Been considering getting a Neo Geo MVS 1 Slot board for a while (since they are fully jamma compatible) but I have no idea which would be the best one to go with. It would primarily be used to play games in a home setting, stereo would be a plus.
Absolutely the MV1C... Install a Neobiosmasta with the Unibios, best of both worlds is yours... Stereo mod is very simple too.
There are three MVS PCBs that have stereo; MV-1, MV-1F & MV-1FS. I have an MV-1 and the MV-1F. The MV-1 has the largest footprint of all MVS boards. These three also have built-in joystick ports which makes it nice to connect any NEO GEO controller to them. These three also have a socketed BIOS, making BIOS swaps and trouble shooting easy with the use of the NEO Diagnostics BIOS ... I would recommend any one of these three.
What kind of cable is needed for stereo? Is it a common cable? Do many games support the memory card reader? Is it worth getting an MV-1 for the memory card? Are the readers and cards affordable?
The audio cable is not a common piece. I've never had any luck finding one. The audio output for the speaker and headphone; is a 4 pin connector (L, GND, GND, R) if memory serves me right. I found an audio cable from a Dell desktop that had a molex connector (4 pin) that I used; just wired speakers to it. You can adjust the volume on the board. Games that support saving; its not the game itself, but the hardware that allows you to save games. I've never used this feature. If I'm wrong ... please correct me (other forum readers). The memory card reader board (MV-IC) is hard to find as well. I've seen them on eBay now and then - usually around $100 and up complete with wiring harness. The Memory card; it runs from $35-$50. Its the same card used to save games on the NEO GEO AES console system. Would it be worth it - to add the memory card reader... that's up to you. An MVS board is going to run you about $120, give or take $10/$20. If you do find an MV-IC memory card reader and memory card ... that's about another $150-$200.
It really depends on your purpose - best for what situation? The MV-1C is the only board that takes the carts vertically. If you're turning it into a console, that's probably something to consider. If you're not worried about orientation, you still have to consider size. The MV-1 is the only board to accept the memory card board, if it really bothers you. There ARE a few games that don't support the memory card. As already said, you need the optional board to use a memory card, though - only the 2 slots had the built-in memory card slot. If you want Neo Geo joystick ports you have a choice of MV-1, MV-1F or MV-1FS. If you want to change the BIOS, it's easier with a socketed BIOS - so avoid the MV-1AX, MV-1B and MV-1C if you don't like a bit of soldering. I think you mean the MV-1FS - there isn't an MV-1S, is there? The MV-1FS is basically the MV-1F, just with a built-in headphone jack. And the MV-1F is basically the MV-1 without MV-IC support. Short answer - there's no best MVS board. There will be a best board for your specific requirements, though.
Different boards need different voltages and amperages, so one consideration is what you have and need in that regard. Compiled parts of interest, on my site which will probably delete in a couple of months so have a look in the meantime: http://www.bacman.co.uk/home/neogeo-information/
