Problem With CDP + Need Suggestions On How To Clean CDP

Captain Humble · « **on:** 10 Aug 2003, 12:48 pm »

One of my CDP's (Sony 5 Disc Rotorary Changer) doesn't always read the disc. It typically happens after a disc or two has been played. Once it exhibits the problem, it usually won't work for a few hours. Oh one other thing, when the player worked well it would cycle to the next disc when there was a CD that it couldn't read. Now, though it can't read the disc it doesn't cycle to the next disc, it just sits there.

Thought I'd try cleaning it since I have no other ideas. Tips on products and techniques for cleaning the internal drive would be helpful.

Thanks,
Jeff

W.C. · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Aug 2003, 06:08 pm »

What's the model # and how old is it?

Captain Humble · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Aug 2003, 07:18 pm »

W.C.,
The model is Sony CE-335.
I've got the info on the first speakers I purchased in 1971 but I can't find the manual on this thing. Probably about 4 years old. It's in my office running 10 to 12 hours per day for the last year.

I've never used any type of cleaning disc and don't know what kind to buy or if any of them are any good.

W.C. · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 Aug 2003, 03:22 am »

Well, I've never used any cleaning discs either. I doubt they would help. When a player starts doing that it usually means it's ready for a trip to the shop. It could mean the laser is getting week or something is out of adjustment. The repair bill might be more than the cd player is worth. I had a Sony CDP-535 I think. It lasted about 2 years and then started skipping. I gave it away and bought something else. So this might be the time to upgrade.

Maybe even choose a different brand that will last longer. Just a thought.

jackman · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Aug 2003, 03:37 am »

At this point, a cleaning disc wouldn't hurt matters. You may also want to try one of those cans of compressed air type cleaners. I used one to clean out the dust in my transport after it was skipping and having trouble reading CD's. It hasn't skipped since! I also used a lens cleaner (despite the warnings of many) and it hasn't hurt matters. I used the disc after the compressed air cleaner. Remove the cover and spray the air directly on the lens.

Good luck!

Jman

Captain Humble · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Aug 2003, 04:50 am »

I've thrown away the last couple of finiky CDPs so I've got nothing to lose by trying the compressed air and lens cleaner.
Thanks for the help.

Jeff

Malcolm Fear · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 Aug 2003, 06:33 am »

I had an expensive Harmon Kardon cd player that exhibited the same symptoms. I gave it to my nephew. He tried one of those cleaning cd's with a tiny toothbrush glued to its surface. It worked fine after that. Bugger.

cjr888 · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 Aug 2003, 12:13 pm »

This is something I was always curious of -- occasionally you see people who do repairs and modifications advertising that they will do 'recertifying' or cleaning or 'recalibrating' CDPs in the services they offer.

Outside of the standard things anyone could do -- like cleaning out dust from the unit, is there actually anything that someone technically inclined could do moreso to a CDP vs. the regular consumer (outside of taking your money)?

What I mean is, whether you're talking about the digital out, the analog outs, the laser mechanism, or other parts of the transport -- is there anything that say after time begins to stray from initial values, is there anything that can actually be adjusted or recalibrated?

You occasionally hear of certain amplifiers requiring adjustment in their age -- curious if in the CDP world, that periodic checkups or any sort, whether by user or technician are something that are reasonable, warranted, beneficial, etc or if they would more properly be labeled snake oil.

Carlman · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 Aug 2003, 01:27 pm »

When I worked at Circuit City we were told to sell extended service so you could get the laser re-aligned or at least checked once a year so it would stay at its optimal performance level.

I've heard people at Best Buy and CC recite the same things to others recently so, I'm assuming it's still going on.... Why not ask the salesman what that means exactly... and if you're not satisfied with the answer, ask the manager...

They won't know but, the answer may be entertaining. I wouldn't have known and still don't. I've looked inside quite a few CDP's and haven't found any adjustments at the transport.

However, I'm pretty sure there is some truth to aligning the laser, I just don't know what, or to which models. How's that for not answering your question?

-C

hmen · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Aug 2003, 05:15 pm »

I had a similar problem with a Yamaha CDP and it was the laser allignment.

randytsuch · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 Aug 2003, 12:13 am »

There are posts at the Hi rez part of AA about how to align the laser on a specific Sony SACD players. People buy the service manuals, which contain the instructions. I think it just involves pushing buttons.

Some places sell service manuals for CDP's.
This place sell PDF's for Sony's and others
http://www.rms-manuals.d2g.com/

As far as cleaning, Stan Warren told me to talk it apart, and use a good brush to wipe off the dust. He said alcohol might damage the lens, and some lens have a special coating on them. Air should work just as well though.

Randy