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Need advice: repair CAL CL25--or buy new/used CDP?

My CAL CL25 CD/DVD/96/24 player is "on the fritz". CD's which always played perfectly suddenly stop in the middle of a track.....or I load a CD & the readout says "no disc", or some other indecipherable message. This has been a GREAT CD player, plus played DVD movies, & 96/24 discs by Chesky. However, I don't know where to get it repaired (Boston area), & I heard that CAL was bought out by another company.

So I'm thinking of just getting another CDP, but am getting wary of buying used Digital w/no warranty. I've always liked Meridian, but I'm pretty sure the warranties aren't transferable. Maybe Cary? Or ARC? Don't know if the warranties are transferable on those, but at least the companies would be around to fix their products even if I had to pay.

Lastly, I do use the CAL occasionally to play movies, so if there are any DVD players out there that are also great CDP's, I'd like to know. And, my budget is maybe $1000--$1700, more or less.

Any advice on getting the CAL fixed, or getting a new/used CDP, would be greatly appreciated!

thanks, Steve

steveaudio
tsquared
32 posts
 
CAL has great customer service, give them a call. My guess is also that the lens is dirty. It could be a cheap fix. Also I think the CAL is a great CD player, it's only slightly more grainy than my much more expensive seperates. If your primary desire is you want a different DVD player (and I don't think it is) then I would fix the 25 and sell it. Otherwise, try a good lens cleaning and hopefully your problem is solved. It's a great CDP fo rthe money, just wish mine played CDRs. Good luck,

Todd
jameswei
883 posts
 
I don't believe that California Audio Labs has an extensive network of authorized service centers. I had to send my CL10 to their Arizona service site (it used to be in Blue Lake, CA), via UPS. They are now a subsidiary of Sensory Science which is a subsidiary of Sonic Blue. Originally known as S3 (PC graphics), it now sports a suite of well-known brands, including Diamond Multimedia, Rio, Replay TV, ProGear, Go-Video, Loewe, and California Audio Labs. The way to do it is to call them (877-563-9388) during West Coast business hours and get a return authorization (RA) number. Be sure to let them know if it's still under warranty. They should be able to quote you a turnaround time. For more info, check out Sonic Blue's web site at www.sonicblue.com.

My CL10 was built in Thailand to CAL specs. I've had it for five years, and I've sent it to CAL for repairs twice. Recently, it developed a problem very similar to what you described. I don't know what's wrong. I tried spraying it with a canned air spray duster with no effect. I figure it could be a problem with the CD clamping mechanism, either too high or too low, causing the CD to bow or bend. It could also be an obstruction in the laser head transport mechanism that would limit the laser head's travel. I don't have the heart to pack it up and send it in again. I have removed it from my system and stuffed it into my dead hardware closet. I can play single CDs on my Sony SCD-1, but I will miss the carousel, especially at parties. Good luck with yours.
steveaudio OP
331 posts
 
Is cleaning the lens something I could do myself? If so, how? BTW, thanks for all the followups, lots of good advice here!

Steve
jsbail
368 posts
 
Steve, a little 99% pure alcohol on a Q-tip will do the trick
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Only if the player won't run and you have no other choice. The best way to clean a CDP lens is with a high-quality cleaning disc like the Parasound, available from uhfmag.com and others. Run it every month or so and problems won't build up.
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