The Denon DCM Series CD Player Repair Thread

[infinitesymph]

Thank you for the information, djcl.ear!

The DCM-370 (actually a DCM-65, but same difference) has been gathering dust under my bed ever since I put it back together a couple years ago (and wound up with some extra screws... hmm....). I'll definitely add the KSS-213D and higher models to the list of possibilities to try.

I still don't understand why replacing the whole KSS-213C assembly didn't come any closer to solving the problem. It sort of indicated to me that either the KSS-213C or the player itself was set up in a precarious manner that made failure inevitable.

I haven't had any problems with the '94 DCM-560, but I'll bet it uses a different type of laser mechanism. I'll try to take a look at the model number the next time I open it up, since I never did have to add more grease (though it's probably still a good idea).

[djcl.ear]

You're wellcome.

Originally posted by infinitesymph
I still don't understand why replacing the whole KSS-213C assembly didn't come any closer to solving the problem.

I insist about the rubber ring, if enough dust is collected, it also stops working properly.
By mentioning 'The whole mechanism' above, you mean the whole KSM Piece?, including plastic tray, motors and all(only four screws and pins connectors) or just the KSS-213C laser replacement?
I have seen the whole KSM piece being offered cheap online a while ago, and installing the whole piece anew should be a handy way to replace the rubber ring... a tutorial would reveal how simple, but tricky this replacement is, it may exist somewhere.

////Sometimes when I have unplugged enough times the 16 pin conector, one of its 'metalised pins' wears out and it stops working, but a visual inspection should be enough to find out, the good news is that if that is the case, you may trim it a little with a sharp scissor and voila it works again ¡¡

Hope it helps

[djcl.ear]

Uhmm
I just checked again post N2 in this thread and I saw the 'optical pickup' you show there.
It pbbly has the laser 'suspension system' in it so that rules out the rubber ring the standalone tray has instead (different to the 5 discs DCM-370 system)...

However a friend services multi-discs systems like yours (i dont) he mentioned they are also susceptible to wear out some other rubber ring that in those cases are difficult to find because their length is quite specific...
Luck on this

[noveltone]

Hello!

I am having an issue with a friend's DCM-370 unit. It is a carousel model. I read this thread and some others but am still missing some information. I replaced the KSm-213CCM whole laser mech (incl laser) and 16-pin cable. It played great for a couple discs, but then started having the same problem it had before.

This problem is that it will read the toc fine, but on the first track will play a few seconds then make a sound similar to a turntable needle being pulled across a record, some thumps, then spin without reading.

This makes me think the problem wasn't with the laser mech in the first place. Djcl.ear mentinons a small rubber/plastic ring involved in raising and lowering the laser mech assy. I think he means its external to the mech. On this Denon, the plastic tray that holds the mech is raised by a large plastic ring in the carousel center (I think). It grabs a corner of the plastic tray.

I haven't tested the power supply or cables, but are those possibly at fault?

Thank you all very much!

Collin

[SoNic_real_one]

I don't think is that, because it would not play from the begining.
Looks like the problem is with the motor (or associated drive) that pulls the optical block on the radial guides. Try first to lube those. Check also the temperature of the heat sink of the driver.

[noveltone]

SoNic Thanks for your advice. I'll check it and add some lube tonight. I'll observe it's action, too. Curious to see how guide is operated. Carousel in general is pretty hurky-jurky but don't want to mess with it too much.

Collin

[noveltone]

Hi I have an update. I lubricated the moving parts of the lifter, which consist of a drum section with a groove that picks up a corner of the laser mechanism. It appears to be operating well. With the same CD sometimes it reads TOC smoothly and can play, and sometimes it sounds like it's sluggish, then a series of clicks as the laser attempts to read, then it quits. I resoldered all the the cable connections (except the flat cable ones) since some of those joints were cracked. Have not cleaned the lens, but it is supposed to be a new, OEM part, from MCM.

When it's not working the CD appears to wobble. Could the new spindle motor need lubing or have bad bearings? The loader appears to work the same whether or not the CD can be read.

Since it's intermittent I am thinking it is a connection problem somewhere. I still need to do a thorough DeOxit round of all those cable connectors. Could it be the flexible cable on the laser itself? Any other ideas?

Thanks!

[noveltone]

Okay one last try at this Denon unit. I resoldered a bunch on questionable joints. I cleaned the internal connectors. I lubricated all the moving parts on the loader. I even identified a subtle wobble in the spindle and bent it gently back.

It plays better now, but still shows signs of the same illness. In the middle of tracks it will sound as though it's fast-forwarding, then make a series of 3-second-spaced clicks, then give up. This is a brand new OEM laser mech. Do you guys think it's a bad part? Some kind of logic or controller problem? A contact or cable problem inside?

Please help me out! I'm at the point where I need to send it to someone who knows, or tell my buddy he's in the market for a new player. Thank you very much!

Collin

[SoNic_real_one]

That "wobble" doesn't sound good. "Bending" by eye won't make it right.

[noveltone]

Thanks for your reply. It sounds as though I got a bad part. That, or the problem is much larger than I realized. I'll have to contact MCM.

Yesterday the player worked better as it kept going. I turned it off for bit then restarted it, and no workie. Makes me think it has to do with a solder joint, or something else thermal, like a transistor.

Thanks.Collin