2. digital
  3. 180916-10204

New transport or repair CD player

I have a 508.20 series Meridian CD player being used as a transport which has trouble reading CDs ("NO DISC" message) that it had no problem with in the past. I suspect the laser is dying.  The Meridian is a very well made player but to my ears sounds better being used as a transport into my external DAC.  The repair center in Georgia wants $500 to replace the laser mechanism.  A new transport such as the well regarded Audiolab 6000T is $600.  Seems to me it is worth getting the Audiolab or something similar rather than fixing the Meridian but not sure how they would compare sonically.  Plus, due to its age the drawer mechanism on the Meridian might become problematic in the not too distant future.  I need to keep it under $1000 otherwise I'd spring for one of the better transports such as Jays for example.  I suppose I could buy a new transport and if the sound isn't as good as the Meridian I could return it.  What would you do?

jc4659
jc4659 OP
544 posts
 

The player had been updated by an authorized tech to 24 bit many years ago. Not sure if this matters regarding the new optical laser lens pickup.

@kingsleuy Here's a new observation that suggests it might not be the laser??  If I play a CD that it is usually able to read for a few minutes, then quickly substitute a CD that usually gives me the No Disc error, then it plays it!!! Otherwise, inserting that same problematic CD into the "cold" player won't read and the disc does not spin.  There has got to be a rational explanation. Does the drive need to warm up? Does the laser remain on for a short period after CD removal and I'm catching it before it powers down?  I'm at a loss to explain this latest observation.

soix
9,383 posts
 

Have you tried just cleaning the laser?  Probably at least worth a try.

jc4659 OP
544 posts
 

Yes, I have cleaned the laser lens many times.

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
3,963 posts
 

My take buy a new transport.Iam concern the new installed laser won’t last.If you really love the meridian, just trust the tech to repair it.

tweak1
3,643 posts
 

I had a modified Pioneer PD 65 for years. The laser gave out, but Pioneer no longer stocks parts. I replaced it with a CDT 6000 (that I picked up slightly used for $375, including shipping!), it’s terrific IF you use a top notch coax, power cord, isolation/vib feet: I buy my cables from Ali-Express DIY HiFI- Odin Gold (see the Counterfeit Chinese Cables thread in AG forums. The top cover needs some dampening, too, BUT, you might check out the Pro-Ject DS2 PLAYER, which has coax outs (MSRP $800), so you can use it as a transport

Oh, and FYI, you can usually pick up a used 6000 for < $400, likely because the owner is using lessor cables

hth

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