Model 2's: Are they worth using? (Serious question.)

Ever since I learned about the slightly-less-deep audio in the Model 2's, I always wondered why anyone would use one. Is it settling for an inferior gaming experience?

It's also a practical question for me because the headphone audio port is now damaged on my HDG Model 1. And I have my childhood Model 1 packed away somewhere, which I stopped using because it turned out to be the VA7, which has the audio of a Model 2.

So I'm wondering if I should settle for the VA7 (audio of the Model 2). Or if I should just buy another HDG Model 1.

If it makes a difference: I have a very bassy stereo, to play the headphone output.

TLDR: Is Model 2 audio as good as HDG Model 1 if plugged into a bassy stereo?!

You could always mod the model 2 with the that amp mod that makes it sound as clear as a model 1. At that point, the only thing missing is the audio jack.

Not all Model 2 are made equal, the full motherboard Model 2 generally sound bad or have PSG problems, but the short-moderboard Model 2 sounds (almost) as good as a Model 1 HDG.

A modded VA2 or VA2.3 with the mega amp should be on pair with the model 1. Unmodded it sucks. If it contains a Sony CXA1645 it should be better than any pre-VA7 model 1 with composite cables.

Out of the box the VA4 is the best of the models 2, if you don't want to mod it. Will sound cleaner than any of the pre-VA7 model 1 with the mega amp installed. Has a slightly better audio output than any of the ASIC YM3438 variants do.

Make sure the mega amp you use is filtered or it may sound tinny and quite different from a model 1. Also use the right one for your Genesis audio circuit. The three you encounter with the model 2 are ASIC YM3438 (most common) VA0, VA1, VA1.8, & VA3. GOAC YM3438 (not very common, dominates the model 3 completely), VA4 only. Discrete YM2612 (very common in model 1s) VA2, VA2.3.

The model 1 VA0-VA2 (Discrete YM2612) is clipping prone. The VA3 - VA6.8 (Discrete YM2612) is the way to go for model 1's. You're right to avoid the VA7 (ASIC YM3438), although it can modded like the model 2, but the VA7 has the best composite video of all the model ones.

NOTE: Games that took advantage of Discrete YM2612 will sound off on a ASIC YM3438 / GOAC YM3438 system, where others that didn't will sound smoother. Some games will only work correctly with Discrete YM2612 or ASIC YM3438 / GOAC YM3438.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ecco

TLDR: Is Model 2 audio as good as HDG Model 1 if plugged into a bassy stereo?!

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No. The model 2's audio isn't only flat (~11-22khz versus 53khz in a model 1), it's also noticably distorted and has a very high noise floor. Some model 2s also have the wrong PSG/FM balance, i.e. the PSG is too loud.

Your cheapest option is to just buy another Model 1 HDG. Alternatively you could get your VA7 fixed with a CCAM or MegaAmp.

I have played all of my Genesis games on Model 2s since 1994.

If loving my Sega Genesis via my Model 2 is wrong, then, baby, I don't wanna be right. ;)

http://www.sega-16.com/forum/attachm...4&d=1268973248

If you don't know what you're missing, then everything is fine (read: ignorance is bliss). If your speakers are crappy, you might not even notice the difference - but it is most certainly there.

It's still entirely possibly to have just as much fun with an md2. However, if you want the best sound quality, you'll certainly want to mod the audio. And after that, an md2 has some distinct advantages over the md1 - smaller, less power wastage (1 7805 over 2), proper line-level stereo out...

I'm an audio jerk, and a few months ago would say anything but a VA3/4 model 2 was junk, but now a Mega Amped model 2 is my preferred Genesis.

Dumb Question: But wouldn't running the audio thru thr 32 X resolve some of that issue?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BonusKun

Dumb Question: But wouldn't running the audio thru thr 32 X resolve some of that issue?

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That would fix the video problem if you had a model 2 with the samsung encoder, but it won't help the bad audio at all.

Since you're getting all kinds of answers, perhaps we can have an objective comparison. Does anyone own the following types of Mega Drive/Genesis and are willing/able to make a recording of the same tune on each? That is the only way that Ecco is going to come to a satisfactory conclusion.

1. Model 1 VA2 (or older)
2. Stock Model 1 VA3-VA6.8
3. Stock Model 1 VA7
4. Stock Model 2 VA0-2.x
5. Modded Model 2 VA0-2.x
6. Stock Model 2 VA3+

I only have 1, 2 and 6 and 1 will have to be in mono.

The difference in audio isn't like that between a dictation tape recorder and a CD. It's like between FM radio and not quite a CD. For the average person not using headphones in a typical room during the day, you probably cannot even tell the difference. You need a good external amp that you listen to on headphones to make it worth either getting a Model 1 or modding the Model 2 with Tiido's CCAM. If you don't use a good external amp and/or don't listen via headphones, it's not worth the hastle. The Model 2 will be just fine.

Even if you DO use a good external amp and headphones, many people still find the Model 2 acceptable. It's not like you're listening to Mozart - you're playing a game. If the game is any good, you're so wrapped up in the game that you don't even notice the music. :D

To me the audio of a VA7 or early Model 2 is unbearable.

Instead of buying another one you could also Fix the headphone jack on your HDG model 1 or RCA mod it. However If you need to hire someone to do it then it is likely cheaper to buy a new HDG model 1

I used a Model 2 for a while.

Yeah the audio is inferior, oh well.

I have to disagree with chilly willy slightly. The va7 and early model 2 audio is bad enough for even the average gamer using the built in tv speakers to tell the difference. Now whether or not the average gamer would care; maybe not.

Since the original question, as I perceived it, was if your va7 would be an acceptable replacement to your earlier model one I would say no.