Hi all,
As the topic says, my Arcam DV88 won't always load CDs. A bit hit and miss. Sometimes it's almost struggling to load the disc and, after a few attempts, says 'no disc'. These are proper CD albums (not CDRs). Seems to play DVDs fine!
Is this a dual laser machine? If so. Would it be worth trying a laser cleaner or is this sounding like a component failure. When it works, it sounds awesome!
Thanks in advance....
As the topic says, my Arcam DV88 won't always load CDs. A bit hit and miss. Sometimes it's almost struggling to load the disc and, after a few attempts, says 'no disc'. These are proper CD albums (not CDRs). Seems to play DVDs fine!
Is this a dual laser machine? If so. Would it be worth trying a laser cleaner or is this sounding like a component failure. When it works, it sounds awesome!
Thanks in advance....
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Yes, will do. Been playing discs ok again. Only just picked it up off eBay. It is as new, totally mint and, allegedly, in perfect working order! Only started to mess around after a few goes playing various (proper) CDs. Maybe it needs to settle in after being transported. Will Defo try the cleaner disc as a safe measure. I've read nothing but good comments on this unit so hope it lives up to its reputation. It's replacing a cheapie Cambridge Audio DVD player so hope it will be ok. Playing a Faces CD perfectly right now!
🙂 buy cheap.. buy twice.
Or even worse; repeatedly.
Again: Arcam is Sketchy product ..Caveat emptor.
PS: laser cleaners are The Devils Work .
Usually doing irreparable damage to the PLASTIC laser read lens
Or even worse; repeatedly.
Again: Arcam is Sketchy product ..Caveat emptor.
PS: laser cleaners are The Devils Work .
Usually doing irreparable damage to the PLASTIC laser read lens
That "no disc" problem, I have even had with brand new and demo. model CDPs of $2-5,000 AU. At these prices, you quickly learn to return faulty machines but sometimes, it has to do with how you handle the player. If it involved a delivery van, you could be in trouble. If it was personally picked up from the seller's home and carefully held in the normal position without bumps or thumps, it ought to be OK, barring any film of grime or dust on the lens. Don't mess with cleaning products - first try a soft hair artists brush used gently from one side when the lid is open and the player is unpowered - if it's accessible that is. Even so, it may not be at all easy.
Tried cleaning and no good so think it will be a new laser now. You can get a replacement laser on eBay for about £15 inc postage. I know an engineer who can fit. Worth a shot?
I would imagine the laser is aftermarket so not sure if this would have sound implications. Am hoping not...
I would imagine the laser is aftermarket so not sure if this would have sound implications. Am hoping not...
Could this be the problem here (ie the drive unit rather than the lens):
https://www.avforums.com/threads/arcam-dv88-drive-problem.66927/
https://www.avforums.com/threads/arcam-dv88-drive-problem.66927/
Erm Same transport Mechanism. (Arcam repurposes Philip's Gizmos).
Fair chance the audio sound is at least equal and probably Better too.
Philips DVD Player (DVP2800/F7) : DVD Players - Best Buy Canada
Fair chance the audio sound is at least equal and probably Better too.
Philips DVD Player (DVP2800/F7) : DVD Players - Best Buy Canada
I'm inclined to agree with Bare here. Unless you are prepared to go through the normal service channels with proper warranties, this could be just another expense of good money after bad. Think about the costs so far and that affordable budget. It soon evaporates when the reality of Ebay goods and the lies often told about them by sellers come to the test.
As a consumer, I would save my pennies and instead shop for a decent new or near new CD payer. You may want to play DVDs too but any DVD player more than a few years old will probably have had an awful lot of use with movies and buying one without warranty is going to become a source of trouble, as you find. This has little to do with brands and reputations - it's the inevitable outsourced player mechanisms and optics inside. They aren't cheap to replace at local labour rates and that's why, I suspect, the quality old players surface again on Ebay at bargain prices.
As a consumer, I would save my pennies and instead shop for a decent new or near new CD payer. You may want to play DVDs too but any DVD player more than a few years old will probably have had an awful lot of use with movies and buying one without warranty is going to become a source of trouble, as you find. This has little to do with brands and reputations - it's the inevitable outsourced player mechanisms and optics inside. They aren't cheap to replace at local labour rates and that's why, I suspect, the quality old players surface again on Ebay at bargain prices.
Posted Link was/is for a Brand New unit... With Warrantee.
I found (ten years ago) that a Cheapish (100$ )Toshiba DVD player with
192 khz/24 bit Burr Brown DAC Simply outperformed (Far more articulate & pleasing sounds) than my Stupid expensive Sony ES gizmo.
Plus my Cheapie is working Flawlessly 10+ years on, despite my buying a "spare" against future needs.. cuz I liked it So Much
I found (ten years ago) that a Cheapish (100$ )Toshiba DVD player with
192 khz/24 bit Burr Brown DAC Simply outperformed (Far more articulate & pleasing sounds) than my Stupid expensive Sony ES gizmo.
Plus my Cheapie is working Flawlessly 10+ years on, despite my buying a "spare" against future needs.. cuz I liked it So Much
Understand your thoughts on this chaps. I'm not overly worried. The Arcam is in mint condition (physically) and has only cost me £45 (approx $70). For another £14 (approx $22), I can buy a new laser assembly and repair myself so seems like a no-brainer. The DVD player picture quality is superb and the CD sound quality (when working!) is great paired up to my Alpha 8.
Just wondered whether it could be a drive or laser issue that causes it not to recognise/load CDs sometimes. My money is on the laser!
Just wondered whether it could be a drive or laser issue that causes it not to recognise/load CDs sometimes. My money is on the laser!
As advised earlier, the laser assembly can be replaced but will be an aftermarket type since the player is an old and probably worn model and despite claims, the spare head may not be completely compatible. Don't assume that anything sold on Ebay is the real deal as your experience so far confirms. Forget fitting a laser assembly yourself unless you have the training, experience and any necessary instruments to test operation and perform any adjustments. Whilst the net is full of advice and guesswork, there isn't much that you could follow as a foolproof guide to replacing this laser assembly. This really isn't something audio DIYs would confident to tackle.
If you still want to take chances and your Engineer friend is capable of installing and aligning a laser assembly if necessary, also recommends buying and fitting that unit to correct the problem too, then great, ask him to check the item out as far as possible before buying, then give him the work. Don't make assumptions with cheap parts or buy on hunches because you have no redress for mistaken purchases with Ebay. Play safe and good luck.
If you still want to take chances and your Engineer friend is capable of installing and aligning a laser assembly if necessary, also recommends buying and fitting that unit to correct the problem too, then great, ask him to check the item out as far as possible before buying, then give him the work. Don't make assumptions with cheap parts or buy on hunches because you have no redress for mistaken purchases with Ebay. Play safe and good luck.
Well gents, without wishing to sound smug and against advice, I replaced the laser assembly this eve. Took about 30 mins. Used a small screwdriver set and a soldering iron to remove the anti static blobs off the new laser PCB. Never attempted anything like this in my life but was careful and meticulous. Some things aren't as hard as they're made out to be!
All works beautifully with no issues whatsoever. The seller refunded me £30 but it only cost me £15 to repair.
The unit has, in essence, only cost me £60 including postage. A win-win all round.
All works beautifully with no issues whatsoever. The seller refunded me £30 but it only cost me £15 to repair.
The unit has, in essence, only cost me £60 including postage. A win-win all round.
Thanks! I'm very happy. There are a lot of doom merchants out there! Just need to be careful and methodical!
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