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Cambridge Audio 751BD has failed--worth repairing?

I've had 5+ years of reliable service from this machine which I bought new, but a few days ago it suddenly failed. It refuses to load DVDs or Blu-Rays, just displays the "unknown disc" error message after a long delay and a lot of whirring. CDs play intermittently with lots of freezing and skipping. I sent a message to Cambridge Audio's customer service department and they told me to try a factory-reset, which of course had no effect. Otherwise, they said, contact the dealer. In other words, they don't know (or care, apparently) who is an authorized service provider. I use this machine for both music and movies, though mostly (except for SACDs) as a transport through a Bryston BDA1 DAC. Is it worth trying to repair? Have any of you had similar experiences with CA universal disc spinners? One solution I've been eying is the Oppo UDP203 for video and SACDs, and a used PS Audio PerfectWave transport for CDs, though only if I decide I don't like how the Oppo handles CDs. However, if it's economically feasible to repair the 751BD, that's my first choice. Advice and opinions welcome. Thanks.
cooper52
jafant
19,059 posts
 
cooper52-

Good to read about a favorable outcome to your situation. Whom is your dealer/retailer?  Give a shout -out!

Happy Listening!
cooper52 OP
164 posts
 
Audio Vision San Francisco. I had a very good experience when I bought the 751BD from them back in 2012 and they were extremely helpful to me in resolving this issue. I have to say that the CXU is, in most ways, an upgrade from the 751BD, though the latter was built like a Sherman tank, the CXU feeling noticeably lighter and less substantial. However, its performance is distinctly better than its predecessor for both video and audio. I was using a W4S reclocker with my 751BD which improved its audio performance substantially, and I find that the CXU also benefits from it.
jafant
19,059 posts
 
Thanks! for the update- cooper52-
what failed on the 751BD ? I have read good reviews about the CXU/CXUHD models. Happy Listening!
cooper52 OP
164 posts
 
It was something in the tracking mechanism that failed. The player wouldn't recognize DVDs at all, and CDs played only intermittently with lots of skipping and freezing. Should mention that the CXU gives spectacular video performance to go with it's excellent audio. I'm not up to 4K video yet, but DVDs and BluRay discs look awfully good in plain old 1080p on my nearly 5-year-old Samsung TV.
jafant
19,059 posts
 

Thanks! for sharing- cooper52

Happy Listening!

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