Sega Genesis DAC clarity

[louisg]

Which Sega Genesis (aside from CD-X/SegaCD/etc) has the best audio and video DACs? Does it have to do at all with specific serial numbers of units? I currently have my model 1 hooked up to the stereo via the headphone jack with the headphone's amp set to about 4 out of 10. Is there a sweet spot here? I notice there is a high noise floor, but I'm worried about the Genesis amp causing distortion itself when cranked.

[Ex-Cyber]

I'm pretty sure the main audio DAC is internal to the YM2612 and so shouldn't vary much across different models. How it's mixed with the PSG output and amplified/buffered for output probably varies, though.

[louisg]

I'm pretty sure the main audio DAC is internal to the YM2612 and so shouldn't vary much across different models. How it's mixed with the PSG output and amplified/buffered for output probably varies, though.

Forgot that the ym2612 has its own DAC.. yeah, the amp is what I mean.

[Specineff]

From what I heard, the earlier generation units (The ones that say "Hi Definition Graphics") have cleaner sound. Sega needed to reduce costs, it seems they started to use a lower quality amp.

[nZero]

Anecdotally, the Nomad has the cleanest output in terms of noise floor.

[Ed Oscuro]

Anecdotally, the Nomad has the cleanest output in terms of noise floor.

I haven't used a Genesis 1, but the Nomad has much less noise via headphone than the 2 or 3.

[Ex-Cyber]

Actually, that brings up the point that some of the more unusual models might be using a different version (CMOS, probably) of the YM2612, which could have a different DAC.

[Ganelon]

Anyone know how the CDX audio and headphone output compare with the Nomad's headphone output? You'd think that being a "portable" CD player would mean the audio components are better quality.

[szycag]

nerds!

[t0yrobo]

From what I heard, the earlier generation units (The ones that say "Hi Definition Graphics") have cleaner sound. Sega needed to reduce costs, it seems they started to use a lower quality amp.

This is what i've always heard. I'm pretty certain I saw way more details about it than I'd understand on eidolons-inn.net if you're up for digging through their forums.