Sega CD: Model 1 or 2?

[VenomMacbeth]

I'm getting a Sega CD today.  The store I'm going to has two: a model 1 Genesis w/ CD combo, and a Model 2 CD & 32X combo.  I'm using the Gennies and one of the Sega CD's as trade-ins at another game store (for a Turbo Express, no less!)  The question is...which one do I get?  It seems the model 1 commonly has issues with the disc tray, but...it's just so pretty.  Also, I'd prefer a model 1 Genny setup over the model 2's scratchy audio.

[wildfruit]

I like my model 2 its neat and tidy

[soop]

1 definitely looks better IMO.

I might have to get one, though the only 2 games I know I want (or have) are Final Fight and NBA jam.

God I miss my Multimega.

[PunkCryborg]

If its fully working, model 1 all the way

[CGQuarterly]

I have a model 1 Genesis with model 1 Sega CD, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Anything else was just a cost-cutting re-release.

Model 1 CD units are also worth more money.

Chris

[geise]

Definitely go with a Model 1 if it's working.  Like Jibbajaba said, they are worth more, plus they just look better if you already have a model 1 Genesis/MD.  I would definitely check it out really well before buying it though if you can.  I had a Model 1 that was constantly popping the tray out, and it was way more than just bad stretched belt.  Luckily there are plenty of cheap broken model 1's around so I just swapped out the cd drive and all was well.

If you don't care about looks and want to probably have less of a hassle, just go with the model 2, but to me it just doesn't seem right.

[Arkhan Asylum]

I like model 2 because doodley tray slider outter things annoy the fuck out of me.

[VenomMacbeth]

I like model 2 because doodley tray slider outter things annoy the fuck out of me.

Not to follow suit or anything, but I'm totally making this my sig.  Hilarious!

[jeffhlewis]

Absolutely get a Model 1 set; looks better, IS better, flat out. Easy stereo audio alone is reason to own a Genny 1.

Some important notes though about model differences, and differences amongst the model 1 units: http://straypixels.tumblr.com/post/7768359272/not-all-sega-genesis-were-made-equal

TMSS is the software protection scheme that displays the "Made by or  under license by Sega Enterprises" screen that pops up when you boot up. You're going to want a unit that DOESNT have this, because the models released after that have some compatibility issues with certain games.

The very early model 1 Genny units also have better sound quality due to cost cutting changes made in the sound chip for model 2 - watch the youtube video in the above link with headphones - you can really hear the difference.

[Arkhan Asylum]

I use the Sega CD 2 with the Sega Genesis 1.  Pop Top disc drives are better.

See: PC Engine

[wildfruit]

whichever one you get hook it up RGB, beautiful

[EvilEvoIX]

Model 1 Sega CD and a model 1 High Definition Grafx Genesis.  Superior sound and pimp status.  Try to get the 32X as well.  Stay away from model 2 Sega Genesis.  Poor sound.

[VenomMacbeth]

Model 1 Sega CD and a model 1 High Definition Grafx Genesis.  Superior sound and pimp status.  Try to get the 32X as well.  Stay away from model 2 Sega Genesis.  Poor sound.

The slidey disc tray thing barely makes a sound when it opens.  Very classy indeed. 

So far I've got a Model 1 Genesis w/ CD, Model 1 Mega Drive, Model 2 Genesis w/ 32x (gonna try & see if I can find the cable to make the 32x work on the Model 1) and a Nomad!  For now, I have pretty much every iteration of the Genesis & its add-ons that I want.  Now to start getting the games...

[EvilEvoIX]

Model 1 Sega CD and a model 1 High Definition Grafx Genesis.  Superior sound and pimp status.  Try to get the 32X as well.  Stay away from model 2 Sega Genesis.  Poor sound.

The slidey disc tray thing barely makes a sound when it opens.  Very classy indeed. 

So far I've got a Model 1 Genesis w/ CD, Model 1 Mega Drive, Model 2 Genesis w/ 32x (gonna try & see if I can find the cable to make the 32x work on the Model 1) and a Nomad!  For now, I have pretty much every iteration of the Genesis & its add-ons that I want.  Now to start getting the games...

You would not believe how many versions on the Sega Genesis there are.  Far more than the Model 1-2-3 + Nomad.


I myself have a full model 1 & 2 sega Genny, CD, and 32x attachments.  I just need a proper mixing cable instead of a cable I got from Radio shack and I need the metal inserts for the 32x.

[VenomMacbeth]

You would not believe how many versions on the Sega Genesis there are.  Far more than the Model 1-2-3 + Nomad.

I would have gladly got a CDX or JVC X'Eye had I not happened upon the Model 1 I got today.  Those combo systems are teh SEX.

[EvilEvoIX]

You would not believe how many versions on the Sega Genesis there are.  Far more than the Model 1-2-3 + Nomad.

I would have gladly got a CDX or JVC X'Eye had I not happened upon the Model 1 I got today.  Those combo systems are teh SEX.

Ultra pimp status would be Pioneer Laser Active.  That would be sex.  It also has superior Composite out and looks great on a CRT.

[xcrement5x]

If you're going to collect, get the Model 1 Sega CD.  If you're going to play stuff, get the Model 2 Sega CD because it is a lot more reliable. 

Like at least 3 times a week there are people posting on Sega16 about how they just bought a Model 1 and now it doesn't work and can someone please fix it.  The Model 1 is a very nice looking system, and I own and have repaired several of them, but for my playing setup I have a Model 1 Genesis with no TMSS, a Model 2 Sega CD, and a 32X for jailbar filtering.  Plays and looks great, plus the vertical space needed is a lot lower than the stacked set. 

Just my 2c on the issue, and I play a lot of Sega/Mega CD games.

[EvilEvoIX]

Model 1s are fine if cared for.  I'm on my third one.  Model 2's are bullet proof.

[roflmao]

Model 1 would be the way I'd likely go.  I think it looks more badass and the sound from the Model 1 is noticeably better than the Model 2, imo.  Having said that, I'd guess the Model 2 rig may be more reliable over the long haul. 

There is one easy solution.  Get both.  You can have one set up with the living room tv and one setup with the bedroom tv.  Win/win!

[wildfruit]

Model 1s are fine if cared for.  I'm on my third one.  Model 2's are bullet proof.

amen to that. i remember unwrapping my mega drive 2 on christmas day about 20yrs ago still works perfectly and not a scratch on it. and it has been well used

[bob]

I have a model 2 with model 2 genny. I have a model 1 genny too, but im missing the add on thingy for my model 2 cd unit.  I also have a cdx which gets used more anyway.

[VenomMacbeth]

I wouldn't mind having a CDX, X'eye, or Wondermega, as those are very sexy machines, but they'd be kind of superfluous now.

[Mishran]

I have a model 2 with model 2 genny. I have a model 1 genny too, but im missing the add on thingy for my model 2 cd unit.  I also have a cdx which gets used more anyway.

When I had my model 1 Genny with the model 2 CD, I didn't bother with an extender. It still secured to the base and the feet made contact with the end, so it's not like the system flopped around when connected. You just have a 1" hang over which isn't such an eyesore.

[xcrement5x]

I have a model 2 with model 2 genny. I have a model 1 genny too, but im missing the add on thingy for my model 2 cd unit.  I also have a cdx which gets used more anyway.

When I had my model 1 Genny with the model 2 CD, I didn't bother with an extender. It still secured to the base and the feet made contact with the end, so it's not like the system flopped around when connected. You just have a 1" hang over which isn't such an eyesore.

It works fine, but you've got a little Sega boner hanging off the side without that extender thingy. 

[bob]

I have a model 2 with model 2 genny. I have a model 1 genny too, but im missing the add on thingy for my model 2 cd unit.  I also have a cdx which gets used more anyway.

When I had my model 1 Genny with the model 2 CD, I didn't bother with an extender. It still secured to the base and the feet made contact with the end, so it's not like the system flopped around when connected. You just have a 1" hang over which isn't such an eyesore.

I'm OCD about some things. It would drive me crazy. I understand the trade-off that I'm getting sub-par performance, but everybody has their quirks.

[Arkhan Asylum]

I have a model 2 with model 2 genny. I have a model 1 genny too, but im missing the add on thingy for my model 2 cd unit.  I also have a cdx which gets used more anyway.

When I had my model 1 Genny with the model 2 CD, I didn't bother with an extender. It still secured to the base and the feet made contact with the end, so it's not like the system flopped around when connected. You just have a 1" hang over which isn't such an eyesore.

It works fine, but you've got a little Sega boner hanging off the side without that extender thingy. 

I have the extender thingy

It's awesome.

[SNKNostalgia]

Model 2 is so damn reliable... so. I also hear about the loading times being a little different between the Model 1/2/CDX and X-Eye. Anybody know the exact difference in seconds for certain games loading sessions???

[PCEngineHell]

Hardware wise really on these I would have to go with the Model 2 or Xeye (Xeye is tops, easy to repair and has a better JVC laser, Model 2 varied on lasers if I remember right). I loved the way the Model 1 looked but the thing is not as reliable. In a perfect world though if you are going to collect Sega and Mega Cd stuff might as well try to own all 3 and laugh at that little heat trap CDX.

[esadajr]

pretty much what most people say, I'd go for a model 1 for looks and model 2 for reliability. My personal favorite is the CDX. One of the top three in my "collection" (after the Duo-R off course).

[bob]

My model 2 keeps freezing at the exact same point in Vay
My CDX doesnt.  Things that make you say hmmmmmm...

[seieienbu]

I've had a model 1 since it came out and it's always worked fine.  I still kinda want a Sega CDX though...

[EvilEvoIX]

I've had a model 1 since it came out and it's always worked fine.  I still kinda want a Sega CDX though...

Very nice and rare quality.  I got my first one in 1995 and it broke.  My 2nd one I got in a yard sale it it also eventually broke from stripped gears.  I just got my third one and I hope it lasts.

[jeffhlewis]

I've had a model 1 since it came out and it's always worked fine.  I still kinda want a Sega CDX though...

Very nice and rare quality.  I got my first one in 1995 and it broke.  My 2nd one I got in a yard sale it it also eventually broke from stripped gears.  I just got my third one and I hope it lasts.

I still have my original Model 1, plus box and manuals from 1989. It does have occasional start-up blank screens but usually resolves itself with a quick power-off-and-on.

My model 1 Sega CD on the other hand it a complete crapshoot. I remember when Lunar 2 came out I was playing through a particularly long and tough stretch without saving when I sneezed and the game froze. Only time I've ever rage broken a controller.

[EvilEvoIX]

I've had a model 1 since it came out and it's always worked fine.  I still kinda want a Sega CDX though...

Very nice and rare quality.  I got my first one in 1995 and it broke.  My 2nd one I got in a yard sale it it also eventually broke from stripped gears.  I just got my third one and I hope it lasts.

I still have my original Model 1, plus box and manuals from 1989. It does have occasional start-up blank screens but usually resolves itself with a quick power-off-and-on.

My model 1 Sega CD on the other hand it a complete crapshoot. I remember when Lunar 2 came out I was playing through a particularly long and tough stretch without saving when I sneezed and the game froze. Only time I've ever rage broken a controller.

Yeah Model 1's had issues in terms of hardware and it's BIOS.  The Model 2's were upgraded somewhat but I swear model 1 units are so cool.  I love them so much and Just got another one.

[seieienbu]

That's so weird.  I never had a single problem with mine.  I guess I just lucked out.

[VenomMacbeth]

The one I got seems to have some really long load times, but I can't really tell if it's the fault of the model 1 or if it's a Sega-CD thing in general.  Also, I'm getting some faint waves of distortion on the screen.  I've cleaned the connector on the Genesis and CD, but to no avail. Perhaps the caps need replaced?

[seieienbu]

Now that I think about it, I guess the laser is really loud when it's moving.  I guess that's a flaw, but aside from that, no issues.

[fraggore]

I got a model 1 megadrive and cd it's the only way, the 2 is not bad looking but it looks cheaper.