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To Repair or Replace

My 1995 vintage CAL Audio Icon II CD player has started skipping and is having tracking problems. The only place I know that still services CAL says it needs a new laser ($350 + shipping). Is it worth investing that much in a 13 year old player or is it smarter to invest the money in a new one? I tried a budget DVD player but it just doesn't have the presence and depth of the Icon II. Thanks in advance--Joe
jhuser
tiger
313 posts
 
Dump the Icon, for parts. If you like the Cal Tube sound look for a used Alpha/Delta unit, maybe even one with a 96k mod. I have both an Alpha and Sigma II and it sounds better then my Sony SCD on red book cd's.
markphd
667 posts
 
An economist would say this is a simple decision. If you can buy something you like just as well for $350 or less, then replace. If something else costs more than $350, then repair.

However, you should also factor in that even with a new laser, you have thirteen years of wear and tear on the mechanical elements of the player, i.e. drawer and disc motor. That would make me a bit nervous. I think maybe you should start shopping around a bit.
drrdiamond
671 posts
 
Technology has vastly improved with digital. I replace an older Krell with a much newer Marantz because it sounded so much better. I didn't even try the newer Krell digital because my son is in private school and I couldn't afford it even if I liked it.

(All my other electronics remain Krell)

Richard
jhuser OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for all the sound advice. I think I knew the answer to my own question but sometimes you just have to bounce the idea of someone else for validation.
After reading the thread about the Sony PS1 I found one in a local pawn shop for $15 so I'm going to explore that before moving forward. Who knows, I may have just saved myself a LOT of money. :) Thanks again.
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