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?