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In Reply to: RE: Marantz sa-7s1 transport and laser replacment posted by jkm on February 17, 2015 at 15:52:11
I bought my SA-11S2 in late 2007 and it has been "on" almost the entire time I've had it in my system. It gets played most every day - both SACD and RBCD. Thankfully, it hasn't developed any skipping but I occasionally encounter the drawer not wanting to remain open. I usually am quick enough to extract the disc before it retracts so its a problem I can live with.
Regarding the skipping, have you tried a conventional CD lens cleaner? Not having done that myself, I don't now how effective they are but it might be worth a try before shelling out to have the transport replaced. Also, since the unit is out of warranty, you could open it up and swab the laser with some alcohol to see if that might extend its life some. Good luck!
Follow Ups:
The laser itself wears out. It does not get dirty. Nothing you can do will fix it, other than replacement. You can risk doing it yourself if you're VERY handy, or find a reputable service center. There are plenty of them. Send along the worst SACD because most SC's don't have any on hand!
I have had the laser on my SA-11S1 replaced three times in ten years, twice under warranty, the last time for $350. It's a piece of shit transport that sounds amazing. I have replaced the Elna Silmic output caps with BG's, so I'm probably keeping it forever.
Peace,
Tom E
...has a usable lifetime of > 50,000 hours. This equates to playing discs 12 hours per day for more than 11 years. Can they fail prematurely? Well, I suppose so but not too likely. What will fail first are the mechanical components used to support and move the diode.
Laser diodes do accumulate debris over time which interferes with their ability to track and read discs. Not sure why you say they don't get dirty.
Having the player on all day every day does not power the laser. That is engaged only when the player is reading a disc. You have the S2, which has an upgraded laser from the S1 which I have. I believe Marantz recognized the mistake they made using such an unreliable mechanism in the S1 and quickly issued the upgraded S2. But where did you get the 50k hour figure from? The laser does eventually wear out, and when it does, nothing will make it work properly again other than replacement.
How does the lens get dirty? It's in a small, enclosed space, usually with a rapidly spinning disc very near it. Unless the disc is filthy or the atmosphere thick with smoke, I don't understand the lens getting dirty. The rails might need a bit of cleaning after thousands of hours of operation, but they should be self-cleaned just by movement of the sled as it is very tight tolerance fit. Messing with it might cause more harm than good.
Peace,
Tom E
Yes, I know the laser is not energized when the unit is idling. See link for info on typical use lifetime. See the Dec 29 2011 post. I've heard the "50,000 hours" figure in the past and did a quick search and found that web page. There are probably better data sources on this but that's the one that I found quickly.
Regarding "dirty lens" - it may seem that the lens is protected in its enclosed environment but there are still plenty of ways that it can get fouled over time. Just plain old dust in the air will find its way in there over time (I am continually amazed at all the dust I see accumulate around our house). Then, there is the outgassing of polycarbonate additives in the discs themselves (and from the plastics used on the pcb board of the player itself) that will see the diode lens as a fitting resting place. Perhaps messing with it might cause harm but the OP was planning to send the unit in for repair anyway so why not try to clean the lens first? If it doesn't help, he can always send it to Marantz for repair. Just trying to save him some dough.
How does one open up the player?
I just used a dry Q tip on the lenz,, Also check the sled..Might need a dab of grease.
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