Marantz CD-36

[JonLawes]

Hi guys,

I have an ageing Marantz CD-36 (I know its basic, I'm not exactly brimming with cash!) CD player on my system and was wondering if there are any worthwhile modifications for this unit? Google isn't throwing up much.

Many thanks,
Jon.

[poynton]

Hi.

I have not come across this model before and there is little information to be had from Google.

I did try downloading a service manual but it turned out to be a misprint - wrong model completely.

Replace the output leads if they are still standard. Drill 2 holes in the rear panel above where they now exit. Use Mapins insulated 'gold' phono sockets - they are OK.

The mechanism is the Philips CDM12.* .
This benefits from a 1euro / 5p coin or similar being glued into the centre.

The case would benefit from damping. These are available from the net :-

Rowemeister's shop :- http://www.audioupgrades.co.uk/bitumen.shtml

I buy exactly the same from my local car shop for about 99p cheaper!

You treat the lid and the base being careful to avoid obstructing the on/off and the cd mechanism. You can also add small pieces to the plastic frame of the cd mechanism (there are some obvious hollows) Obviously not on any moving parts.


Later, you can change the output opamps, capacitors, remove the muting transistors, upgrade the power supply no end and also add an aftermarket clock BUT whether it is worth it depends on the actual chipset and as yet I don't know what that is!!


Andy

[JonLawes]

What an interesting and helpful reply, thank you! i have already damped the drawer mechanism with silicone sealant inside the drawer cavities, i'm very interested to see about carrying out some of the mods you mention. Thanks again for your helpful reply.

[poynton]

No problem.

I've a feeling the DAC chip is a TDA1545 which is not the 'best' around but does respond to output tweaking as my previous post.

I also meant a 10p coin not 5p

Andy

[JonLawes]

Sorry, i'm being dense. Where on the mech do you put the coin? I presume the extra weight damps the mechanism?

[poynton]

If the mechanism is a cdm12.* (is says on a label at the rear), In the clamping mechanism, there is a small magnetic disc visible on top. A 10p fits nicely on there with a bit of glue. Marantz actually did a service mod. on early models to cure some vibration issues.

On the picture, you can also see some damping material.

Andy

[Mooly]

Hi Jon,
What are the OpAmps in this Marantz. They will be the 8 legged I/C's near the output sockets, are they NE5532 or 5534. If it does use these then replacing them may give you quite a noticeable improvement.

I wondered about the 10p. Second time that's cropped up in as many days.

[JonLawes]

I haven't had it apart in a while to look. Next time I do I will take some photos and list major components, especially as not much seems to be known about them (mainly I suppose because its a bit low rent?).

Cheers guys, my modding juices are flowing!

[poynton]

There is a site on google where you can download a manual for $10.

I have found this review of the CD38. I don't know if it is the same but adjacent Marantz numbers usually are!

http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/cd38e.html

If it is the same, the downside is the DAC chip which will probably be the SAA7341. This ia not considered a great chip.

As the review states, some improvement can be made with damping the case etc.

I would hold of on other mods until you get hold of a service manual or can take some good photos of the board.

Andy

[JonLawes]

I can understand why the replacement of certain semiconductor components might make a difference, but why does damping the case improve things? If its a digital device surely its just a straight D to A conversion? Especially if its oversampling and storing the data in a buffer?

I'm not being incredulous, just trying to improve my understanding!