weak MegaDrive/Genesis audio after stereo mod

Video Games
1

Hi, I have an megadrive/genesis I bought as I am an enthusiast of the SMS music and the megadrive would allow me to benefit also of the 16 bit console audio chip.

I bought the excellent retrotink 2x-pro to upscale it’s RGB signal and did the audio mod (Genesis 1 Stereo Audio Mod | RetroRGB) to enjoy nice stereo music. I also got an everdrive X5 to put all those .VGM music in there. I’m very glad this project went well.

Only problem now, the audio is very weak and I would like to bring it to a more normal level without cranking up so much the receiver level. I see there is way to bring back that headphone amplifier level by doing further mod, but I’m not sure it’s worth it and I like that idea here of using an internal amplifier : Reddit - The heart of the internet . I think there might be good small pcboard that would accept 5v level that is readily available from the power supply. I was wondering if people have recommendation on a good, yet cheap and small amplifier I could use internaly. Maybe something similar to https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008059201648.html but I would need help to select transistor and make sure level are in good range.

Thank you

2

In case someone wonder how I did it. This is where I tapped the stereo signal https://junkskool.net/images/photos/Computer_stuff/genesis_megadrive_stereo_audio_out_mod.JPG
Then I got an AD828 based preamp. It support 5v to 15v +/- 2.5v but really start to work well at 5v but it’s borderline. I found it preferable to use the 9v line. It fit perfectly on the next area of the genesis/megadrive https://junkskool.net/images/photos/Computer_stuff/genesis_ad828_pcboard.jpg
I wanted to have it switched on/off with the console so I tap the 9v before the 5v regulator in between the Switch and the D1 or D3 diode https://junkskool.net/images/photos/Computer_stuff/ad828_d3_diode_internal_switched_preamp.jpg The ground is on the breakout pcboard power barrel connector. Notice the barrel is + and interior is -. Now the audio is at a good level :musical_notes: :partying_face: