Super CD-ROM2 or Duo R?

[Xanadu Gaiden]

I´m a new PC Engine owner, bought my Core Grafx II last year and I have a few boxed cards. Most games I want are on card but of course I am curious about the CD games.

It´s likely that I´ll buy a CD solution some time in the future. I´m on the fence about which setup I shall look for though. I do like my Core Grafx II and it looks sweet with the Super CD-ROM2 add on. Lurking through various posts it seems to be less reliable than the Duo R/RX though. I can´t repair anything myself, so it´s hard to decide.

Also, what dimensions do the Super CD-ROM2 or Duo R have? I have trouble finding info on their respective size.

[lukester]

Price wise alone, the duo-r slaughters the super cd-rom setup in value.

I’d say sell your coregrafx for a duo-r, or keep it and buy one of the new “sd system 3” devices when the price goes down.

[Black Tiger]

The grey/orange Super CD-ROM that matches the Core Grafx II isn't known gor having too many problems. It's the Turbo-CD, PC Engine IFU CD-RON and grey Turbo/PCE Duos that typically require servicing by now.

I think that a Duo is the most convenient setup, but either way you might want to hang onto your CGII in case you decide to get something like the Super SD Dystem 3 down the road.

[Necromancer]

It's not uncommon for Super CDs to need recapping, but it's generally not a big deal.  Like with Duos, you get 'em recapped and they're good to go for years to come.

For value, I agree with lukester.  The difference in price between the three options isn't going to be huge, though, so you really can't go wrong any way you go.

[Xanadu Gaiden]

Thanks guys! If I get a decent deal on a Super CD-ROM2 I probably will, but it sounds plausible that it will be a Duo R in the end.

I’m still interested in knowing how big a Duo R is. Could somebody measure one for me?

[crazydean]

Don't forget about the PCE Duo! I went with a recapped Duo a couple of years ago and am very happy with my choice. Just go ahead and buy one that has already been recapped and has a new laser. This comes to the same price as a Duo R and will be just as reliable.

However, if I were in your shoes, I would wait until the Super System 3 has the bugs worked out of it then buy one of those. Not having to worry about discs hanging up or sound cutting out is worth it imo.

[Gypsy]

Thanks guys! If I get a decent deal on a Super CD-ROM2 I probably will, but it sounds plausible that it will be a Duo R in the end.

I’m still interested in knowing how big a Duo R is. Could somebody measure one for me?

About 12''x9''.

[Xanadu Gaiden]

Gypsy: Thanks!

However, if I were in your shoes, I would wait until the Super System 3 has the bugs worked out of it then buy one of those. Not having to worry about discs hanging up or sound cutting out is worth it imo.

Didn´t know about the SS3 before this thread. I´d miss the charm of playing CD:s on original hardware, but not having to worry about readable discs or leaking capacitors is a big plus.

A Duo that has undergone service would be an option. If I pick up more PC Engine hardware it will probably be during a trip to Japan next year. What I find there is likely not renovated, so I´d go with one of the more reliable models if I find it.

[crazydean]

A Duo that has undergone service would be an option. If I pick up more PC Engine hardware it will probably be during a trip to Japan next year. What I find there is likely not renovated, so I´d go with one of the more reliable models if I find it.

If you're buying one in person, be sure that it works beforehand. Even with the Duo R, the laser or gears could be bad.

[Xanadu Gaiden]

If you're buying one in person, be sure that it works beforehand. Even with the Duo R, the laser or gears could be bad.

I’ll try! And the more I think about it, the more interesting the Super System 3 is. No technical hassle and it’s smaller than a cd unit. And I can still collect CD games for the manuals. I’ll follow the SS3 thread closely!

EDIT: Video issues eh? I hope the SS3 development continues and it turns out great in the end.

[ginoscope]

I recently got a super cd and it did have leaking caps that was affecting the sound on the unit.  After a full recap and cleaning of the board the system is working great.  I do notice that these systems are a little quieter than my duo or turbo cd.

I been pretty happy with it but it was a pain to recap it since it has some clearance issues on some of the caps.

[Xanadu Gaiden]

I recently got a super cd and it did have leaking caps that was affecting the sound on the unit.

Thanks for the warning! If I end up with a Super CD-ROM 2 I’ll probably have to send it in for recaping.

[LowRes]

I recently got a super cd and it did have leaking caps that was affecting the sound on the unit.  After a full recap and cleaning of the board the system is working great.  I do notice that these systems are a little quieter than my duo or turbo cd.

I been pretty happy with it but it was a pain to recap it since it has some clearance issues on some of the caps.

Did you replace all the Surface mount caps and through hole caps?  This unit is unusual since it's the through hole caps that seem to be the problem and not the surface mount caps.  I watched GadgetUK repair a couple and he mentions only the through hole caps gone bad and when I got my unit I had the exact same situation.  Replaced all the through hole caps and left the surface mount caps alone for now.  It's working great now.