Any advantages to the duo over CD set up?

MrFlutterPie · 07/02/2013, 12:22 AM

I have a PCE Duo that I got screwed over on. It needs a cap change and after I returned it the guy said they did a cap change but it wasn't long until the sound issues came back. I now how a region modded Turbo with CD set up. I can play U.S and PCE games as well as using the cheap PCE Super system 3.0 card all in one set up.

I was thinking of sending out the duo to be recapped and probably get a region mod but I have already spent a lot of money on the duo in the first place. Plus shipping is killer both ways. Now that I have the CD set up I was wondering if I should cut my losses and stick with the CD set up rather than keep throwing money into the already expensive duo.

So I ask you is there any advantage to the duo over my current CD set up or should I just cut bait on the duo now?

HercTNT · 07/02/2013, 12:30 AM

i'm not sure about any advantages, but i like the fact my duo has everything all in one ready to go. if you have the money, fixing up the duo to working condition would not be a bad thing.

VestCunt · 07/02/2013, 02:12 AM

*Both CD drives read data at x1, but a stock Duo loads faster than a stock TG-CD because the lens mechanism is more efficient. A CD-ROM with new metal gear replacements is a lot faster than a stock unit, but also MUCH noisier. I haven't compared the speed of a CD-ROM with aftermarket gears to a stock Duo.

*TG-CD has an in-line AC adapter, the Duo has a wall wort.

*The TG-CD uses common RCA cables out the rear. The Duo needs an expensive, finicky, proprietary AV cord wasting space on the side.

*The headphone jack on the TG-CD doesn't function when playing Turbochips.

*The TG-CD needs a system card every time a CD is played.

*The CD-ROM2 can function as a stand-alone music player.

*TG-CD has a dumb TG16 controller port.

*Duo = sleek and small. TG-CD = relic from bygone era more impressive to modern gamers.

VestCunt · 07/02/2013, 02:14 AM

As far a prices are concerned, if your TG-CD hasn't broken its little plastic gear yet, it will soon and it will cost money.

MrFlutterPie · 07/02/2013, 02:25 AM

Quote from: guest on 07/02/2013, 02:12 AMThe Duo needs an expensive, finicky, proprietary AV cord wasting space on the side.

I wonder if my duo has an issue with the av port. I switched out the OEM cords for a Sega Genesis Model1 cords and the sound was 100% fixed but only for a bit and now the sound issues have returned.

Joe Redifer · 07/02/2013, 02:43 AM

Quote from: guest on 07/02/2013, 02:12 AM*The headphone jack on the TG-CD doesn't function when playing Turbochips.

This should be reworded to "The headphone jack on the TurboGrafx CD Player only outputs redbook CD audio and is not suitable for any games."

Also, let's not forget:

*Duos often need cap replacements to deal with faulty audio.

*Duos tend to hate CD-Rs (though I have heard of a few that have no issues with them).

seieienbu · 07/02/2013, 06:38 AM

There are a few games (only one I can think of is Hi-Leg Fantasy) that require a Duo as well as a specific hu card, you wouldn't be able to play them on a turbo-cd setup.

seieienbu · 07/02/2013, 06:43 AM

Also, even after all these years I find the Duo the most handsome console I've ever seen.

turbokon · 07/02/2013, 07:36 AM

Quote from: seieienbu on 07/02/2013, 06:43 AMAlso, even after all these years I find the Duo the most handsome console I've ever seen.

Agree but I also like the tg16 with cd dock setup. Both are sexy in its own way.

Mishran · 07/02/2013, 07:42 AM

Nothing beats the briefcase.

seieienbu · 07/02/2013, 09:02 AM

Briefcase is cool looking, I'm definitely not saying otherwise. I just looove the look of the Duo though.

csgx1 · 07/02/2013, 04:22 PM

Quote from: Mishran on 07/02/2013, 07:42 AMNothing beats the briefcase.

Yep, that's my favorite setup.

I'd recommend keeping and fixing the Duo if you have the money to do so. Definitely can't hurt to have back up systems.

MotherGunner · 07/02/2013, 04:40 PM

Quote from: Joe Redifer on 07/02/2013, 02:43 AM
Quote from: guest on 07/02/2013, 02:12 AM*The headphone jack on the TG-CD doesn't function when playing Turbochips.
This should be reworded to "The headphone jack on the TurboGrafx CD Player only outputs redbook CD audio and is not suitable for any games."

Ah so THAT's how you get around the stupid shooting sound effects in Rayxanber II !

MrFlutterPie · 07/02/2013, 05:02 PM

Would the duo be worth getting repaired if it cost $175 round trip (shipping, region mod, exchange rate) on top of paying $200+ for the unit in the first place?

This is why I am thinking of dropping it as it will become too expensive.

FiftyQuid · 07/02/2013, 05:52 PM

Quote from: guest on 07/02/2013, 02:12 AM*The TG-CD needs a system card every time a CD is played.

This is the main reason for going with a Duo. Inserting the System Card every time is really just a novelty. Yeah you can leave it inserted, but I've never done this for any console I've ever earned.

bartre · 07/02/2013, 06:03 PM

Quote from: Mishran on 07/02/2013, 07:42 AMNothing beats the briefcase.

BEEFCASE!

that's how i play all my turbobs.
or i would, if i still i had access to it.

VestCunt · 07/02/2013, 06:29 PM

Quote from: MrFlutterPie on 07/02/2013, 05:02 PMWould the duo be worth getting repaired if it cost $175 round trip (shipping, region mod, exchange rate) on top of paying $200+ for the unit in the first place?

This is why I am thinking of dropping it as it will become too expensive.

Well, a PCE Duo is not worth $375. On the other hand, you've already paid half that and you'll only get a pittance selling it with leaky caps, so you're screwed either way.

And like I said, TGCD's are also expensive. It's just a matter of time before the caps in the CD-ROM leak and the gear breaks, so you'll have to pay for that eventually.

Three choices:
1) sell the broken Duo for $75 now. Eventually pay $175+ to fix the TGCD.
2) Keep them both. A backup system is nice. Fix the Duo, but save a little $ by skipping the region mod. Fix the TGCD later when you can afford it.
3) Sell the TGCD for a reasonable amount now while it still works. It should more than pay for the Duo repair.

tggodfrey · 07/02/2013, 08:22 PM

Me personally, I would fix the Duo and Keep it. Sure you end up spending money you dont want to but the Duo is a sexy piece of equipment and it does earn its place at the table.

Like antique cars, Someday there will be no more duo's and you will wish you fixed it.

CPTRAVE · 07/03/2013, 12:38 AM

Keep the Duo, I got rid of mine of few years ago and I have regretted it ever since. It is a sweet looking system. I have been searching for a decent price Duo for a while now.

BlueBMW · 07/03/2013, 01:21 AM

Where are you located that it is so expensive for shipping both ways?

MrFlutterPie · 07/03/2013, 01:27 AM

Quote from: BlueBMW on 07/03/2013, 01:21 AMWhere are you located that it is so expensive for shipping both ways?

Canada. Canada Post has always expensive plus USPS just doubled their rates to Canada this year.

turboswimbz · 07/03/2013, 10:47 AM

If you can get it to me for the return trip I can send it Via FedEx quite possibly at a discounted rate. I'd Say under 20 Bucks.

(If you don't live in the middle of nowhere. They really jack up the prices if you live far from a major airport)

Mishran · 07/03/2013, 02:08 PM

Seems to me like the USPS shipping rates to anywhere has doubled. My jaw dropped when I sent out the two Neo systems I sold recently. Craziness!

Keith Courage · 07/03/2013, 03:17 PM

It shouldn't be too expensive as long as you use small enough box to be able to ship it via first class instead of priority shipping. Also, just ship the DUO itself. No AC adapter to save on weight. Should be in between 20-25.

turboswimbz · 07/03/2013, 03:19 PM

Quote from: Mishran on 07/03/2013, 02:08 PMSeems to me like the USPS shipping rates to anywhere has doubled. My jaw dropped when I sent out the two Neo systems I sold recently. Craziness!

They did, all mail that is considered a package went up.

MrFlutterPie · 07/03/2013, 03:21 PM

Quote from: Keith Courage on 07/03/2013, 03:17 PMIt shouldn't be too expensive as long as you use small enough box to be able to ship it via first class instead of priority shipping. Also, just ship the DUO itself. No AC adapter to save on weight. Should be in between 20-25.

That is what I figured as well. The problem is I have to pay the same amount to get it to the guy.

I am probably going to have to get it fixed. I know I can't just sit on it for awhile because the leaky caps can cause damage to the board. I also feel a region mod is a must. With shipping this high you want to do everything at once.

BlueBMW · 07/03/2013, 09:10 PM

Another option that might save on shipping is to just mail the bare board and keep the shell / laser mechanism.

spenoza · 07/03/2013, 09:39 PM

I think selling one to help with the other is probably a decent plan. Someone here I'm sure would be willing to snap one up. Hell, I'd love to buy a busted Duo. Might even be able to afford someday to get it fixed : )

12/06/2023: Localization News - Tengai Makyou/Far East of Eden: Ziria!!!

Any advantages to the duo over CD set up?