Arcam DV88 DVD-A plays fine, CDs do not

[ZeroG]

This Arcam DV88 was seldom used when acquired as used about 8 years ago, but intended for use as an excellent CD and DVD-A player. When I last operated it, the tray belt was rotted, so I changed it out for a fresh belt, a task I have performed maybe a dozen times on CD and DVD players. This transport uses the small belt like a computer drive and it's not even close to the laser. When testing the unit after repair, I discovered the cd would not always track properly, and there were random pops and noises along with an occasional whooshing noise. I ran my CD cleaner disk with no improvement, and thought the laser might be bad.

Finally I inserted a DVD-Audio disk which played perfectly. I'm presuming that means the transport / laser is good (only one laser) and guessing that it's a circuit problem somewhere? There are also quite a few thin wires that may possible have gotten loose or pinched when the cover was slid off but I don't recall any snags while opening it up.

Hopeful that someone here has successfully dealt with similar problems. Anyone have a clue what's causing this or how best to troubleshoot? It's a pan style box so no bottom access panel. Thanks for all replies!

 

[ZeroG]

*BUMP*

UPDATE: I spoke with an Arcam dealer who told be the lens had to be dirty. Cleaned it with a q-tip damp with 91% alcohol. Still not fixed.

Any ideas? It occurs to me that the flat connector belt to the CD circuit could be bad, but which flat collector is the bad one, and where does one get these?

TIA!

 

[dr*audio]

The laser pickup contains 2 lasers, a blue one for DVD, a red one for CD. The red laser is bad.

 

[c_dk]

The cd lasers don't last very long in that particular drive......

 

[bimasta]

I got the Arcam DV79, also used, and as many years ago. It wouldn't play CDs at all. I checked all over the web for help: many reported the same problem, and there was no fix. People even sent it back to Arcam, and they couldn't fix it.

I never tried the Digital Out, as I didn't have a DAC at the time.

We have different models: I think mine was just a lemon, there may be hope for yours... but I'd think they would have fixed the glitch in later models.

I never tried it for DVD-A (I have very few) or movies. It's just gathering dust as a possible parts unit.

 

[ZeroG]

The laser pickup contains 2 lasers, a blue one for DVD, a red one for CD. The red laser is bad.

Thanks, cycling back to old projects. Have you a good source for the laser or does it need to come from Arcam?

 

[dr*audio]

Thanks, cycling back to old projects. Have you a good source for the laser or does it need to come from Arcam?

There are very few lasers available for DVD or CD players. There are a couple of sources on e-bay that have genuine items. One is wehavethatitem. I can't remember the other one. What you have to do is open the player and look for any part number on the laser or the mechanism. If the mechanism has KSM something on it, it's a Sony part and you have a chance of finding a laser or mech. Search on e-bay and see what comes up. I will look on my ebay saved sellers and see who the other seller was. They sell NOS components and they happened to have a laser for a SACD player I was repairing. Worked great.

 

[petehall347]

looks like the dv88 laser is available . i would try and get complete transport . if you get either dont forget there is likely a blob of solder that needs removing first . i know to check but once forgot . DOH .

 

[dr*audio]

If the entire mech is available then it is less likely to be counterfeit.

 

[ZeroG]

I ended up getting one from eBay, which was supposed to fit but the nylon worm drive adapter needed to be ground down a bit. Also the body of the new part is plastic and not metal. I was a little disappointed when the mounting screws that hold down the nylon worm drive adapter spun instead of tightened. I did contact the seller but have also just put a drop of CA glue on it. Not sure it's worth the effort to remove and exchange the part, though it was $23 shipped.

The unit does read CDs as well as DVDs now and sounds 'good' but it's unknown whether the laser is the same quality as the old one.