Replacing CD Laser

[phipiper10]

Anyone done this for a CDP? How would you describe the level of difficulty? I have no soldering experience.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Rich

[heiney9]

Very difficult. Without proper alignment tools and specs it's almost impossible. It's not like changing a light bulb.

[furball]

Is your old CD player a really expensive one? If it is a cheap one, then it is probably less hassle just to get a new CD player.

[jcaut]

I doubt that it's a job for the average DIY'er. I guess perhaps if you've got a really good player and like a project-- My guess is it's not worth it, but that's only my guess. Have you checked availability on the part?

[billbillw]

What CD player are you looking at changing out? Some of them are very easy, some are very difficult. I've changed out the laser in a couple Marantz players that used the ubiquitous Philips VAM1201. It doesn't require any alignment, nor calibration, so it can be done with just a few wires to de-solder/re-solder.

The real problem is on the units that are not self calibrating and require alignment. Those require special test discs and an oscilloscope to calibrate/align.

Your best bet is to track down the service manual for your player and see what's involved.

[phipiper10]

Thanks for replies. Been so busy with work haven't really been back to spend any time here. Anyway this is for my Bada - what a bummer.

I contacted Pacific Valve and they said they would send me the part - no charge. It's not here yet.

In the mean time I used both a lens cleaning disc and alcohol/q-tip. Neither of those changed a thing. It does appear to be a weakening laser as it's struggling on what would seem to be the least reflective discs.

The tray mechanism is philips.

It's disappointing to have purchased a relatively expensive CD player and have something like this happen.

Does this mean it's Chinese junk, I don't know but I do know we've had several much cheaper CD players and this has never happened before. Maybe just a fluke I don't know. I haven't found anything about this problem for other Bada owners.

Thanks again for replies.

[Midnite Mick]

I know that there is a Sony laser/transport that is in many high end players that have a high failure rate....so it may not be all that uncommon.

[phipiper10]

Thanks for saying so, of course the guys at PAcific Valve made it seem very common also. I should clarify that I don't think the Bada is junk but rather this is a disappointment. I've had it around 2 years I think and it has been flawless in every way until now.

The sound quality is faaar superior to any of my other sources granted none cost as much as I paid for the Bada but the difference in sound quality has been well worth the price I paid.

I'll be asking for advice if/when I lose my confidence in my ability to replace the laser .;)

[Early B.]

Phipiper -- what's the status on the laser replacement?