Modern MSX-Audio cartridges

Casual observations in the chiptune-sphere and on social media seem to point toward people being much more excited about PSG, MSX-MUSIC and SCC. There's probably a whole lot to do with what people think is the "sound" of a system. And Konami probably had a big hand in defining that for the MSX.

Enthusiasts can't go wrong with MSX-AUDIO, OPL4 or other carts! But it's definitely less popular or known. Or rather: not the first things people in general think of when talking MSX audio chips.

To circle that back toward OP's original statement, yeah, that probably also has a lot to do with availability.

MSX-Audio / Music Module was popular in the scene of the 90's though, those were the years of the countless music disks. But music disks are now mostly a thing of the past, with developers moving towards games and sometimes demos. In both cases, PSG, FM-PAC and SCC are more popular.

I wouldn't rule out OPL4 yet, the best has yet to come.

Music Module was popular (in some countries of Europe only) but not the MSX-Audio (that sold a little in Japan only). Music Module was cheaper and the cartridge was better suited for all MSX.

The best is yet to come? MSX tunes sound very much like the software which was used to make it. History has shown just that....

So you guys are talking about a new tracker then? Is it MS2?

An IT/XM/S3M player would be a long way into giving OPL4 a shot in the arm. But after waiting a few decades I'm not holding my breath about it...