No more BCD-1?

amblin · « **Reply #40 on:** 7 Nov 2011, 08:21 pm »

The end is nigh!!

Who wants to buy my fine sample of rare CD antiquity? The magnificent Philips LHH-1000... Forged in the fires of Kindom Ka by the elfs living in tree houses?

Please make an offer before guys in suits from Sotheby steals it...

spinner · « **Reply #41 on:** 7 Nov 2011, 08:58 pm »

I believe lasers can last about 20,ooo hours then go out. My old ES Sony went around that. Our CD1s probably haven't been played that much yet .

amblin · « **Reply #42 on:** 8 Nov 2011, 09:39 am »

I still remember that back in the late 80s, i've read some articles about laser life span in some mags, one of them suggests that typical life span of the optical module was 15,000+ hrs (back in 80s), so under normal listening conditions (say, 1 CD a day, 30CDs per month), the optical module can last at least 30yrs.

30yrs was a bit optimistic but we really shouldn't worry too much about it. But IF you're REALLY worrying about it, just grab one or two complete drive assembly (around $20 max for simple disc drives or $150 for rare higher-end, full metal models) and then you'll be good for at least another 10 yrs.

spinner · « **Reply #43 on:** 8 Nov 2011, 01:17 pm »

Yes ,my old Sony was a 1989 model . Thanks for the update. I will look into getting a complete drive from Bryston ( one of that 20,000 that James might get).

SoundGame · « **Reply #44 on:** 5 Dec 2011, 06:37 pm »

Quote from: James Tanner on 7 Nov 2011, 04:05 pm

That would be great - we can buy all 20,000 and have drives till the year 3000

james

Just wondering if there's an update on this (given Brian's comments of the imminent demise of the BCD-1)? Was a new source of parts established to keep production on the BCD-1 going for the foreseeable future or is there still limited time left on this product/model? I know it's clear that warranty services on the unit sold is not an issue but I'm not sure about the ongoing production? Thanks.

James Tanner · « **Reply #45 on:** 5 Dec 2011, 06:54 pm »

Quote from: SoundGame on 5 Dec 2011, 06:37 pm

Just wondering if there's an update on this (given Brian's comments of the imminent demise of the BCD-1)? Was a new source of parts established to keep production on the BCD-1 going for the foreseeable future or is there still limited time left on this product/model? I know it's clear that warranty services on the unit sold is not an issue but I'm not sure about the ongoing production? Thanks.

Hi,

At the current sales rate I would say we have about another 3 months of production.

james

SoundGame · « **Reply #46 on:** 5 Dec 2011, 07:04 pm »

Quote from: James Tanner on 5 Dec 2011, 06:54 pm

Hi,

At the current sales rate I would say we have about another 3 months of production.

james

sad to see great products face such unpredicatable source-chain consequences. I expect this may signify an end to physical drive products from Bryston? Perhaps it may allow for increased focus on the next evolution of the BDA and BDP models or are there any other ideas on source devices being contemplated?

sweetspot · « **Reply #47 on:** 6 Dec 2011, 12:03 am »

Hope they poke away a few cd drives in case of repairs down the road !

srb · « **Reply #48 on:** 6 Dec 2011, 12:25 am »

Quote from: sweetspot on 6 Dec 2011, 12:03 am

Hope they poke away a few cd drives in case of repairs down the road !

Quote from: James Tanner on 30 Oct 2011, 10:11 pm

We are still manufacturing for a while and have a few hundred drives which we will keep for warranty issues or repair going forward.

redbook · « **Reply #49 on:** 6 Dec 2011, 02:51 am »

James, was there any news on locating that big source of drives that was mentioned earlier in this post? I also think you mentioned that Bryston will put away some current parts for future repair issues. I also asked about the fitting og alternative drives. Could some other unit be incorporated into my beloved BCD1 because I still prefer to play a record and read the liner notes...

Oops, sorry folks I just read the part in the blue box about keeping some drives in reserve. I get too exited about this topic. ...forgive my angst please..

rmurray · « **Reply #50 on:** 7 Dec 2011, 07:25 am »

I am going to buy another cd1 as a backup. For me this is more important than upgrading my amp at this time. The bcd1 is the greatest player for me and well worth the cost.

SoundGame · « **Reply #51 on:** 7 Dec 2011, 01:01 pm »

Naim cans one of it's CDP models due to lack of parts - seems like there are other models that face these woes.

http://www.avhub.com.au/index.php/News/Hi-Fi/naim-discontinues-cds3.html

Phil A · « **Reply #52 on:** 7 Dec 2011, 01:13 pm »

It is not uncommon for the drive manufacturers to support the drives for a limited period of time (i.e. 7 years, 8 years). One of the reasons I sold the BCD-1 and moved to the BDA-1. I can use it for multiple sources, higher resolutions that CDs (SACDs from an Oppo player converted to 24/88.2kHz going through an HDMI audio de-embedder sound great) and the life span without moving parts is much longer. Some manufacturers have stopped making CD players. I'd expect over time that some labels may offer only limited CDs and have more things geared towards downloads.

Elizabeth · « **Reply #53 on:** 7 Dec 2011, 02:02 pm »

Just to comment about the life of lasers in CD players.
I have had Cd machines since they started.
I would play music all day on a Cd changer for my pets. Every single day.
When I had a player stop working, i would look into it. Every time it was some other part. (NOT the laser)
One a big capacitor, another the ribbon connecting the sled to the board. A third the motor spinner device would run, but not self start.
NEVER the actual laser.
I currently own ten machines that play CDs.. and have had another dozen in the past.

Plenty of companies have the problem of not being able to repair thier Cd machines way too soon due to no parts.

kingdeezie · « **Reply #54 on:** 7 Dec 2011, 02:53 pm »

Quote from: Phil A on 7 Dec 2011, 01:13 pm

I'd expect over time that some labels may offer only limited CDs and have more things geared towards downloads.

Frightening prospect. I don't see much incentive for the record labels to support large amounts of hi-rez or lossless audio downloads right now. The largest amount of revue is likely generated by people who don't mind itunes download quality.

If this becomes the case, there would be little point to being an audiophile, since music would only be available in 256kpbs compressed garbage.

It is ashame to see great CDPs like this and others dissapear along with CDs.

Phil A · « **Reply #55 on:** 7 Dec 2011, 03:50 pm »

Quote from: kingdeezie on 7 Dec 2011, 02:53 pm

Frightening prospect. I don't see much incentive for the record labels to support large amounts of hi-rez or lossless audio downloads right now. The largest amount of revue is likely generated by people who don't mind itunes download quality.

If this becomes the case, there would be little point to being an audiophile, since music would only be available in 256kpbs compressed garbage.

It is ashame to see great CDPs like this and others dissapear along with CDs.

I've seen an article (recently) that the major labels will not be issuing regular CDs sometime next year and that those issued may be confined to box sets, collectibles, special stuff, etc. No idea if it is true.

Phil A · « **Reply #56 on:** 7 Dec 2011, 03:53 pm »

Here are a couple of articles

http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=46980_0_2_0_C

http://musictap.net/2011/11/10/the-death-of-the-cd/

SoundGame · « **Reply #57 on:** 7 Dec 2011, 04:04 pm »

Quote from: Phil A on 7 Dec 2011, 03:53 pm

Here are a couple of articles

http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=46980_0_2_0_C

http://musictap.net/2011/11/10/the-death-of-the-cd/

I believe there is truth in these rumors...the question is how much truth. Will a substantial reduction happen in 2012 - such things have happened suddenly before. I would expect to see the supply following the constantly decreasing demand but whether it is a steep ramp down in 2012 or a slower decline of the next 3 to 5 years will just need to be seen. I'm thinking CD has got no more than 2 to 3 years left, at best. Technology moves fast and the consumer market these days moves even faster (in terms of its demands). I'm just hoping the hi-res stuff will entrench itself in the mass market (to allow for lower prices) - so that we're not just left with compressed MP3 when the CD dies.

Diamond Dog · « **Reply #58 on:** 7 Dec 2011, 04:27 pm »

Quote from: kingdeezie on 7 Dec 2011, 02:53 pm

I don't see much incentive for the record labels to support large amounts of hi-rez or lossless audio downloads right now. The largest amount of revue is likely generated by people who don't mind itunes download quality.
If this becomes the case, there would be little point to being an audiophile, since music would only be available in 256kpbs compressed garbage.

Warning : The following post contains audiophile heresy.

Yep. One of the reasons I went ahead and upgraded my CDP recently in spite of all the hand-wringing about the death of the silver disc and the machines that spin them was the limited amount of downloadable music available vs. my need to enjoy a wide variety of music. I don't care how highly-resolved the sound is, I just don't want to listen to Fleetwood Mac's Rumours forever - there's too much other music out there to experience. The ongoing rape of the music consumer as we get pushed into another format change also sticks in my craw. You're paying how much for that download and in exchange, you get nothing that you can actually physically touch ? What a deal. Maybe the sound is so good that you can actually hear Stevie and Lindsay cutting up their blow in the studio but then again, maybe I don't care...I'm really tired of being a cash cow for the music industry.
I don't think there's going to be a sudden massive extinction of the CD overnight. I also don't think that some of those who are cheering on the death of Redbook ( not you, Redbook, the format

) have heard what the format is fully capable of. The playback devices which deliver to the fullest on the potential of the format are pricey, yes, but they are impressive to behold. And the SQ of the CD's ( in the right hands in terms of mastering etc. ) is getting better as well - heard any of the Redbook Pink Floyd reissues from this year yet? Not too shabby.
By the same token, I made damned good and sure that this time I bought a unit that offered some future-proofing as well in terms of digital ins and a potent DAC...so if it hits the fan, it hits the fan.

D.D.

spinner · « **Reply #59 on:** 7 Dec 2011, 04:31 pm »

In my case I don't find hi-rez downloads exist. The music I most like is only on cd.

So perhaps I'll also buy another BCD as a spare.