Discmagic/Isomagic "Static"

[bigstevew]

I have just purchased a second hand Discmagic which I have connected up to my S700 Isomagic through the original Cambridge BNC Coax and clock locked it with a reasonable quality Optical (Profigold).

On playing any Cd I get what sounds like static through both channels. It only happens when the tracks are playing and not between, on pause or when not playing. Can anybody suggest what may be causing this and suggestions for repair? The Dac works fine with other transports with no crackling, but I want to make the most of the advantages of clock locking Thanks

[Puffin]

I have had this combo and never got the noise you refer to. Have you tried removing the clock-lock to see if this is causing the problem. If it does not make the noise when connected to other tranports (presumably without the clock-lock) then that must be the problem.

It may be that the signal is not locking-on the to the second crystal. The LED may be lit, but it may not be working? I use a 96kHz up-sampler between transport and dac and if this is not switched on I get a hissing noise through the speakers, I assume this is because the signal is not locked on.

[bigstevew]

I think the problem is with the Discmagic, as I have tried a Dacmagic 2 and get the same static. The isomagic also works fine with another CD player. The Static is there whether the clock lock is in place or not.

Does anyone think this could be due to a duff laser?

Thanks

[Puffin]

Have you tried using the balanced digital out? You can make up an XLR to phono lead by joining two of the pins in the XLR (there will be details of how to do it if you Google) It may be something to do with the dig out.

Is it the same with Optical and Electrical Dig Out?

[tubenut]

Originally posted by bigstevew
I think the problem is with the Discmagic, as I have tried a Dacmagic 2 and get the same static. The isomagic also works fine with another CD player. The Static is there whether the clock lock is in place or not.

Does anyone think this could be due to a duff laser?

Thanks

Yes it can be, an early sign of the laser nearing EOL... Is it worse with a CDR? If yes I would bet on laser.

[bigstevew]

thanks for the suggestions all, to answer the questions, I've tried with both optical and Digital out, clock locked and without the clock link. It seems to make no difference.
Strangely it does not seem any worse with CDR!

Any other ideas?

Thanks
Steve

[Sonusthree]

Originally posted by bigstevew
Any other ideas?

Thanks
Steve

Disclaimer: I am not an expert. I'm an obsessed hobbyist!

Why not try the idea suggested by Puffin? I don't know if you could fit it yourself or not but, unless you can test the eye pattern with an oscilloscope, I'd change the laser.

I have a Cambridge CD4-SE. Yes, I know it's a different laser although it's designed by the same person. (Hi John Westlake. You have pleasured me many times over the years yet you do not know me!!! ) The laser was dying and the sound would crackle every now and again and fail to track correctly equally on original discs and CDR. The sound was strange! I never expected it to be the laser but I fitted a new laser and it cured the problem.

Also, I wonder if the spindle motor is OK? Could the disc be spinning erratically or too slow?

Anyway, I'm sure it's worth having a go at it. Apparently, the clock lock facility makes a nice difference. I'm very jealous actually.

best wishes,
Martin.

[Puffin]

I've been a little reticent to say this, but I have a spare Laser Mechanism and CD drawer assembly that I took out of one of my Discmagic Transports I got when Richer Sounds used to hold Sunday morning "open box" sales (back in the good old days!). I tried to fit a Trichord clock to it and messed it up so I cannibalised it to use the internals, transformers etc.

I kept it incase the mechanism in the other Discmagic I have packed up.

I don't know what it is worth. It was in full working order when I took it out and so that should still be the case.

So I may be prepared to part with it.

[bigstevew]

Hey Mr Puffin, that sounds interesting! How much are you looking for? I don't want to spend too much as I bought the Discmagic with a Dacmagic 2 together for £63! Think I'd like to give it a go though - let me know,

Thanks

Steve