Rick Dangerous Posted September 8, 2014 Share Posted September 8, 2014 So apparently there is like a 1 in 50 chance of getting a Genesis model II that has a high quality video decoder AND sound chip. I don't think there is anyway to tell via the serial number, you have to crack open the case and take a look. Does anyone know what to look for? I think the video decoder you want is Sony. Not sure about the sound chip. Would LOVE to track down a quality Gen II. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Dart Posted September 8, 2014 Share Posted September 8, 2014 Always liked this guide. Hell, seems like the pictures have now expired though. Still... good info there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Dangerous Posted September 8, 2014 Author Share Posted September 8, 2014 Always liked this guide. Hell, seems like the pictures have now expired though. Still... good info there. I'm a big fan of that guide. Its how I researched my Genesis 1. It's a crying shame the photos don't work anymore... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.Bear Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 You can tell by looking at the bottom of the system through the heat vents. The later Model 2's with better audio have smaller motherboards and you can see that through the holes in the bottom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zetastrike Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 I got lucky and found a VA4 model 2 when I was first shopping around for a Genesis. It was the first one I picked up to look at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Dangerous Posted September 11, 2014 Author Share Posted September 11, 2014 You can tell by looking at the bottom of the system through the heat vents. The later Model 2's with better audio have smaller motherboards and you can see that through the holes in the bottom. Nice!! Able to find a picture of this anywhere? -R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.Bear Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 (edited) My Mega Drive II: (Still applies to the Genesis II as they still use similar motherboard revisions) My MD2 is sadly one of the bad ones, and thats a picture of the bottom of it. (I don't like that MD2, Its just in storage, I use Model 1's) VA0, VA1, VA2 and VA2.3 models all look like this on the bottom (Mine is a VA1, I also have a VA0 MD2 which looks identical) all of them have various audio issues and you should avoid them if possible. Another Sega MD/Genesis Model II, picture taken from Sega-16 pic is not mine - ignore the circles. This is a VA3/VA4 model which have the better audio (Although still not quite as good as a non-VA7 MD1) Notice how the RF shield that you can see through the vents is smaller and doesn't fill the whole case like in my Mega Drive 2? The VA3/VA4's have smaller motherboards than the others and that's how you can tell the difference without opening them up. Happy to help Edited September 12, 2014 by R.Bear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Dangerous Posted September 12, 2014 Author Share Posted September 12, 2014 Here we go: Also like you mention keep an eye out for the square cuts in the shorter motherboard. You WANT those Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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