CD/SACD Player/Transport Recommendations

bcwsrt
bcwsrt Posts: 2,015
in Electronics
Looks like my 30-some year old Sony CDP-508ESD CD player has finally bit the dust. The motor won’t spin up without some manual assistance (with the cover removed). Been a great machine and companion to the RTA 15TLs that were bought around the same time, but just like the speakers were updated and upgraded, now it’s time to do the same with the CD player.

I have a separate DAC, so thinking of just a transport at the moment. Would love to have one that plays SACDs if there is anything out there that wouldn't break the bank. I don't have any SACDs at the moment, but it would be nice to have the option.

Does anyone have experience or comments to offer up about this unit: https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/cx-series/cxc ?

See a few mixed reviews about reliability, but it floated to the top in my last few days of research. I'm open to spending more than that unit, just throwing it out there.

If anyone has a minty transport or player with digital outputs they are willing to part with, please let me know that, as well.

Brian

One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) - RIP 1/19/2025 | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,720
    @treitz3 has a very nice Marantz.... B)
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,803
    Place a drop or three of WD-40 on the motor spindle and let it work it's way down. Do NOT spray the WD-40.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 2,015
    I thought about that, but wasn't sure it'd make its way to where it needed to. No harm in trying it at this point, though.

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) - RIP 1/19/2025 | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,884
    Time to rip the discs to a server and stream them! Ok, NM, I know its not the most popular idea around here. If you do get tired of mechanical disc players, let me know and I can give some advice through messaging.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 1,222
    Have a few pieces that would work but, what price range are you looking to be at?
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  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 1,222
    Have a Pioneer DV-AX10, actually two of them.
    Big DV-AX10 fan here.
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 2,015
    Good question. I didn't state a budget in the OP on purpose since I usually end up spending more than I thought! Feel free to PM with what you have.

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) - RIP 1/19/2025 | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 1,222
    Will do…..
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,803
    edited January 20
    bcwsrt wrote: »
    I thought about that, but wasn't sure it'd make its way to where it needed to. No harm in trying it at this point, though.

    You have get it on the spindle motor shaft. It will seep down the shaft to lube the bearings. Dip the tip of a needle in WD-40, then place that drop on the shaft.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 2,015
    I’ll post a pic later for clarity and confirmation of what I’m about to do.

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) - RIP 1/19/2025 | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,720
    edited January 20
    Wouldn't something like 3n1 oil be better? WD40 is not a long lasting lubricant.
    One other thing to think about. Is there a rubber O ring that spins the platter?
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,803
    edited January 20
    I've used WD-40 with great success. Years and years without issue. I thought about 3 in 1, but it tends to get funky after the years pass.

    No O-ring that I'm aware of. The spindle motor should be a direct drive to the platter disc.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 2,015
    Is this the area I want to hit? I’m not sure it’s open to the shaft under there, but maybe it is.

    in076qern1np.jpeg
    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) - RIP 1/19/2025 | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,803
    edited January 20
    No, definitely not there. Let me see if I can find a pic of your transport.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 2,015
    No rush. Thank you.

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) - RIP 1/19/2025 | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,803
    edited January 20
    Ok, this is a typical spindle motor.
    sqv8q6hklv29.jpg
    9pwna2605jn3.jpg

    Looking around it appears Ivan was on to something as it seems at least some Sony CD players use a belt from a spindle motor to a pulley, which in turn drives the platter disc.
    lbh1sgkdc20a.jpg
    q9gjk9hfw6f3.jpg

    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,803
    edited January 20
    Therefore, see if you can spot a belt below the platter disc. Belts stretch, so that may be the issue.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,803
    edited January 20
    Not sure how far you want to get into this, but here is a service manual you can download, but you have to pay for it.
    https://vintageaudiostore.com/products/sony-cdp-508esd-508-esd-cd-player-service-manual-supplement-1-2-original
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 2,015
    There is a belt there that I saw the other night and that schematic looks a lot like what I have. Unfortunately, I think the belt is well hidden when a disc is in there, so it'll be tough to determine if it is, or isn't, moving. But, if I remember right, it looked pretty accessible when the drawer is open if I can find one to swap it out with.

    I'm able to use my Apple SuperDrive to play CDs through my MacBook Pro to the DAC, so I've got time to figure out my next move. Sounds surprisingly good, too! Just not the most convenient.

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) - RIP 1/19/2025 | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,803
    If yours is like that diagram the belt drives the platter disc and the tray open/close drive. Any problems with the tray opening/closing?
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,803
    It still could be the spindle motor needs lube and you definitely have a spindle motor down in there.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 2,015
    You're right, now that I think about it. It was driving the gear (106?) that engages the tray. When I started using it again 2 1/2 years ago, I did have a problem with the tray opening and closing, but that went away the more I used it and still works fine.

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) - RIP 1/19/2025 | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 2,015
    So, are you saying that belt connects to the CD drive motor, too. I guess it would, huh?

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) - RIP 1/19/2025 | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,803
    edited January 20
    bcwsrt wrote: »
    So, are you saying that belt connects to the CD drive motor, too. I guess it would, huh?

    Yes, if your player is laid out like the one in the diagram.

    106 in that diagram is the platter disc.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 2,015
    I'll get it in some better light tomorrow and take a closer look. I'm not sure how far I want to get into this, either 😝, but thanks for taking the time to give me some feedback on it.

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) - RIP 1/19/2025 | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,803
    There is another possibility, there could be a capacitor going bad that isn't passing the proper juice to spin up the motor.

    No problem, I hate to see players die.

    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 2,015
    I'll see if I can get a video of what it does when I load a CD and then post it up. It sounds to me like it's trying to spin up, but never does. Of course, now that I've been messing with it again, it might be freed up enough that it works for some number of days like last time.

    I'm not as attached to it as the 15s, but agree it'd be cool to save it.

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) - RIP 1/19/2025 | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,234
    edited January 20
    I’ve got a Sony 5 disc changer you can have if you want it, just pay shipping. Worked perfectly the last time I used it. Sony SCD-CE595.
    Post edited by PSOVLSK on
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 34,016
    offered strictly as-is and FWIW; for shoots and googles, as it were. B)
    There's a similar discussion (i.e., on options for acquiring a transport/player nowadays -- not on repair of a balky one) running @ hifihaven this week. Perhaps, @bcwsrt, you might enjoy a peek at it.
    https://hifihaven.org/index.php?threads/a-good-budget-cd-player.12960/
    Don't be put off by the "B word" (budget) ;) Other than my post in that thread :# the options proffered are mostly not what I would consider budget. For me, of course, budget is roughly equivalent to found on the side of the road. :blush:

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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 2,015
    Good link, thanks. Also saw an interesting one suggested below it.

    "Budget" is a weird word. I'm so far over any budget I would've set when I got back into this hobby that it's not even funny. But I've enjoyed every penny spent.

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) - RIP 1/19/2025 | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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