Stevie Goodwin Posted March 13, 2017 Share Posted March 13, 2017 (edited) While it's one of the good revisions, but sound prone to distortion on loud sounds, I'm sure these can be fixed. If you have a VA0, VA1 or VA2, what do you think of it. I have a VA2 US console made 1989 with Serial 39S65073 and it sounds amazing. If you own those early Mega Drive/Genesis consoles, Let me know. Here is a VA0: Here is a VA1: Here is a VA2: (I own it): Edited March 13, 2017 by Stevie Goodwin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Goodwin Posted March 19, 2017 Author Share Posted March 19, 2017 Anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted March 20, 2017 Share Posted March 20, 2017 I really like my modded va2 model 1. But it does still have the clipping or distortion issue on really loud notes and PCM samples. The orchestra hits in Gunstar heroes is a good example. But otherwise it has been a fantastic Genesis and I play it nearly daily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Goodwin Posted March 20, 2017 Author Share Posted March 20, 2017 I really like my modded va2 model 1. But it does still have the clipping or distortion issue on really loud notes and PCM samples. The orchestra hits in Gunstar heroes is a good example. But otherwise it has been a fantastic Genesis and I play it nearly daily. Good, Glad you like your VA2. I'm glad your Sonic 3 is working, but calling out all owners of Japanese Mega Drive VA0 or VA1's. Post your serial numbers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madhatter667 Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 I don't recall what board revision my Mega Drive Model 1 is. I haven't noticed any major distortion or clipping, but I'm also running stereo out of the headphone jack into my TV. Love the console though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Goodwin Posted March 25, 2017 Author Share Posted March 25, 2017 I don't recall what board revision my Mega Drive Model 1 is. I haven't noticed any major distortion or clipping, but I'm also running stereo out of the headphone jack into my TV. Love the console though. Does your Mega Drive say AV Terminal High Grade Multi Purpose Use on it? Also does it have a ® on the SEGA logo. Open it up and check the board revision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madhatter667 Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 (edited) Here's the console top. I remember it having a blue and green wire inside on the mobo, and rows of capacitors by the headphone volume slider. I'll look at Sega board revisions just to visually confirm. I don't feel like opening it up again. Lol.Based on what I've seen, I have a VA5 board. Edited March 25, 2017 by madhatter667 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NE146 Posted March 25, 2017 Share Posted March 25, 2017 I wasn't even aware of any revisions to be honest. I got my Genesis at it's very launch, i.e. the first batch to hit the stores. What would that normally make it? It's at my mom's house so I can't exactly check it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Goodwin Posted March 27, 2017 Author Share Posted March 27, 2017 I wasn't even aware of any revisions to be honest. I got my Genesis at it's very launch, i.e. the first batch to hit the stores. What would that normally make it? It's at my mom's house so I can't exactly check it. What's your serial number? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ApolloBoy Posted April 10, 2017 Share Posted April 10, 2017 (edited) I have a VA1 Japanese Mega Drive and it does indeed have issues with distorted audio. I fixed it by tapping the audio from the CXA1034 preamp chip and routing it to a couple of RCA jacks at the back. It's been my main Genesis/MD console for years but I think the VA5 & VA6 boards are better, the distortion on my VA1 drove me nuts until I figured out it was a design flaw and not a capacitor issue. Edited April 10, 2017 by ApolloBoy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Goodwin Posted April 10, 2017 Author Share Posted April 10, 2017 I have a VA1 Japanese Mega Drive and it does indeed have issues with distorted audio. I fixed it by tapping the audio from the CXA1034 preamp chip and routing it to a couple of RCA jacks at the back. It's been my main Genesis/MD console for years but I think the VA5 & VA6 boards are better, the distortion on my VA1 drove me nuts until I figured out it was a design flaw and not a capacitor issue. Okay, What is your VA1's serial? Also, can you take a picture of your main board? Do you still use your Va1? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ApolloBoy Posted April 11, 2017 Share Posted April 11, 2017 Okay, What is your VA1's serial? Also, can you take a picture of your main board? Do you still use your Va1?Not sure why you want a picture of the board, it's just like any other VA1 except with some wires for the audio jacks and region switch. The serial is 89N51021, and like I said before it's been my main console for years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Goodwin Posted April 11, 2017 Author Share Posted April 11, 2017 Can you show me the wires? Is it possible to do without the audio jacks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted April 12, 2017 Share Posted April 12, 2017 Can you show me the wires? Is it possible to do without the audio jacks? Many of us mod the earliler HDG Genesis system with separate RCA audio outputs pulled directly for the audio out lines off the 1034 amp so avoid some of the noise in the circuit, and especially to help with the screech on loud samples that the earlier HDG models were known for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maiki Posted April 13, 2017 Share Posted April 13, 2017 Honestly, it does not matter. Plug the console into TV and play a game. It will sound OK no matter which version. Only retards at Sega 16 needed to come creating a "problem". They cannot make a good game for Genesis, design a new cartridge with ADPCM... but they will ultimately mess around with the nonsence... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brainbombs Posted May 10, 2017 Share Posted May 10, 2017 Hi everyone. I found this topic and thought I'd add my 2cents. I know I'm kinda reviving an old thread but I feel it's worth it.Here's an audio recording/comparison I did of my 1988 launch Mega Drive VA0 (that has been recapped) and a Genesis 2.The serial number on my MD is 98M61116. I used the intro track from Thunder Force II. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H454 Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 (edited) While it's one of the good revisions, but sound prone to distortion on loud sounds, I'm sure these can be fixed. If you have a VA0, VA1 or VA2, what do you think of it. I have a VA2 US console made 1989 with Serial 39S65073 and it sounds amazing. I forgot where, but there are mods to fix the distortion. I have the model 1 HD with no tmss and the RF is fantastic. I'm glad I lucked into it. I got it as "broken / as-is" - cleaned the cart port and its been one of the best looking and sounding genesis I've had(the case is beat to hell tho). I also have a late HD, last ver. model 1 and for gen 2 - 2 or 3 full size boards and two 3/4( one ver 4) and a gen3. So, after having had over 5 different versions, I can say that there is a sound and picture difference between them. Would a ten year old be able to tell? probably not. But if you have a choice, why not get the better one. Honestly, it does not matter. Plug the console into TV and play a game. It will sound OK no matter which version. Only retards at Sega 16 needed to come creating a "problem". They cannot make a good game for Genesis, design a new cartridge with ADPCM... but they will ultimately mess around with the nonsence... Is it "ok" when the sound on your tv sounds like a broken gamegear? There is a pretty big difference in sound between some of the models - some literally don't play some of the music notes. I guess some people don't care, but once you start - composite- then with stereo - then component - then RGB, you realize what these systems are REALLY capable of and its pretty great. Edited May 21, 2017 by H454 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Goodwin Posted May 21, 2017 Author Share Posted May 21, 2017 I forgot where, but there are mods to fix the distortion. I have the model 1 HD with no tmss and the RF is fantastic. I'm glad I lucked into it. I got it as "broken / as-is" - cleaned the cart port and its been one of the best looking and sounding genesis I've had(the case is beat to hell tho). I also have a late HD, last ver. model 1 and for gen 2 - 2 or 3 full size boards and two 3/4( one ver 4) and a gen3. So, after having had over 5 different versions, I can say that there is a sound and picture difference between them. Would a ten year old be able to tell? probably not. But if you have a choice, why not get the better one. Is it "ok" when the sound on your tv sounds like a broken gamegear? There is a pretty big difference in sound between some of the models - some literally don't play some of the music notes. I guess some people don't care, but once you start - composite- then with stereo - then component - then RGB, you realize what these systems are REALLY capable of and its pretty great. Is your Model 1 HD with no TMSS a VA2 or VA3? Because i heard that VA2's have quiet sound in RF. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ApolloBoy Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 It will sound OK no matter which version.You've never heard a VA7 I take it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H454 Posted May 21, 2017 Share Posted May 21, 2017 Is your Model 1 HD with no TMSS a VA2 or VA3? Because i heard that VA2's have quiet sound in RF. SN# 39s42111 To be honest, I have no idea. "Non-TMSS: VA2, VA3, VA4, VA5" The guide doesn't say how to identify between the two. But sonic 2 sounds great. This is the TV use it on: - 1991 Magnavox 19" stereo- FANTASTIC RF tuner and real speakers both sides The sega box is for model 2s. And, yes, the PS3 is connected to that tv through ch 3. - But I just use to watch hulu - old sd tv look great on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Goodwin Posted May 21, 2017 Author Share Posted May 21, 2017 SN# 39s42111 To be honest, I have no idea. "Non-TMSS: VA2, VA3, VA4, VA5" The guide doesn't say how to identify between the two. But sonic 2 sounds great. This is the TV use it on: - 1991 Magnavox 19" stereo- FANTASTIC RF tuner and real speakers both sides magnavox1.jpg The sega box is for model 2s. And, yes, the PS3 is connected to that tv through ch 3. - But I just use to watch hulu - old sd tv look great on it. Ooh, Nice. If your serial is 39S, It's a VA2. You've got a VA2. Can you show your VA2's bottom? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H454 Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 (edited) Ooh, Nice. If your serial is 39S, It's a VA2. You've got a VA2. Can you show your VA2's bottom? Oh my, aren't you fresh. But, seriously, here is a pic It has the early 800 # & fcc id Edited May 22, 2017 by H454 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Goodwin Posted May 22, 2017 Author Share Posted May 22, 2017 Oh my, aren't you fresh. But, seriously, here is a pic gen1.jpg It has the early 800 # & fcc id I have a shell like that and the early 800 would be the 800 with no 1- on it similar to master Systems. You got one of the original units. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H454 Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 (edited) I have a shell like that and the early 800 would be the 800 with no 1- on it similar to master Systems. You got one of the original units. Yea, like I said, I kinda lucked out on getting it. Its too bad the case is almost trashed - lots of scratches. I also got a 3/4 ver. 4 model 2 as well. I originally was looking for a 7800 for cheap, so I bought an ebay lot of "broken" consoles for like $150 with shipping. The lot had a sears II, two 2600, two 7800, two dreamcasts, 8? genesis(2-3 model 1, 4 model 2 & 1 model 3) and a sears pinball. 80% of then worked with just some cleaning. But a 7800 and 2600 case got broken. I seems like most Sega genesis aren't much, even when I find one at a thrift store, they are half the price of a ratty looking NES. Edited May 22, 2017 by H454 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Oh my, aren't you fresh. But, seriously, here is a pic gen1.jpg It has the early 800 # & fcc id Now you need to mod it with a discrete YM3438 and get it completely recapped with external RCAs added to bypass the noisy headphone section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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