new laser/assembly for Cary 303/300 cdp

Cary CDP 303-100 uses Philips drive CDM 12.1

FYI diy folks - outcome of the laser transplant out of the aforementioned Apex dvd player to the 303/300 is it plays fine but the drawer mechanism snags somewhere & hangs up leaving the drawer ajar about 1". The drawer can be closed w/a slight nudge but it isn't perfect. The drawers are almost identical but must not be readily interchangeable w/each other. The laser drive seems to be a little noisier than the original too. There were slight different physical differences which appeared to be cosmetic between units. The laser drive out of the Apex was dated 2001 which was probably 5 years older than my 303/300. But bottom line it works if you can live w/the drawer hanging up. I'll probably wind up ordering the exact replacement from Cary & swapping it out now that I have practice.

You might try swapping the laser assy into the original drive mechanism that came with the Cary. I have replaced laser these lasers (not SL-710) and they are not difficult. If the original drawer works smoothly, this may be an option.

Thanks Tim! I'll give it a shot. BTW, I saw a Resolution Audio CD50 awhile back for I believe 550(which also has the volume control) & I was real tempted to jump on it. Are those fixable too?

If this is the CD50 you're referring to, it was mine. I sold it for $350 about six months ago.