I got the opportunity to purchase either a Sega CD 1 or Sega CD 2 unit. I think the first one looks better, but how true are the rumors it is going to break easier than the second version? How easy is it to fix the first version in worst case scenario it breaks down in future? Which one would you get and why, help me out :subdued:
Sega cd 2 is a lot more reliable and replacement parts like lasers are easier to get. Lasers that I have replaced are the jvc optima6 (same as some sega saturns) & the samsung soh-t4 with it's modern replacement soh90-t4n. The sega cd (model 1) with the sony laser (as opposed to the jvc laser) is most troublesome with it's tray lifting/ejecting method.
If you have a model 2 genesis, I'd recommend the model 2 sega cd. If you have a model one you need an extender thingy to attach to the sega cd model 2, so unless it comes with that get a model 1. Personally I own and use a model 2, the only thing I don't like about it is the eject button. Seems pretty fragile. Other than that they are probably very similar functionality wise.
The Model 1 looks a lot cooler (especially with the open/access LEDs) and has cooler BIOS music, but the laser is weaker and much more inaccessible than the Model 2's and it lacks a manual eject button. It's easy to confuse the hardware into thinking it's opening the tray when it's closing it and vice-versa because ejecting and closing the drive are controlled by two separate functions (reset and start, iirc). The Model 2 is a lot more simplified, much more reliable, and much more commonplace. If you're going to be playing Sega CD games everyday, then go with Model 2.
Except that some model 2 revisions have problems with some of the best games on the system (freezing on Lunar:TSS for example, just avoid the one with the sony 240 laser)
I have several Mega CD's, a JP/NTSC(asian) model1 that needed repairing when i bought it, badly corroded caps (changed whole board in the end), laser needed cleaning and adjusting, virtually no lubricant on any moving parts of the cd mechanism or tray, very noisy and grindy, these early models seem a lot weaker in general, especially the original cd drives, they feel like they are always moments away from failure. A UK/PAL model 1 with the later JVC drive.. this is my actual launch MEGA CD owned from new.. never recapped it, never changed the laser or battery.. no real signs of ageing still perfect, plays originals and backups without a flaw.. and a JAP/NTSC model 2 which seems much higher quality than the JP/NTSC model 1 all round.. On balance i'd say early models 1's seem to suffer from a combination of slightly poorer build quality, the technology and components were new to Sega as well as us, it was difficult for a company to predict the lifespan of "NEW" media.. cd's and cd drives etc, look at the early Playstation laser, it was just awful, has anyone got a launch model Playstation 1 with its original laser that can play a cut scene without skipping? Honestly mine was fooked in about 8 months.. Later model 1 Mega CD's seem much better but have carried the image of being unreliable from before, and model 2's are really good.. lots of them are still in use and still going strong. Personally i think the Model 1 looks WAY better than the 2... come on just look at it... its gorgeous. Usage also matters, you may have one thats been played to death, or a minter that's been hardly used.. It's a tough call... If you can, I'd say buy 'em both.. if not go for the model 2..
Actually I was thinking of buying them both :wink-new: But I think I will get the Mega CD 2 instead, I will just get a Megadrive 2, they are so cheap anyways. The Mega CD1 is the stuff dreams are made of, really nice design. But it is obvious improvements have been made by comparing insides of 1 and 2. Thanks for the feedback!
I'm one of the few people that only own a model 1 SCD.. The only thing keeping me from buying a model 2 is the fact that i only have model 1 geneses... I've always thought that the model 2 CD on a model 1 genesis looks really weird. Though the model 2 cd on a model 2 genesis looks awesome IMO.
i really wanted a model 1 but finding a good condition working one for a decent price just isnt happening these days, i'll eventually end up getting a model 2 SCD although i have a model 1 megadrive i'd probably get a second megadrive mk2 for the sega dc. on the lookout for a model 2
I will be re-capping my model 1 (JVC drive) and putting it away for my son (when he is old enough). I do have the Sony'ed model 1 but that is a parts machine. I have a couple of model 2's that I will use instead and having recently gotten some VA2.3 model 2 Genesis with minor tweaking have great sound as well as video.
I have an early asian unit (came with EPROM bios dated 911228). After a full recap a few years ago and recently replacing the tray rubber belt when it stopped working properly it returned to being factory new. It works today just as good as it was when new. I still have it's box, even !!! Really people talking ill from the MCD1 either not know about how to fix it's issues (I know, bad caps are nasty but MCD2 also have some problems with that) and the tray problem are simple to solve. Only these issues are slightly tricky to tackle. Still the MEGA-CD 1 is cooler and worth the hassle. Since the OP planned on getting both, I say go ahead and get both !
I thought my model 2 was dead but it turned out it just didn't like by burned game CD-R. Getting an official game revealed it to be working perfectly. Even the battery for the internal save RAM works. Only problem is some of the DAC tracks are slow to play at proper times. Like the level complete sound in Sonic CD will sometimes wait to play until the last second before moving on. Eh, I've had worse stuff. I'll let it go at that small issue and the bit of whine it makes when the sled moves a big distance.
Most people don't seem to know that there was an extension bit available for the SegaCD2 that gave the Genesis 1 enough room to sit on that it didn't hang out over the edge. I've only ever found this bit once and it does a good job at making it not look weird.
I got the extension bit once, reason why it's not common is alot of people who bought model 2 sega cds would toss the extender to the side cause they owned a model 2 instead of 1 so they didn't think it was necessary to keep it. It's nice to have it though keeps the model 1 more stable. So far the japanese mega cd i got from a thrift shop has been working like a charm. Model 2 sega cd seems to work fine, at one point was not reading discs and thought it was like one I got from a friend where it would load up to a point, but cleaned the lens worked fine. Model 1 is great if you have a model 1 genesis and want save space on shelf, but model 2 will give you less headaches and a lot easier to fix. Plus a lot cheaper. Is it just me or japanese model 1 mega cds alot more common than model 2 mega cds?
Funny, the unit came with that part and required screws when new. That just proves most people don't take good care of their gaming hardware.
