Mods for the non-electronically inclined

Slanski62 · 8th November 2006, 02:06 AM

Hello, All. This is my first post. I've tried multiple searches on this topic, but I'm afraid that all of the posters assume more starting knowledge than I have.

I'd like to learn about modding digital equipment, and I have a Sony CDP-C260Z cd changer that I'd like to use as a test subject. It has no digital output, so that's the first thing I'd like to add. Later, I'd like to try an upgraded DAC and anything else that's recommended.

My problem, as noted above, is that I know very little about electronics. I'm pretty mechanically inclined, and I can follow instructions and diagrams, but I don't know the difference between an opamp and a power supply.

So, are there step-by-step instructions that will allow me to make these mods and learn in the process? Are there books or other suggested readings? Any help is appreciated!

poynton · 8th November 2006, 08:17 AM

Can you solder ??

Get an old component board and practise unsoldering and resoldering until you can do it without wrecking the board.

Otherwise stick to mechanical mods only such as case damping and replacing feet.

Andy

Slanski62 · 8th November 2006, 12:55 PM

Yes, I can solder a bit. I was hoping for maybe a step-by-step guide to making the mods.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Steve

Fin · 8th November 2006, 11:44 PM

Hi Steve

I was like you not so long ago and I was also trying to mod a CD player that was not very popular. My suggestion to you is to get hold of a different machine to start with - something like a Marantz CD40/50/60 or Philips CD620/630/650. This is so much information, diagrams, pictures and manuals around on these CD players that you will be able to learn quickly. Also, they are quite cheap and easy to work on. They also sound quite good and are robust - having a Philips CDM4 mechanism and a well regarded TDA1541A DAC. Many more people will be able to help you with one of these than with your Sony. Once you get the hang of it - you will be able to tackle the Sony by yourself and recognise what is in it.

Slanski62 · 9th November 2006, 12:33 AM

Thanks, Fin. I appreciate your suggestion, and I'll keep my eyes open for a Marantz.

Steve

Fin · 9th November 2006, 12:37 AM

No worries Steve

If you see something that interests you - just ask us about it here and we should be able to tell you what is inside it before you buy it - and maybe even give you a copy of the service manual and schematics - and show you how to read them.

8th November 2006, 02:06 AM	#1
Slanski62 diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2006	Mods for the non-electronically inclined Hello, All. This is my first post. I've tried multiple searches on this topic, but I'm afraid that all of the posters assume more starting knowledge than I have. I'd like to learn about modding digital equipment, and I have a Sony CDP-C260Z cd changer that I'd like to use as a test subject. It has no digital output, so that's the first thing I'd like to add. Later, I'd like to try an upgraded DAC and anything else that's recommended. My problem, as noted above, is that I know very little about electronics. I'm pretty mechanically inclined, and I can follow instructions and diagrams, but I don't know the difference between an opamp and a power supply. So, are there step-by-step instructions that will allow me to make these mods and learn in the process? Are there books or other suggested readings? Any help is appreciated!

8th November 2006, 11:44 PM	#4
Fin diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: -	Hi Steve I was like you not so long ago and I was also trying to mod a CD player that was not very popular. My suggestion to you is to get hold of a different machine to start with - something like a Marantz CD40/50/60 or Philips CD620/630/650. This is so much information, diagrams, pictures and manuals around on these CD players that you will be able to learn quickly. Also, they are quite cheap and easy to work on. They also sound quite good and are robust - having a Philips CDM4 mechanism and a well regarded TDA1541A DAC. Many more people will be able to help you with one of these than with your Sony. Once you get the hang of it - you will be able to tackle the Sony by yourself and recognise what is in it. __________________ Regards Fin

9th November 2006, 12:37 AM	#6
Fin diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: -	No worries Steve If you see something that interests you - just ask us about it here and we should be able to tell you what is inside it before you buy it - and maybe even give you a copy of the service manual and schematics - and show you how to read them. __________________ Regards Fin

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8th November 2006, 08:17 AM	#2
poynton Magneto the Gravity Man diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: A life on the ocean waves when I'm not at home in N. Wales (but I'm not Welsh so no sheep jokes!)	Can you solder ?? Get an old component board and practise unsoldering and resoldering until you can do it without wrecking the board. Otherwise stick to mechanical mods only such as case damping and replacing feet. Andy

8th November 2006, 12:55 PM	#3
Slanski62 diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2006	Yes, I can solder a bit. I was hoping for maybe a step-by-step guide to making the mods. Thanks for your suggestions. Steve

9th November 2006, 12:33 AM	#5
Slanski62 diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2006	Thanks, Fin. I appreciate your suggestion, and I'll keep my eyes open for a Marantz. Steve

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