So, I picked this unit up for next to nothing years ago. Unfortunately, the SACD module is effectively bricked due to it being a first generation version; it will no longer read discs, unless the firmware is updated. In a vain attempt, I did swap laser modules, but it behaves the same way. Spins up, tries to read a disc, the servos sound like mix master mike, then gives up after a few attempts.
Unless someone here has reverse engineered the flashing jig and happens to have the proper ROM file laying around, I want to see what else I can do with this piece. It's a real shame otherwise. Nicely built unit!
I was thinking maybe it could be turned into a USB or optical DAC? Has this already been done? Other ideas...
Unless someone here has reverse engineered the flashing jig and happens to have the proper ROM file laying around, I want to see what else I can do with this piece. It's a real shame otherwise. Nicely built unit!
I was thinking maybe it could be turned into a USB or optical DAC? Has this already been done? Other ideas...
On a Marantz SA-14? I have no idea but the fundamentals remain the same irrespective of make. It will however be somewhat more complicated than doing the same thing to a CD only player.
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Indeed. I could go with a USB/I2C interface and probably a microcontroller to get the job done. But, I could also cheat and wire a balanced USB DAC directly into the analog signal path, bypassing the CS4397 pair. What's wrong with that? 😆
Something else that came to mind is converting it to a pre-amp.
I just hate otherwise good electronics going to the landfill.
I just hate otherwise good electronics going to the landfill.
It all depends on how much of it you want to keep. It would interesting to keep the DSD and PCM capabilities by adding a suitable USB or SPDIF input board.
I know it's an old thread, but maybe someone will find it useful. I have SA-1 and SA-14. There is no use from Marantz and their service department. Basically, I will start with reverse engineering to save the devices, it may take longer, so I will write as soon as I get there with the works. Along the way, I will also read the NAND flash software, so if anyone else needs it, I will send it. But the only way is to unsolder the NAND chip, program it and re-solder it. To be continued...
Does it have Hitachi hop laser head ? I have bricked SA-7S1. Changing heads didn't help but it looks like a lot of SMD caps on servo board may be questionable. I got it as a non playing but after several hours of warmup it started to read some of CD's sometimes. It wouldn't read SACDs. I concluded it is capacitor related but didn't move further
Unfortunately, I don't think changing the capacitors will help. The laser pickup has the same software calibration for focus and tracking as on the SA-1 and SA-14. When changing the laser pick up, you need to do these calibrations, otherwise it makes no sense. Of course you need to have Marantz service software and instructions, which is impossible to get. I wrote to Marantz and all the service centers all over the planet and no one has it. Since there are two coils inside the laser pick up and how they are controlled purely by voltage, the only idea that seems possible to me is to make a small circuit with a microcontroller and write software to control it and then use an oscilloscope to try to get the best reading and memorize it. There is a lot of work, but I believe that it would help many people. I gave up looking for original Marantz software after a couple of months of correspondence all over the world. The fact that yours is a newer model might be able to find original software for your model. I will study the scheme of the SA-7S1, there is another option if the calibration data is saved in some physical eeprom, it might then be possible to find out at which addresses the calibration data is located.
I was afraid of that. Had the same issue with Yamaha Sacd and after trying a few heads I resorted to new laser servo module and it worked. Yet I read some sale ads where people report fitted new laser heads by third party techs and no problems. I don't think they had access to calibration software since only authorized services have them. New laser / servo modules appear in the market ( rarely) but the price is in $400-500 range.
Most of caps on servo reads high on ESR meter some being over 10 ohms. The fact that the player started to read something after extensive warmup gave me some hope that it is a cap related issue
Most of caps on servo reads high on ESR meter some being over 10 ohms. The fact that the player started to read something after extensive warmup gave me some hope that it is a cap related issue
New laser pick up for SA-1, SA-14, SA-7S1 costs 30eur. There is no theory that he would pay 400-500 usd. I bought a dozen pieces of laser pick up and it can happen to coincide approximately. I got it to work with one, it's not perfect, but it doesn't make sense at first. I will try to make the circuit described above and try it. Basically if it works it should work on any model that has the same calibration principle. You should cut 4 wires and connect that new device and get the best reading with the help of an oscilloscope. Of course it will take some time, but whatever I manage I will post here.
Of course, I agree that you should change the capacitors, it's not a big investment, so it's not a problem to try. I know that some Sony CDs are repaired that way. Let me know if it works.
I thought you would change the capacitors on the servo board. I'll be changing mine soon, so I'll let you know if it helps. I don't think it will help much, but it's worth a try.
https://www.stereonet.com/forums/to...d-player-basic-renoservice-warning-pic-heavy/
Well , the head swap worked for this guy. Maybe he was lucky
Well , the head swap worked for this guy. Maybe he was lucky