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Theta Data Basic II cd transport Reliability ?

Hello Everyone
I have a Theta data basic II on loan from a dealer , the unit appears to operate fine and it has come from a good home , i currently have a Rega planet 2000 with clock upgrade but the Theta is a step up in sound i am using a Van Den Hul digital cable , i am a bit worried from what i read on the web forums, many are saying to stay away because of spare parts problems with the phillips cdm9 transport mechanism and laser , my question is how reliable are these transports as i have never had a cd transport mechanism fail , i even have a Luxman D-105u from 1990 and the transport mechanism is still fine , any opinions would be most welcome. Cheers Phil.
steam3642
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Avoid like fire. They like to break down, and when they do, all you can do is to sell the player for parts.
acresverde
403 posts
 
Knock on wood, I bought my TDBII new in '96 and nary a problem so far. For the last three years it has served as my secondary transport to the Accustic Arts Drive 1 but it still does get regular use. YMMV.
steam3642 OP
124 posts
 
Thanks for the responses , i was told that the new Musical fidelity sacd players transport is now no longer made ? Makes you wonder if new cd transports will made for much longer or will they just be dvd based ? I guess there must be spare parts for the Theta DBII if you search around as i understand alot of manufactures used the CDM9 transport in there players. Cheers.
steam3642 OP
124 posts
 
I can get a CEC TL51x cd transport for $1700Aus i have read good reports on this unit and no problems servicing . Any Opinions on this one . Cheers Phil.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
You can buy a Philips CDM-9 mechanism, buy you can't get the CDM-9Pro - and that is the one used in TB/TBII.

CEC51 is nice, although some ppl reported problems reading CDRs. It is still servicable though - it uses popular Sanyo laser (15$ part).
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