Comments on Onkyo DX-703

[Jan Dupont]

Just got a Onkyo DX-703 CD-player for cheap...

Specs are good and the drive seems like real quality, but does someone here has any experience with this player?

If someone has the Service Manual, I would like to get a copy

Any ideas to mods? This model uses the Accu Pulse Quarts System. Any idea in mod this?

[Jan Dupont]

I have just notised a smaller problem with this CD player.
It jumps (only a second two to five times) in the first no. of many of my CDs...
The rest of the Cd is played fine
Anyone know this problem ??

[acid_k2]

hi ACD

Sometimes (old) Onkyo cdplayers have some problems in tracking-focus, and in spindle motor...
I'm working on a DX-1500 with similar problem...

[Jan Dupont]

Thanks acid_k2
Let me know if you come up with a solution

[Scorpio(DDMF)!]

Originally posted by acid_k2
hi ACD

Sometimes (old) Onkyo cdplayers have some problems in tracking-focus, and in spindle motor...
I'm working on a DX-1500 with similar problem...

Originally posted by ACD
Thanks acid_k2
Let me know if you come up with a solution

Does the transport use standard Mabuchi motor with brushes?

If that's the case, and the problem still remains after the mandatory transport cleaning + regreasing/relubing, you could try the "reversing fix" for the spindle motor.

Just search some of the threads here for the description of the procedure.

Haven't done it myself, but it has been reported to cure the skiping on the first/second track of the cd.

But, be warned, it's said that it can also damage the motor!

Or you could be better of with disassemblying and cleaning the motor (if you can).

Hope it helps!

[Jan Dupont]

Scorpio;
Thanks.....
I have only cleaned the laser and paid no attention to the motor.
I will put it on my workbench one of these days and check the motor

[mlloyd1]

save yourself some time and aggravation - go ahead and replace the spindle motor with a new one.
at different points in time, i've had a DX-5700, DX-6800 and DX-706.
the Integra line of Onkyo (before becoming a separate entity) made some pretty decent products. unfortunately, they all used those cheap Mabuchi motors that wear out after a few years, especially with heavy use.
FYI, I believe the older laser assemblies are no longer available either ...

Good luck!

mlloyd1

[Jan Dupont]

mlloyd1;
Thanks for the information

Could you recommend a replacement brand for the Mabuchi motor ??

It seem like the laser is ok

[sgrossklass]

My DX-6920 (same as the DX-703) also was a bit jumpy at certain positions when I got it... turned out that a little cleaning of the pickup rails was all that was needed. Replaced a Technics SL-PG200A here (much quicker mechanics, but the sound, ewww). It doesn't do half bad against a Terratec Aureon Sky, just a bit more diffuse sounding... jitter perhaps? I take it that early sigma delta DACs like the SM5861s aren't the most jitter resistant ones ever... (Anyone ever looked into that?)

It's funny how the lesser Onkyos seem to be less problematic than their higher-end models, which tend to be plagued by spindle motor issues and use exotic pickups. The smaller models employ bog standard Sony pickups (like a KSS-210A in case of the 703).
The '703 already shows slight signs of cost-cutting efforts (plastic tray, opamps 4565s only - ye olde 2800 two years earlier still used mostly 5532s in the output stage, and the 1400 and 1800 did anyway as they only required one for their multi-bit DACs [PCM61/AD1860]), but the downsizing became quite apparent in the DX-7x10 generation. Given that it has a digital output, it's not the worst piece of kit to start with anyway. (The 705 was mostly identical save for a metal tray, variable output and "music file system".)

[Jan Dupont]

sgrossklass;
Thanks for the info