Original Front Loading Sega CD.

[VG_Maniac]

I'm planning on getting a Sega CD, and I would like to get the original front loading model just because it sits underneath the Genesis system, while the 2nd model sits to the side...which takes up more shelf space. When I look for Sega CD systems on Ebay, the model 2 systems that I see outnumber the model 1 systems 30 to 1. When I do see a model 1 for sale, it is usually broken and being sold for parts. Did the original Sega CD models break down easy? I really do want to get an original front loader so I can save on shelf space...but are the model 2 systems just a lot more reliable?

[todesengel]

From people that I've known that owned Model 1 Sega CD unit's the big problem seems to be the disk tray breaking. I'm sure you could get that easily repaired though if it happens.

[Cornelius]

I've owned 3 of the model 1s. Two of them worked fine, and one I have now and am selling works fine, but you can hear a gear slip now and then, mostly on the first time you close the tray after a power on. I had to re-align things to get it to this point, but so far so good. Basically the motorized tray is just a really failure prone thing. Other systems with motorized trays have had their share of issues, too (e.g. PS2).

FYI I just listed the one described on Craigslist w/ a Genesis and some games for $70.

[Cornelius]

From people that I've known that owned Model 1 Sega CD unit's the big problem seems to be the disk tray breaking. I'm sure you could get that easily repaired though if it happens.

The reading I've done says that it is kind of a crapshoot. Sometimes they can be repaired, but often it isn't worth the trouble, since a single broken clip can mess the whole thing up or there is one particular gear that isn't an easily replaceable/findable part.

[todesengel]

The reading I've done says that it is kind of a crapshoot. Sometimes they can be repaired, but often it isn't worth the trouble, since a single broken clip can mess the whole thing up or there is one particular gear that isn't an easily replaceable/findable part.
Nice to know a little more about that, especially since I've been considering getting a model 1 Mega CD for my Japanese model 1 Mega Drive. Guess I should stick with the model 2 CD units instead.

[Purkeynator]

I'm in the same boat as you. I have been wanting to finally bite the bullet and buy the tower of power that I have never owned (Genesis, 32X, and CD). After reading the thread about the model 1 Genesis having the best sound and picture, I wanted a model 1 Genesis. But I have run into the same problem as you, nobody has the version 1 CD system for sale. A working CD is hard to find, let alone a version 1 Sega Cd. I guess you have to take what you can get these days.

[Baloo]

I'm in the same boat as you. I have been wanting to finally bite the bullet and buy the tower of power that I have never owned (Genesis, 32X, and CD). After reading the thread about the model 1 Genesis having the best sound and picture, I wanted a model 1 Genesis. But I have run into the same problem as you, nobody has the version 1 CD system for sale. A working CD is hard to find, let alone a version 1 Sega Cd. I guess you have to take what you can get these days.

I don't believe the Model 1 Sega CD has any sort of better output over the Model 2 Sega CD, unlike the Model 1 Genesis being better than the Model 2. The Model 1 Sega CD preference is really just an aesthetic thing, as it looks a lot nicer than the Model 2 Sega CD. That and maybe if you prefer one BIOS screen over another.

The Model 2 may not look as nice, but it's much more reliable than the Model 1. But if you really want most reliable, go and buy a CDX. But the best setup is as stands:

Non-TmSS "Hi-Definition Graphics" Model 1 Genesis
Model 2 Sega CD
32X

Super Battleship Formation!

[Purkeynator]

I had no idea you could use the Genesis model 1 and the Sega CD model 2 together. Thanks for the info!

[Sonicwolf]

I had no idea you could use the Genesis model 1 and the Sega CD model 2 together. Thanks for the info!

The only problem is that it looks like crap and the model 1 overhangs the Genesis 2 sized seating area. I have seen a Sega CD model 2 side extender to better fit the model 1 Genesis but they are probably hard to come by.

[Cornelius]

This is kind of odd that there seems to be so much chatter about Genesis and Sega CD these days, or maybe I've just been paying more attention. Either way, in the last ~month I've picked up 2 model 1 Sega CDs (always regretted selling my first), a model 2, and 6 or so Genesisses (Genesii?).

I've also done a bit of reading here and there, and I guess I'd have to say not to dismiss the model 1 Sega CD completely. The model 2 seems to have its fair share of problems as well. So while the model 1 might be less reliable, it is probably exaggerated/magnified because there are so many fewer of them. Also, this being a collectors' forum and all, you can't dismiss how much cooler they are. :)

If you want to try your luck, I'd suggest looking for an untested one from a non-gaming seller, preferably a non-professional seller, too. Given the extra power cord required and relative difficulty to set it up, 'untested' very well could mean exactly that (we all know that for pretty much any other system it means broken). You might also look for one that doesn't show any signs of life at all. There is a fuse on these that can blow if it is jarred while on, or for no reason at all, and replacement of it isn't too difficult.

And now I'm going to play a little bit of a CYA card... all this is just stuff I've read, mostly while trying to find out how to fix the drive on one of mine. I don't have personal experience with much I'm saying, so doing your own legwork is definitely recommended. I just hope to point in a helpful direction since I think the model 1 is pretty cool. Of course, the CDX is even cooler....

[VG_Maniac]

The only problem is that it looks like crap and the model 1 overhangs the Genesis 2 sized seating area. I have seen a Sega CD model 2 side extender to better fit the model 1 Genesis but they are probably hard to come by.

Another reason why I want a model 1 Sega CD...as I have a model 1 Genesis.

[Arkhan]

from personal experience, the model 1 looks the best, and feels more sturdy

right up until the tray goes out of wack and stops working.

That is when they become a pain.

The model 2 looks like a tumor, it feels cheaply made, but I have had the same one since I was what like 7? Whenever they came out. Its the same exact one. Thats a long time for it to not break!

I use the Model 2 w/ a model 1 sega, and that dopey plastic gap-filler. Its ghetto-fabulous. I was thinking about gold plating it, and putting spinners on it.

[Raedon]

When you get one, just don't push the tray to close the CD. Use the controller buttons to let it close on its own. Mine still works fine I just don't stress those cruddy plastic gears on the trey.

[Cornelius]

here's a good deal from one of our own members in the eBay forum: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230429233589&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

[Flippy8490]

My original Sega CD model 1 died on me after a year and half. It just stopped reading discs. After I bought another one, it too broke in a year or so from the same issue. Thats when I gave up and went to the SCD 2 model. That one has lasted me a good 5 years or so at this point, and I bought it previously used, so thats pretty good. *knocks on wood*

So, from my own personal experiece, I think getting the model 2 is worth taking up a tad bit more space. Just for reliability alone.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Yes, the model 1s have issues:
1) the fuse. This is very easy to blow, and it can even blow when the system is not on (if you have it plugged in). Once blown, this fuse has to be replaced iwth some light soldering skills. Most of the "broken" machines you see on E-bay probably have a blown fuse.
2) The tray. The parts that make up the tray can malfunction, causing the unit to not read discs correctly. Sometimes it tries to play the game as an audio CD, other times it rejects the CD and opens the tray.
3) the laser; these have been known to malfunction and need replacement

[Raedon]

If you are a smoker or burn a lot of incense in your game room don't even bother collecting disc systems and CD/DVD games. They will fail on you.

[pseudonym]

Good to know, I'll just toss all of my DVDs, CDs and CD-based games into the garbage then. Thank you!

Model 1's are nice to look at but they're prone to failure, I have a couple and both of them don't work. I have a Model 2 that's worked perfectly since 2003.

[Raedon]

Good to know, I'll just toss all of my DVDs, CDs and CD-based games into the garbage then. Thank you!

Model 1's are nice to look at but they're prone to failure, I have a couple and both of them don't work. I have a Model 2 that's worked perfectly since 2003.

Heh, didn't mean it like that. Play and smoke all you like! You can always buy another Xbox 360!

[T2KFreeker]

I have a Model 1 Sega CD system I have had for yhears and guess what? Not one problem. Now that I posted this though, I hear the gears of conspiracy from the gaming Gods turning . . . :(

[kale]

If you are a smoker or burn a lot of incense in your game room don't even bother collecting disc systems and CD/DVD games. They will fail on you.

Forgive me for my ignorance but how does smoke damage discs or disc based systems specifically?

[gokugohandave]

It fogs up the laser, the particles stick together and clog up the eye with a film of tars and shit in the smoke.

[Gameguy]

It fogs up the laser, the particles stick together and clog up the eye with a film of tars and shit in the smoke.
That would make a great anti-smoking ad. Someone gets buried with their Sega CD system, both died of second hand smoke.

In any case, I've only bought one Model 1 Sega CD and sold it untested and cheap as I didn't have the hookups for it. I later heard from the buyer(who also is a collector) that it didn't work, but there was a game still in the drive. The Genesis is my favourite system but I have little desire for a Model 1 Sega CD as they're prone to breaking, I have a Model 2 Sega CD and that's good enough for me(unless I manage to find a cheap CDX or X'EYE, I'd gladly get those too).

[Flippy8490]

It fogs up the laser, the particles stick together and clog up the eye with a film of tars and shit in the smoke.

I second that being an EPIC anti-smoking AD. Sure would get me to stop if I did :D

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

In any case, I've only bought one Model 1 Sega CD and sold it untested and cheap as I didn't have the hookups for it. I later heard from the buyer(who also is a collector) that it didn't work, but there was a game still in the drive. The Genesis is my favourite system but I have little desire for a Model 1 Sega CD as they're prone to breaking, I have a Model 2 Sega CD and that's good enough for me(unless I manage to find a cheap CDX or X'EYE, I'd gladly get those too).

This reminds me, when I bought a Sega CD (Model 1) a few days after it was released, I put an Alice in Chains CD in to hear some music. It took the CD in and then shut down. I couldn't power it back on, nor get the CD out. I brought it back to the store and traded the unit in for another one. In the process, I had to say goodbye to the CD as well (I didn't know much about disasembling systems back then).

[MachineGex]

NO one has mentioned the JVC? That may be an option for the OP?