Which Sega CD Version should I get?

[Stringfellow]

Since it seems that my X'eye is dead I am looking for a replacement. I am considering another x'eye, a sega cd model 1, Sega Cd model 2, or a laseractive. I would consider another CDX but I didn't like the incompatibilities.

[Aussie2B]

I'd recommend the Sega CD model 2, just because it's the cheapest and is more reliable than the model 1. I really like my CDX as well, but I never would have bought one had I not landed a good deal. If you can spare the space, just go with the model 2.

[binici]

I need one so badly and am in the same predicament! I haven't had any luck at the flea market finding one, but as Aussie2B mentioned, the model 2 was the most reliable. CDX is great if you can land a deal of $20 or lower...

[retroman]

i would go with a model 2..i have had since the day it came out and it still works fine today, except for the memory needs to be formated sometimes...i got my friend model 1 off of him back in 93 and it craped out on me around 03 or 04...the door wont open and now it just makes a weird noise..

[Oldskool]

I vote X'Eye. Awesome audio capabilities, all in one console, one AC Adapter, and Karaoke mang!!

What's wrong with yours? I have fixed a few. Might be able to help.

I see the Model 2 as the "poor mans Sega CD", not that any of them are really expensive to begin with. Plus, I just think it's the ugliest of all of them.

[Edmond Dantes]

I have a Model 2 and I like it, but I recently saw a flea market carrying a Model 1 and I was thinking of getting it and a Model 1 Genesis, just for the hell of having it.

Are Model 1s really more fragile than Model 2s tho?

[Gameguy]

Are Model 1s really more fragile than Model 2s tho?
In my experience, yes. The only Model 1 I've come across turned out to be defective, the Model 2s I've seen were all working fine. I'm just hoping the Model 2 I have doesn't die on me, I'm getting a bit paranoid with my older disc based systems. Personally I think the Model 1s are ugly too, at least not as nice looking as the Model 2s.

I would use a Model 2 for most playing, that's what I would get if I needed another one. Of course if I came across other ones cheap I would get those instead, I wouldn't say no to a well priced X'Eye or CDX.

[theclaw]

Model 2 is most reliable and affordable. Defeats model 1, X'Eye, or CDX there. Hands down win for the key essential part: playing games.

X'Eye like model 1 is roomy for modding yet ugly.

CDX has phenomenal space benefits. Incredible design feat too. It kept Genesis 2's SMS mode + 32X support + even RGB output all intact. Yet so tiny it's hardest to work on.

[goatdan]

What "incompatibilities" are there with the CDX? I seem to recall hearing you can't hook up a 32X to it, but I can tell you that I use both the 32X and a Master System converter on my CDX, and beyond looking stupid, the amount of space that it saves is well worth it.

It can be pricy though, so if you're going for both cheap and reliable, the Model 2 is the only way to go. I hate how big it is, but they just work. I've only ever got one of those that was dead I think, whereas Model 1's are dead more often than they are working.

Model 1s seem to have major, major issues opening and closing their trays, perhaps the biggest thing that breaks. The X'Eye is a good console, but is pretty expensive compared to the others.

Laseractive would be cool, but you have to find one and it is going to be expensive. It's also big. In many ways, I think that it sort of is the worst of all worlds, except it does play Laserdiscs, and there are some very cool Laserdiscs that never came out in DVD / BluRay that would be worth owning...

[Cornelius]

What's wrong with your X'eye? Have you looked into getting it repaired?

I've had a number of dead model 1 and model 2 units, probably equal of both, so in my experience there isn't a big difference there. The general consensus I've read over the years is that the 2 is more reliable. One thing to note is that I was able to repair all of the model 1s, but not one of the model 2s. Most of the time it was the main fuse, which is a pretty easy fix. The model 1 often needs a new drive belt (just the right size rubber band works) or its drive mechanism needs to be realigned. The model 2 I couldn't fix needed a new laser (I'm fairly sure), and it wasn't worth it to me to replace. Ideally I'd hope to get a broken unit that's been that way in someone's basement for years and hope it just needs a new fuse. Easy repair and the laser will have few hours on it.

[xelement5x]

This really depends on the cost/benefit you're looking to get out of the SegaCD.

Model 1 looks cool, but has breakage issues that most people just throw up their hands at, if you're cool with troubleshooting and stuff that's cool. Fits a Model 1 Genesis nicely.

Model 2 CD is the workhorse, I've got 3 of them and have never had issues with them, that's my mainstay since I have the space.

CDX is tiny, gives you the full support of everything, but makes sure you have the right power supply for it. Also, a lot more expensive then buying a Genesis + SegaCD elsewhere. Also audio from it is pretty good.

X'eye is good, I don't own one and really can't give a truthful review, but I've heard they solid and do all the stuff you need. Can't fit a 32x or power base converter on though because it'll block the CD door.

Laseractive is massive, seriously. I just got one recently and it's pretty cool but more for the show factor. Audio is nice and it has optical output on the device, but I think the PACs can't take advantage of that.

My opinion, go for a Model 2. They're cheap, easy to replace, easy to buy, easy to maintain, and easy to sell.

[Stringfellow]

http://digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=154354

Here is what's going on with my x'eye. I would love to get it repaired but don't know how and don't know who could fix it.

[VACRMH]

Agreed on the cost/benefit thought. It really depends on what you want out of the system.

The X'eye has all sorts of pros, such as 1 AC Adaptor and S-Video standard. But it's pricey.

Model 1's are known for having issues that cause them to break, but the model 2 is pretty solid. And both Genny systems to use with the Sega CD could easily be modded for better video output. Plus if you had a Genny 1 with a Model 2 Sega CD, you could also add a powerbase convertor for Master System games. You could with a model 2 as well, but you'd have to chop it up. Plus with these 2 you'd have an extra AC Adaptor.

The CDX is pricey as well, and hard to mod if you want better video. 32X can be used with it (but some people feel you shouldn't) and you could probably get a powerbase converter on there too if again, you chop it up. And like the X'eye you get the 1 AC Adaptor benefit. Lastly, it's the smallest option if you don't have alot of room available. I use a CDX myself, and never came across any incompatibilty, plus I think the games I heard that had issues weren't the games I'd want to play.

TL;DR: Think about Cost, Room for Wall Warts, Room for the system, Video output (and the ability to mod it for better ones), and if you care about adding other accessories (PBC and 32X).

[goatdan]

... and you could probably get a powerbase converter on there too if again, you chop it up.

You don't need to chop it up. It looks absolutely stupid, but it works without any modification. I have one that I use with my CDX as is.

[goatdan]

... and you could probably get a powerbase converter on there too if again, you chop it up.

You don't need to chop it up. It looks absolutely stupid, but it works without any modification. I have one that I use with my CDX as is.

[goatdan]

... and you could probably get a powerbase converter on there too if again, you chop it up.

You don't need to chop it up. It looks absolutely stupid, but it works without any modification. I have one that I use with my CDX as is.

[VACRMH]

You don't need to chop it up. It looks absolutely stupid, but it works without any modification. I have one that I use with my CDX as is.

Awesome to know :) I hadn't had a chance to try mine with the CDX yet. So it doesn't push down on the AC adaptor plug or anything?

[Letiumtide]

I recommend the CDX, the Model 2 is a space hog, Model 1 in finicky at best. It also requires the least amount of cable confusion, I hated setting up the old ones because you needed to have everything plugged in for it to work, making it just feel like a horrid mess to set up and use.

[substantial_snake]

I recommend a Sega CD2 from my experience.

I've owned two of them and hadn't had a problem with either one. I had found that they are the cheapest, easiest to find, and reliable. The only problem I have is that they are pretty large, and combined with the Model 1 genesis presents an even larger beast.

I have also owned a X'eye although it was interesting the biggest problem I had (outside of it being mistreated in the past) was that finding a correct power adapter was time consuming and rather expensive.

The only other one I would suggest is the CDX. Although I have never had one I have heard that they are reliable and they both look good and take up little room. The only downsides I see is that they are rather rare (and expensive) and like with the X'eye finding the correct power adapter might be a problem for you.

[goatdan]

Awesome to know :) I hadn't had a chance to try mine with the CDX yet. So it doesn't push down on the AC adaptor plug or anything?

The AC adapter is just the right length and size that it bends *just slightly* to the right to accomodate itself. It barely puts any pressure on the AC adapter or socket.

Now, the SMS converter does hover just slightly above the console meaning you don't want to walk around with it, and it is like an inch wide on the left and right sides, and the back sticks out like an inch, but it functions. Like I said, definitely not pretty, but functional.

[LiquidPolicenaut]

It's a tough choice really. Looks-wise, I still love the CDX and the Model 1 while the SCD 2 and the X'Eye are ugly to me, especially the X'Eye which was a sad revision of the beautiful original JVC Wondermega...
Performance-wise, it's a toss-up. I still own my original release-day Model 1 and it works pretty well. Yes, there are times the CD tray doesn't like to open but, aside from that, it always works pretty well. I briefly owned a CDX and loved it as well. I never personally ran into any issues with it and my only small gripe with it is that the video cable sticks out of the side instead of the back.
I would agree with the others in that you should look into what you want from the system. Less space, more reliability, looks, etc. and take it from there...



The X'eye has all sorts of pros, such as 1 AC Adaptor and S-Video standard. But it's pricey.


I believe the US version of the X'Eye took out the S-Video output. I heard, however, it's rather easy to mod it and get the S-Video back in...

[Stringfellow]

I briefly owned a cdx and loved it except that it didn't play Terminator CD or Jurassic Park CD. Years ago I owned a model 2 and sold it before I had my appreciation for older games. First and foremost I want whatever I have to work. Everything else is not as important. I would prefer something smaller but it isn't a necessity.

[Damaramu]

Just get another X'Eye. I love mine...

[Ed Oscuro]

I'd vote "none of the above." A good PC emulator will keep you from worrying about when yet another rare piece of hardware is going to die from use. But that's just me - I have an aversion to using anything regularly that's not made anymore when there's a good chance it's going to just up and die.

My own model (which doesn't get any use, sadly) is a Mega CD, model 1, Japanese region.

[Ed Oscuro]

Double post. (Server hiccup, and I refreshed the page after too to check that my post didn't go through...$@%&!)

[Zama]

My vote goes to the Model 2 Sega CD since its smaller and much easier on the maintenance side but I do like the CDX nevertheless :)

[Stringfellow]

I thought about the emulator route but I just prefer playing on original hardware. I also don't use my pc for much more than pop cap type games these days.