Wondermega Audio vs the rest

[nismo]

Hi guy�s,

Many Sega FAQ�s & websites that I have read mention that the JVC Wondermega produces better sound than the regular MD/GEN. Anyway I wondering if there was any truth to this???

Unfortunaly I do not own a Wondermega so I cant do a �back to back� comparison

So I was wondering if any of you lucky Wondermega owners could play some CARTIDGE games on both machines & compare for me?

Does the JVC Wondermega use the exact same Yamaha YM2612 or Some sort of improved variation of the chip?

I�m guessing it has the same sound hardware setup but perhaps a better Signal to Noise Ratio therefore outputting better sound�

Thanx guys.

[NFG]

There are no apostrophes in plurals.  this includes guys and FAQs.  Some people put apostrophes in acronyms, like FAQs, but not around here.  If you register you can edit your posts, and correct things like CARTIDGE.

That said, I have no idea about the WM audio.  It sounds like a dirty lie, or a miscomunication.  It's easy to imagine that "Has extra audio abilities" (the effect buttons etc) can be twisted into "Sounds bettar!" in one or two forum postings.

[nismo]

Yeah that�s what I was thinking, but would still like to hear from someone who owns both units.

Sorry about the �no apostrophes in plurals� & the misspelling of cartridge. I did notice that u made a few mistakes yourself. heheh
�can me twisted� & "Sounds bettar!"  

[NFG]

"Sounds bettar" is obviously intentional.  As for the other, I have no idea what you're talking about.  I don't make mistaks.

[nismo]

Lol, maybe i should register after all. Cheeky.  

[kendrick]

I have a JVC X'eye, which is the American release of the Wondermega which includes the enhanced audio as well as the karaoke input (but lacks the MIDI functions.) In a nutshell, because it's an integrated unit there's no need for a mixing cable like you have on the separate Sega CD/Mega CD. The sound improvement is only incremental, but it means you have consistent line levels and uniform stereo sound. There are other advantages that outweigh the sound functions, like the use of only one power supply or the standard RCA-type output connectors.

-KKC, up too early even on a work day.

[nismo]

I agree with you Kendrick, being an integrated unit it should have a cleaner sound with CD games. My question is with cartridge games so there is no need to hook up a SCD/MCD, thus no mixing or second supply.

Does anybody have/know where I can find a main board image of the JVC WM (Model 1) So I can see exactly what sound hardware is used.

I think I�m slowly becoming obsessed!  :blink:  

[dj898]

I have a JVC X'eye, which is the American release of the Wondermega which includes the enhanced audio as well as the karaoke input (but lacks the MIDI functions.) In a nutshell, because it's an integrated unit there's no need for a mixing cable like you have on the separate Sega CD/Mega CD. The sound improvement is only incremental, but it means you have consistent line levels and uniform stereo sound. There are other advantages that outweigh the sound functions, like the use of only one power supply or the standard RCA-type output connectors.

-KKC, up too early even on a work day.

or S-Video if you have Wondermega 1.
X'eye is Wondermega 2 which is poor cousin of Wondermega 1...

for comparing the sound output of cart games does sound interesting...
thing is I don't have megadrive nor genesis so can't do any comparison...
I can open to take picture inside if you send me $300 for another set of Sega Wondermega though... he he

[Endymion]

or S-Video if you have Wondermega 1.
X'eye is Wondermega 2 which is poor cousin of Wondermega 1...

The Wondermega 2 has S-video also.

[dj898]

or S-Video if you have Wondermega 1.
X'eye is Wondermega 2 which is poor cousin of Wondermega 1...

The Wondermega 2 has S-video also.

they must chopp'd off alot when selling in US...
for the price they asked.... o_O

[Akir]

Perhaps the system has resampling. Open it up and see if it has any DSP chips in it (most likely Texas Insturments). it might also sound off in 48000hz instead of CD quality 44000hz. However, I'm not sure what frequency they work on. see if you can get a hold on an ociliscope.

[MDX]

The Wondermega 1 does sound slightly better with games when you press the GAME D.A.P. button and turn the effect pot just over half way. The sound is also cleaner via the Headphone socket then the RCA jacks at the back of the unit.

Although if you have a Digital sound decoder and a Laseractive then you might give that a whirl. ^_^;

[aarkay14]

OK sorry for necro bumping this topic..  I have a wondermega and I tested it out and confirm that the audio in the wm is way more noise free and balanced than the original model 1 Genesis.. The best part is the noise free thing... I also happen to read somwhere on the net that the rgb output was a tad better as well.

[Segasonicfan]

its because Wondermega/ X'Eye uses a different analog audio mixing circuit - something custom instead of the 315-5684.  Installing a Mega Amp will still get you best results though.

Im more curious about better RGB out.  Would love to know how thats better.