Introductions

[Astronaut_79]

Hello,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for accepting my request and introduce myself. I live near Lansing, the capital city of Michigan and am new to PC Engine/Turbogfx gaming.

I could never afford a Turbogfx 16 growing up, but I do have a few other "retro" systems like first gen. NES, SNES, Genesis, N64, Saturn and a bunch of Nintendo handhelds.

I am a HUGE Castlevania fan and after playing Dracula X: Rondo of Blood for years on emulators (more recently on the PSP and Wii re-releases) I am thinking of finally purchasing an original copy, as it's the only Castlevania title I don't already own a complete physical copy of. 

I have done some research and concluded that a Japanese Duo, or Duo-R, is the way to go for playing Dracula X. I would like to find a system that has been recapped and possibly had the lens recalibrated. Looking to play on an older CRT TV, so I don't think I will need any mods, but I'm not totally sure about that.

I am weary of buying direct from Japan, so I thought I would come here and seek some expert advice.

[Necromancer]

Welcome aboard!

Check with Keith Courage and/or Turbokon on buying a refurbished Duo.  They often have 'em ready to sell.

[TDIRunner]

Welcome.

I played Dracula X on real hardware (Duo R) for the first time recently and it was definitely worth it.  The PSP version never really did much for me.  The colors were just too dull and boring and the 2.5D graphics just didn't feel right. 

[Astronaut_79]

@Necromancer- Thank you very much, I will absolutely get in touch with one (or both) of those members!

@TDIRunner- I'm glad to hear you think it's worth it! I have heard much of the same from others. It might sound silly to buy a whole system for the purpose of playing just one game (at least to start) but I really want to have the console experience after years of dreaming about it!

I am looking for advice on composite vs S-video quality. I plan to hook up to an older 25" Sharp CRT which has an S-video input and I was wondering if it is worth the extra expense to have a console modded/upgraded to S-video. I know that S-video is better, but how noticeable is the difference when playing?

Also, any significant difference in audio quality when running 3.5mm to RCA splitter vs normal composite output?

[crazydean]

The video quality really depends on whether you think your TV is capable of good output. Personally, I don't think I would bother with S-video. It's a middle step. If you are willing to scrounge Craigslist or thrift stores, get a Sony Trinitron with component for like $25. That would be your best bet.

[TDIRunner]

As a general rule of thumb, if a console has the ability to output s-video without a mod or special cable, than I will use it.  But I don't find s-video to be worth the trouble of a mod unless you like to do the work yourself and find it fun.

[Astronaut_79]

Great points, thank you!