any other Sega CD model.

The RGB is certainly excellent, although I did have jailbars showing up on one TV until I cut pin 6 of the CXA1145 video encoder. When it comes to the sound, it's very clean and balanced, but there is much more subjectivity about whether it's really best. Model 1 systems tend to have more kick in the lower frequencies, which might sound richer to some and lopsided to others. I personally prefer the X'Eye.

The CD drive doesn't read faster, but IIRC, it seeks faster. I think the owner's manual for normal Sega CDs says the average seek-time is 1 second while the X'Eye's is 0.8.

Also, I've noticed that all JVC X'Eyes have a BIOS firmware of Ver 2.00 for the CD side, while some Sega CD Model 2 can have a BIOS firmware of Ver 2.21. What's the difference with the extra .21?

AFAIK, nothing. Not on the user end, anyway.

[Larrs888]

I have a Japanese VA6 board, good sound but horrendous jailbars on almost all colours!!! The picture would be superb otherwise. I take a Nap VA6 is different from a US genesis VA6, do you think if I took a photo of my motherboard and posted it here someone could advise on the trace to cut to help with my jailbars please?

[Einzelherz]

I hate all of you jerks in this thread cause I couldn't remember what my non-TMSS model was so I had to go open it.

It's a VA3. So yay.

Also no visible jailbars on analog screens. I don't know that any of my Genesis have them but my Master System has them badly.

[mvsfan]

I have an x eye. It has a distinct bios from the sega systems. it has its own display thats only on the x eye, and it has the music from the Mega Cd.

Great system its been. ive had it since around 2000 or so. although recently its having trouble reading Cds.

[jenders]

Sorry to necro this ancient thread but I've searched YouTube and still haven't seen any videos of before/after a triple-bypass mod on a Gen2 when compared directly to a modded Gen 1 VA3. Seems ripe for an MLiG round up.

[azmun]

Never mind the mods on those revisions. My preferred method to play Genesis/Mega Drive games these days is with my Genny 3 with 3BP. Runner up prior to this setup was with my Genesis 2 (3/4 mobo revision) paired with 32X.

[R79]

Anyone ever got S-Video out of a Mega Drive, or even a working cable for that? If money was no object, I'd get a Jap Wondermega off eBay, finally play Robo Aleste

[fernan1234]

The Wondermega would be perfect if only it had a YM2612 instead of a YM3438 which sadly makes it crap inside of a very sexy shell.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Anyone ever got S-Video out of a Mega Drive, or even a working cable for that? If money was no object, I'd get a Jap Wondermega off eBay, finally play Robo Aleste

In Japan, Micomsoft did release the XMD-1, XMD-2 and XMD-3 devices: https://www.ebay.com/itm/177546828070?_ ... BMwqnO07hn Both the XMD-2 & XMD-3 devices that converts RGB into S-Video output for use on a Mega Drive 2 console setup.

Here's another 3rd-party device that allows a MD2 console to output in S-Video as well: https://www.ebay.com/itm/127769670871?_ ... GH60SD48EX

Here's a brand new Micomsoft XMD-3: https://www.ebay.com/itm/116782213560?_ ... R8CpztO4Zw

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[jd213]

Anyone ever got S-Video out of a Mega Drive, or even a working cable for that? If money was no object, I'd get a Jap Wondermega off eBay, finally play Robo Aleste

Pretty sure the video encoders on most models (all model 1s and 3s I believe, and some Model 2s) have Y/C output, so one just needs to add a few passive components and an S-Video output (or do something like the Quadruple Bypass from Zaxour):
https://consolemods.org/wiki/Genesis:S-Video_Mod

[Steven]

The Wondermega would be perfect if only it had a YM2612 instead of a YM3438 which sadly makes it crap inside of a very sexy shell.

I wish people would stop saying the YM3438 is shit because it isn't necessarily. The Mega Jet has a YM3438 and it effortlessly beats the crap out of even the best YM2612 revision Mega Drives. It's not even a fair competition, like asking which wins in a fight between the Death Star and a speck of dust, and the Mega Jet is the Death Star in this case. Mega Jet is one of the absolute best Mega Drive variants, provided you can both find one and tolerate the mild awkwardness of holding it. If you can do both of those and don't mind not being able to play 32X games without at least removing the 32X's shell, it's very possibly the best Mega Drive variant around. I love mine and I can't recommend it enough.

Anyone ever got S-Video out of a Mega Drive, or even a working cable for that? If money was no object, I'd get a Jap Wondermega off eBay, finally play Robo Aleste

You can use the Micomsoft XMD-2 RGB/S for Mega Drive or XMD-3 RGB/S for Mega Drive 2. Not sure how good they are, just that they exist.

Edit: oops, these have already been mentioned. Well, now you definitely know about them!

[fernan1234]

I wish people would stop saying the YM3438 is shit because it isn't necessarily. The Mega Jet has a YM3438 and it effortlessly beats the crap out of even the best YM2612 revision Mega Drives. It's not even a fair competition, like asking which wins in a fight between the Death Star and a speck of dust, and the Mega Jet is the Death Star in this case. Mega Jet is one of the absolute best Mega Drive variants, provided you can both find one and tolerate the mild awkwardness of holding it. If you can do both of those and don't mind not being able to play 32X games without at least removing the 32X's shell, it's very possibly the best Mega Drive variant around. I love mine and I can't recommend it enough.

Interesting take. I have no experience with a Mega Jet, so I'm curious about what makes it so good. Can't be the audio though, even if it is free of some of the quality issues affecting other models.

Sorry but the YM3438 just sounds wrong. 2612 is the only right choice. Proof: Bare Knuckle II / Streets of Rage 2. Maybe the ideal solution is to transplant a 2612 into the Mega Jet and Wondermega.

[Steven]

It definitely is the audio that makes the Mega Jet so damn excellent. I would never defile the Mega Jet by putting a YM2612 into it and downgrade it like that. A stock Mega Jet has superior audio to any YM2612. It really is that good. The video quality is also emulator-like. It even supports CD audio and Mark III/Master System games without mods, but you'll need a MegaSD or Everdrive for that. The thing is crazy.

It isn't just the Mega Jet, either; the Nomad sounds pretty good too when you use something other than its speaker. The Wondermega is a mystery though. I know a super hardcore Mega Driver who has a Wondermega. I'll see her in June, so I'll ask her about the audio on it.

[SuperDeadite]

Personally, I adore the YMF276-M myself

https://youtu.be/WlXGWIyi-9I?si=Jh4eMjX7JlsD9Z_h

[Gunstar]

Why not both!...

...not out yet

[kitty666cats]

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mK261Kb

Svid for Genesis

[fernan1234]

Why not both!...

...not out yet

Dec 29, 2022

Any day now.

[neorichieb1971]

I just bought an Analogue Mega SG.

HDMI, Best output, you have menu that control the output and its incredible.
Plays all region games
Plays Master System games with an adaptor that comes with it.
Great build quality
Can use original or wireless controllers.

I put my original systems in storage these days, or use them as back drops in my game room. I still use my Saturn/PS2/Gamecubes and anything HDMI after that.

[kitty666cats]

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mK261Kb

Svid for Genesis

BTW, this Genesis-based S-Video box (self contained RGB to S-Video) is normally, like, half the price it is listed for on AliExpress right now. Anyone who really needs such a device for whatever reason, I would peek around AliEx a bit more. “S-Terminal” seems to be a somewhat common term for Svid on there too.