So I think I may have to unload the Shanling...

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

Its skipping about twice per song... kind of ok - but I don't like skips in my music...

What would you guys recomend to replace it?

Thanks

[ESAVINON]

Cambridge Audio Azur 840c

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

How much of a loser would I be if I don't get another CDP and just use my Zune dock.

I was listening to it today, and I think running direct to the preamp, not through the TV and with better cables - it could kick some ass...

;)

[danger boy]

just get the Shanling fixed. if you like it enough, that's what I would do.

if it's skipping. it probably only needs it's laser lens cleaned

[Face]

Its skipping about twice per song... kind of ok - but I don't like skips in my music...

What would you guys recomend to replace it?

Thanks
Something that works.

Did you try cleaning it yet? What did Shanling have to say?

This might be helpful. http://club.cdfreaks.com/f44/lens-cleaning-disc-good-bad-218094/

[mulveling]

In the $1000-1500 range I'd keep an eye on audiogon for Meridians - specifically the 508, 508.20, 508.24, 507, or 588. Man, those things hold their value well.

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

I actually emailed Frank from Signal about some Analog II cables for my Zune Dock...

Going to use the Shanling until its unbearable...

With the way the economy is going, Im not buying shit right now thats to expensive... :)

Once the Shanling gets to bad, Ill probally unload it for like 60% of the going rate on Agon and cut my losses :)

Pick up one of the higher end units when the economy picks back up.

Might try a Jolida JD100 or something in that 5-600 dollar price range.

[mulveling]

Damn, well if unloading it for cheap and in a crunch for cash, then I'd just pick up a used Denon DVD-2900 or 3910 for $200-$400. They sound quite good and also play SACD if you ever run into any of those. Plus you get great DVD playback. The Jolida is certainly a nice sounding unit once you toss the Chinese 12ax7 - still, I'd probably save the change and just go for a cheap Denon universal.

Act now - it's not worth killing your music enjoyment for any length of time, just to see what happens. Any decent deck worth its weight in metal will kill any un-DAC'd portable.

That represents the two ends of my digital scale these days - a Meridian if I fall into plenty of surplus cash, and my Denon 3910 works just fine until then. Vinyl is the main source here.

[dragon1952]

Save your money and get a Music Hall CD25.2. I bought a brand new one for $375 shipped to check it out and then dumped my Jolida. Awesome CD player.

[Early B.]

just get the Shanling fixed. if you like it enough, that's what I would do.

if it's skipping. it probably only needs it's laser lens cleaned

Sid, don't be impetuous. Just clean the damn thing and forget about it.

We'll ban you from the 2-Channel Forum forever if you go from a Shanling to a Zune.

[reeltrouble1]

the time to buy is when the economy is down. dont be a dumb ass.

RT1

[AndyGwis]

I'd get a Musical Fidelity A3.2, Denon DVD-5900, or Marantz SA-8260 if I were you.

:)

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

I was playing a few CD's this morning and it wasnt skipping at all..

So I guess I will just wait it out.

Its by far the best player Ive heard in my system -

And I've had it up against a Rega Apollo, a Denon SACD player (playing a SACD), and a Wadia 3,500 dollar player...

I always preferred the Shanling...

I would say the Wadia was a better player, but was a little boring for my taste... The Shanling is very lively and clear. However, I know there is better out there...

Music Hall sounds interesting.

Anyone have experience with the Onix CDP that AV123 has now?

[steveinaz]

I'd get a Musical Fidelity A3.2, Denon DVD-5900, or Marantz SA-8260 if I were you.

:)

Andy, I'm biting my lip so hard on buying that MF, it's bleeding. I have been wanting that CDP for ages--but the time just isn't right.

[SolidSqual]

You could send the player to Underwood HiFi and have it refurbed and upgraded. That would be sweet. Otherwise, I would recommend my Raysonic.

[AndyGwis]

Andy, I'm biting my lip so hard on buying that MF, it's bleeding. I have been wanting that CDP for ages--but the time just isn't right.

Steve - Well, with any luck (for you, not for me), it will still be waiting for you when the timing is right.

Sidious - have you purchased a $10 laser lense cleaner and tried it? My PE 59avi refused to read the SACD layer of hybrids for months. I was sure it was malfunctioning and on its way out.

After popping in a 5 years old $10 laser lense cleaning disc from 3M / Scotch, it was back to playing everything like new. At least try one out if you haven't already. Might just be some dirt. Make sure your discs are clean, too, obviously.

[dorokusai]

You mean cleaning didn't work? I'm shocked.

[TroyD]

...and you'd be willing to move a potentially busted unit to someone else? That's pretty shitty, IMO.

BDT

[candyliquor35m]

Radio Shack sells or at least they used to sell a cd with small brushes on the bottom to clean the laser. I can't say it ever helped anything I tried it on but ya never know.

[tonyb]

...and you'd be willing to move a potentially busted unit to someone else? That's pretty shitty, IMO.

BDT

Thats what I was thinking.

C'mon Sid,how lazy can you be to just clean the damn thing?

[hearingimpared]

Raysonic CD 168!

[cmy330go]

If you decide to buy new....

Sound Quest is supposed to be introducing a tubed version of their SQ-12 (http://www.questforsound.com/digital/dgtl_sq12.htm) that I would assume will fall into your price range. I think it's going to be called the SQ-12GT. It's being built in cooperation with Granite Audio.

Just a thought.

[billbillw]

If the lens is not dirty, then its likely that the laser diode is weak or one of the servo motors is failing. Either way, cleaning, or new laser transport, its much cheaper to fix than to replace the whole unit, especially if you sell it for 60% of its going value. I'd venture to say that replacing the laser transport assembly on that unit would probably run you less than $100. Heck, if it uses an off the shelf Philips transport, it may only be a $30 part.

EDIT: Yes, I checked, this Shanling uses the Philips VAM-1201 laser. Those are ultra cheap.

[engtaz]

Good advice.

engtaz

[tonyb]

Andy, I'm biting my lip so hard on buying that MF, it's bleeding. I have been wanting that CDP for ages--but the time just isn't right.

Ive got my eye on a 308,thought you would too over the 3.2.
Now all I need is the bosses blessing....yeah,right.:rolleyes:

[dorokusai]

EDIT: Yes, I checked, this Shanling uses the Philips VAM-1201 laser. Those are ultra cheap.

That's awesome and hilarious at the same time. It looks like you can fix it fairly easily, depending on what's actually wrong, which is great.

[billbillw]

That's awesome and hilarious at the same time.

That Philips transport is used in some of the most expensive players on the planet. Most of the boutique companies do not have the engineering or manufacturing resources to develop a unique laser assembly and produce it. They just use off the shelf stuff from Sony, Philips, or Panasonic.

[dorokusai]

I'm aware. Sometimes it's a simple part at the core of everything.

Shanling is represented stateside correct?

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

I dont like messing with sensitive parts of electronics I dont know much about...

I'll use it till its unbearable then send it off to get maintenced or unload it for a fraction of its worth.

I dont see how thats a bad thing, especially if it is noted in the sale.

Ill figure it out. Thanks for putting morals back into me, SIR. :rolleyes:

Asshole Sid, Clocking Out.

Thanks for the tip on the motor/laser replacement. Will keep in mind.

[wingnut4772]

Just get a Squeezebox and use your PC.

[reeltrouble1]

I thought it was obvious our little duper was disclosing the problem when he discounted the unit.

RT1--damm I am getting to trusting, I better snap out of it.

[dorokusai]

I would seriously look into the parts and their respective cost.

[TroyD]

Trey,

I'm busting your onions, man.

You are a stand up dude and I'd never think anything less. I (mean this) sincerely apologize that you didn't take my comment in anything but jest.

Troy

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

Ill probally end up doing that.

I just hate to send it off for a repair or whatever. I need to send my Candela to Klaus to get it fixed, but the stuff sounds so good I don't want to be without music, lol...

*sigh*

Apology accepted, I missed the smiley ;)

[TroyD]

Better be without it in the short term than take it in the shorts on a sale.

BDT

[danger boy]

You mean cleaning didn't work? I'm shocked.

he didn't clean it.. yet... or ever. :eek:

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

I clean all my gear once a month, particularly the Shanling, it is quite the piece!

You make a good point Troy, and it is a fantastic player, all the more reason to keep it! :)

[dkg999]

Just send it in for repair! If it's going to be a lengthy repair time, then pick up one of the Music Hall or Onix CDP's to hold you over. If you buy it used, you'll probably come close to getting all your money back when you resell it. I've got an older Integra 6 disk changer that works I'll send you for free to use while yours is out for repair!

[F1nut]

I just hate to send it off for a repair or whatever. I need to send my Candela to Klaus to get it fixed, but the stuff sounds so good I don't want to be without music, lol...


Welcome to the wonderful world of high fidelity.

[cubdog]

I'll trade you an RCA changer just to lessen your burden. Hell, I'll trade you two of them and a cd to be named later.

cubdog

[Yashu]

If the motor spins even a tiny tiny tiny bit too slow it will cause a skip. The motor is extremely time sensitive in many players. Some players buffer data to RAM, but most don't, so if the motor is going out, skip central, also, yeah, could be a laser that needs cleaning or alignment.

I don't think the Zune, even with lossless, is going to sound as good (or as good anyway), but if you had a separate DAC, you would have a jumping off point at which to try a great many things. It is hard to justify single disc CDPs in this day and age.

I could also say that this is one of the reasons Chinese components don't yet instill complete confidence.

the time to buy is when the economy is down. dont be a dumb ass.

Yeah, and use a credit card! They don't give those generous limits for nothing. Consider a new house while you are at it too.:rolleyes:

[F1nut]

It is hard to justify single disc CDPs in this day and age.


Nothing, I mean absolutely nothing could be further from the truth.

[mhardy6647]

Not knowing what CD 'drive' hardware is used in the Shanling, I'll nevertheless mention that skipping can also be caused by binding of the tracks on which the laser rides. A little white lithium grease can cure this problem.

[billbillw]

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product.asp?product_id=32-18255&catalog_name=MCMProducts

[appadv]

You need this:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062690&cp=&sr=1&origkw=lens+cleaner&kw=lens+cleaner&parentPage=search

[Yashu]

Nothing, I mean absolutely nothing could be further from the truth.

Yeah... you have 500+ CDs, and you are telling me that the most efficient way of enjoying your music is by having to get up and swap CDs? Half the albums are ones where there might be only a few songs that you might enjoy, even if you enjoy the entire album, that is only 80 minutes of music max before having to change the CD. If you want to hear songs from several albums, you are either out of luck, or, you have to compile the songs on a computer, burn another disc, and then play it, in your single disc CD player. How quaint. Artists are forced to limit themselves based on the refusal to move forward from the 80 minute limit.

Or... since cost per GB of drive space is so low, it would be smart to have lossless files sorted by album and artist, and then you can play anything you want, in any order you want, for as long as you want. Except... Sony and the other RIAA cohorts doesn't want you to have fair use rights, so you are stuck with the ancient model when it comes to the "modern" SACD, and have kept the adoption of digital music servers to us "hackers", when the technology is here to eliminate the need for a disc altogether, and with that, the entire concept and limits of the 80 minute album, the 4 minute pop song, and all the other archaic holdovers from a bygone era. The funny thing is, speaking of bygone eras, is that with all this advancement, the best digital format that these people can offer is no better than the LP. The LP has the upper hand, actually. In 2008, there are more LPs produced, bought, and sold, than SACD by many times over.

I like the CD, I loved it when I was younger... I like the LP, I even like the *concept* of SACD, in it's DSD format, but there is absolutely no need to be stuck with having to change discs, or even handle them at all. It is not a very efficient way to enjoy music. We only did it in the past because it was the only way we had. Artists and music lovers alike, would be rewarded by not having to be bound by this weird backbone of the music industry.

[MGPK]

About 10 years ago I bought the Cambridge Audio CD4 CDP and it skipped out of the box. The retailer told me it was the CD's I was playing. Performed great with certain CD's but I knew there had to be a problem. Sent it in and turned out the laser lens assembly was out a few microns and was recalibrated and returned within a couple of weeks. Send yours in to get fixed.

[F1nut]

I like handling the disc. I like the cover art and the info/booklets printed inside. I like to get up to change the disc. I like to rifle thru my collection deciding what I want to hear next. I like to listen to one complete disc at a time. I can't stand shuffling a bunch of different songs, I can listen to FM/XM radio if I wanted that, I don't.

When your computer crashes, tell me about lossless.

With very few exceptions, my SACD/CD playback exceeds that of vinyl.

Efficient way to enjoy music? WTF does efficiency have to do with enjoying music!?!

Tom's right, you're no audiophile.

[Midnite Mick]

With very few exceptions, my SACD/CD playback exceeds that of vinyl.



Do tell, do tell.:)

[venomclan]

Get a Playstation 1. :)

[Early B.]

I like handling the disc. I like the cover art and the info/booklets printed inside. I like to get up to change the disc. I like to rifle thru my collection deciding what I want to hear next. I like to listen to one complete disc at a time. I can't stand shuffling a bunch of different songs, I can listen to FM/XM radio if I wanted that, I don't.

Damn straight.

[treitz3]

Do tell, do tell.:)
He's a vampire. The only way he will tell is if you back him into a corner with garlic. Lots of it. ;)

[Midnite Mick]

Okay, I went back and read some of the posts...wow another thread gone ugly. I think the material aspect of cd's to me is lost as compared to the material aspect of vinyl. I don't get any romance from the handling of cd's as compared to a record....probably due to size of the packaging (dirty minds need not respond to that sentence).

I do think that a music server can have its place but probably has a way to go. Although, the new Modwright one seems to be gathering quite the accolades. Sadly, it is probably the future...not just for music but movies as well.

The argument that there are only a couple songs on an album worth listening to I think is a reflection of the type of music one listens to and the state of "pop" music today...once again sadly. I too prefer to listen to whole album/cd's as the package should be heard as an entire piece of work rather than just a listing of songs. That is part of the art. I think if you listen to real artists this does not apply.

Mike

PS. Still interested in details regarding your digital...and vinyl comparisons.

[Zero]

It's by no fluke or accident that audiophiles have begun ditching their beloved jewelry laden disc spinners for hard-drive based sources. Thats because when 'done right' (Read: Tremendous amounts of time/effort/knowledge invested), a computer system is capable of belting out seriously good performance. Those motivated enough to dedicate all thats necessary to extract this said performance reap sonic rewards that are usually exclusive to players that carry a price tag of 6k on up. It's relatively inexpensive and you can have an entire library of music all at your disposal with just one click of the remote/mouse.

The problem? It's a long and tedious process. Also, some audiophiles, take F1 NUT for example - find joy in the process of storing, selecting, and getting your hands on the physical media itself. Throw me into his camp. The computer may have the sound potential; but it certainly ain't got da luv'.

[treitz3]

The computer may have the sound potential; but it certainly ain't got da luv'.
Or the sound. Convenience = compromise in sound.

That's what my ears tell me.

BTW, we were talking about skipping CD's on Trey's Shandling. I talked to him tonight and we will see what happens.

[george daniel]

Nothing, I mean absolutely nothing could be further from the truth.

:):D:D


Yep

[ben62670]

Anyone want my opinion?:D

[Zero]

Treit - You are right in that convenience can lead to a compromise in sound. Vinyl lovers have been beating those drums for decades. :D

The same principal can be applied towards PC audio. Many people believe that attaining hard-drive nirvana is a process thats as simple as simple as: ripping your files to *flac via EAC, using generic playback freeware such as Foobar2k, and running ASIO out to an external DAC. Aside from the ripping process, most feel an every-day home PC can be converted into a hi-fi machine in just moments. I'm afraid its just not nearly that simple. I digress -

As for the Shanling. I'll keep my mouth shut on that player. Sid knows how I feel about that hunk of china-fi.

[dragon1952]

I like handling the disc. I like the cover art and the info/booklets printed inside. I like to get up to change the disc. I like to rifle thru my collection deciding what I want to hear next. I like to listen to one complete disc at a time. I can't stand shuffling a bunch of different songs, I can listen to FM/XM radio if I wanted that, I don't.

When your computer crashes, tell me about lossless.

With very few exceptions, my SACD/CD playback exceeds that of vinyl.

Efficient way to enjoy music? WTF does efficiency have to do with enjoying music!?!



Amen.

[F1nut]

PS. Still interested in details regarding your digital...and vinyl comparisons.


Simple really. I've only heard two LP's in recent memory that impressed me as sounding better (read fuller, more alive) than same SACD/CD on my set up. One was SRV at The Analog Room in San Jose. The other was Led Zepplin 1 at Joe's house. Granted, they still had the tick/pop thing here and there, but they sounded better.

[billbillw]

Simple really. I've only heard two LP's in recent memory that impressed me as sounding better (read fuller, more alive) than same SACD/CD on my set up. One was SRV at The Analog Room in San Jose. The other was Led Zepplin 1 at Joe's house. Granted, they still had the tick/pop thing here and there, but they sounded better.

At least one of them might be because Led Zeppelin has never released their material on SACD. What a shame.

Seriously, SACD can sound every bit as good as the best vinyl, and usually at a fraction of the cost; however, the library of titles is seriously limited. That's why I'll hold on to my VPI until I'm in the grave (unless I upgrade at some point.)

[Gaara]

Get a Playstation 1. :)

Over on Head-Fi I see just as many threads on the PS1 as our LSi threads. Seems like they both pop up every couple days now.

Vr3, If you seriously don't want to repair this yourself and don't mind the Zune why not send the CDP in for repair and just use the Zune for the time being? See how you like the convenience and decreased sound quality, get used to it then when the Shanlig comes back see how much of a improvement it is, and then determine your next step.

[george daniel]

Just ship it back already,,you'll get it back before Klaus returns your Candela:D

[amulford]

Try cleaning it first. Then fix it. IF you do wanna off it, I want those Redbanks. You heard it here first...

[Yashu]

1. Audiophile card
2. I.Q. card

I guess being a music lover means I am not an audiophile? I have a low IQ because I am aware of more efficient ways of enjoying music?

I guess to be smart and to be an audiophile I must spend lots and lots of money to bend over backwards to, not only enjoy my music, but to also give up my fair use rights (and fund those that are taking them!) as well.

Well la di da... perhaps being an audiophile isn't what it's cracked up to be. I would rather use my brain to better, and more efficiently, enjoy music on my terms, and to be able to do it with all the quality and aesthetic of my minimalist ideals. I thought being an audiophile meant taking recorded music and extracting as much from it as possible, thereby getting closer to the performance. I didn't know it was only about lining the pockets of RIAA executives and becoming a technological zealot at the same time. Getting close to the original performance doesn't mean swapping discs and forcing artists to an 80 minute limit. Imagine if we went back in time and told the great composers that due to future limitations, their music was going to be chopped up into arbitrary slices of time, and that very few people were going to be able to hear some their works uninturrupted. How depressing.

You do realize that the support of the status quo is stifling the creativity of musicians everywhere, and that all you are doing is hurting you own desired ends in the process. That's ok though, luckily you are now in a small minority, and that the vast majority of audiophiles and music lovers (I am not talking about main stream here, but genuine audiophilia) are embracing these new technologies and paradigms hand in hand with the artists themselves, and ultimately, your quaint little notion of manufacturing a disc, distributing to stores everywhere, and having to drive to the store, buy the disc, drive home, or have said disc shipped to you via truck or plane, and then inserting the disc into your CD player only to have access to 80 minutes of music, is completely ubsurd when we have the ability to avoid all that unnecessary red tape and hoop jumping by simply, GASP! downloading the data and playing it back... or at least, being able to listen to your entire music collection without having to do it one tiny inefficient arbitrary slice at a time.

That is just media that isn't closed... for closed media like the SACD, the process from the recording itself to getting it into your hands is even more convoluted, as is the idea that you have to forfeit your right to fair use to gain access to the recording.

Call me an idealist, call me crazy, but I am smart, and I am an audiophile, whether any of you like it or not, I am a member of those ranks, and part of a steadily growing movement that can see right through the recording industry's scare tactics, and megabuck equipment manufacturers that seem to think that the harder they make it for us to enjoy our music, the more they can charge, or the competition between brands for the award of least features possible, which I wouldn't mind, as a minimalist, but being pushed as the *only* non blasphemous way to be an audiophile, is just plain ridiculous.

You can have my Audiophile and IQ card when you pry them out of my cold dead hands, which by the way, aren't going to spend a lifetime of swapping digital discs. If I am going to be relegated to disc swapping duty, it better be for vinyl.

And for god sakes... fix the Shanling, don't replace it... if swapping discs is your thing, it's a good little tubed CD player and probably sounds pretty good. I only brought up the idea of moving away from disc swapping because a broken CDP is as good a time as any to move towards a more efficient way of enjoying your music.

[sucks2beme]

Treit - You are right in that convenience can lead to a compromise in sound. Vinyl lovers have been beating those drums for decades. :D

The same principal can be applied towards PC audio. Many people believe that attaining hard-drive nirvana is a process thats as simple as simple as: ripping your files to *flac via EAC, using generic playback freeware such as Foobar2k, and running ASIO out to an external DAC. Aside from the ripping process, most feel an every-day home PC can be converted into a hi-fi machine in just moments. I'm afraid its just not nearly that simple. I digress -

As for the Shanling. I'll keep my mouth shut on that player. Sid knows how I feel about that hunk of china-fi.

Actually, it is that simple. The question is, is it better?
It's good. Audiophile good? Not yet. SACD tops it hands down.
Vinyl is still in a league by its self. This is mostly due to a lot of
discontinued titles that are only available on vinyl, and may never be
out on any other media. And it sounds sooooo good. Due to
mishaps, and a nagging wife, I gave up on vinyl never to return to it.
Maybe some day the industry will find a way to digitize vinyl without
screwing up the sound. Mp3? For me, never. Flac gets me about 90% there.

Back to subject. Just fix the damn thing. You can spend the down time
out cruising for chicks instead of holed up in your room.:D

[Zero]

Sucks2beme,

I hate to be blunt but; no, its not.

[danger boy]

who says the Shanling is even broke? I still think it just needs cleaned. saving you from having to get it fixed or even selling it.

[BlueMDPicker]

Try cleaning it first. Then fix it. IF you do wanna off it, I want those Redbanks. You heard it here first...

I think those are long gone, Anthony. There's another matched pair in my tube box if you ever want to try them.

[BaggedLancer]

I'm confused at this thread. Are you saying you need to unload the Shanling because you are too lazy to send it back? Or you have to unload it cause you don't have the money to have it fixed? Either way, you said you don't mind the sound of the Zune so I'd just send it back. Doesn't sound like you'll miss it if it takes 2 weeks or 2 months....

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

I dont really like to fix CD players, as generally they never act right again.

So I am reluctant to fix a CD player.

I can fix it, not an issue, just a matter of wanting to throw money into a device such as a CDP....

The Shanling has been working great lately though, so who knows.

[appadv]

I'm confused. Did you try a cleaning disc?

[organ]

Try cleaning the lens first like others have suggested. I've had to do this before due to the same problem with several cd players and the skipping stopped, until a couple years later when they needed another cleaning.

I don't like to use the cd/brush. Just use some canned compressed air.

[amulford]

I think those are long gone, Anthony. There's another matched pair in my tube box if you ever want to try them.

Try AND buy, Mike. I can't find ANY, ANYWHERE...

[Shizelbs]

Sid, just get it repaired. Or see if you can't find a Shanling dealer to send it into and trade up.

[engtaz]

Sid , what I don't want to see is the Shanling in 1 of your videos.:eek:


Good Luck,
engtaz

PS: has a get together for music and have a repair/cleaning party.