SACD with a defect, can this be fixed?

[KeithD]

I picked up a used SACD disk, and as I was listening to it on my Sony NC555ES, I discovered that it just stops on track 18 at 20 seconds. I can skip past the entire track at that point and it will play the next track. I cleaned the disk by breathing on it to get condensation, then wiping with a microfiber cloth from the center out, but that did not help the problem. It stops there each time. I switched the player to play the 2 channel stereo layer on this hybrid disk, and that plays fine on this track, so the defect appears to be only on the multi-channel layer? Inspecting the disk, I do se two spots that look like scratches along the track, or maybe some kind of defect? I did my best to get a picture and have circled the two defects. I also put and arrow pointing to a "radial" scratch, but normally those do not affect play as I understand it.



Do these spots look like the culprit? Is there any fix for this?

 

[swechsler]

Yes, it seems likely that the scratches running parallel to the edge are the problem. Is track 18 towards the end of the disc? CDs play from the inside out.

Search google for disc scratch repair; there are videos showing you what you can do. The damaged portion is just the disc; the data area itself should be unaffected.

 

[KeithD]

Yes, it seems likely that the scratches running parallel to the edge are the problem. Is track 18 towards the end of the disc? CDs play from the inside out.

Search google for disc scratch repair; there are videos showing you what you can do. The damaged portion is just the disc; the data area itself should be unaffected.

There are 24 tracks on that disk, and the last ones (18-24) are all 1.5 to 2 minutes long, so it seemed possible those are the defects that are causing the disk to stop.

I guess I'm not convinced they are surface scratches vs. defects in the track. I've read about repairing scratches in CDs, but as I mentioned the defect only affects the multi-channel layer, not the 2 channel layer. Would that be consistent with surface scratches, or would it be a defect only in the multi-channel layer. I bought this from a re-seller, so I'm sure the multi-channel layers was never checked.

Another piece of information, the disk stops consistently at 20 seconds on track 18 in my Sony DVP-NC555ES. When I tried the disk in my OPPO DV-980H, it plays past the 20 second mark, but stops at 33 seconds.

Just wondering if I should be returning the disk for a refund, or if there is a way to fix this defect.

 

[KeithD]

Taking a closer look, they are surface scratches. I can feel the scratch in the surface with my finger.

Do any of the methods to fix a scratch really work?

 

[swechsler]

The reason the CD layer plays properly is that CD data is a lot less dense, so it takes a larger defect to make a difference.

I'd probably take the option to return the disk. Yes, some of the methods to remove scratches really work, as long as they don't go too deep.

 

[FauxHall]

Removing scratches on compact discs is like the kits for cleaning plastic on automobile headlight covers.

How much does the cost compared to a new disc?

The lasers for Redbook and SACD use different wavelengths and have different specs on focal ranges and precision.

You could remove too much material from clearing scratches so there is some downside risk.

 

[KeithD]

Thanks guys that’s helpful. I did look at some info on getting scratches out of CD’s/DVD’s. Looks like a series of polishing steps going to finer and finer grain be fore you get that mirror finish. Fair amount of work, and you’re right, it might cost more to get the product than to replace the SACD. Returning this is probably the best option.

 

[cpt_paranoia]

From a commercial source: return/replace it; MusicMagpie simply sent me a replacement, with no need to return the faulty one.

From a charity shop: I'd suck it up. That's why I check CDs I buy there, to make sure there's a disc, to make sure it's the right disc, and to make sure it doesn't look too badly scratched.

Of the 2200 CDs I've bought 2nd hand, only a few don't give perfect rips. I've had mixed success using Brasso wadding to polish light scratches. I really need to try some wax car polish or headlight restorer.

Some discs just wont rip perfectly, despite looking absolutely pristine; usually the 78+ minute compilations.

 

[KeithD]

From a commercial source: return/replace it.

From a charity shop: I'd suck it up. That's why I check CDs I buy there, to make sure there's a disc, to make sure it's the right disc, and to make sure it doesn't look too badly scratched.

I do the same when buying in person at second hand stores. Anything with scratches I pass on. Of course, charity shops sell CDs anywhere from 25 cents to a dollar, so no big deal if there is a defect.

I bought this on e-bay from a seller that deals in CDs. The disk was described as "Pristine condition!" and "It is in excellent condition, with no scratches or defects on the CD or the case." Clearly, this was not true. I could easily see scratches on the disk. There were many more radial scratches that do not affect play. Seller is willing to take it back for a refund (of course he has no choice with e-bay's return policy.)

The disk is not rare, so I can get another one elsewhere for about the same price.