Analogue Productions SACDs

Here is a different question on SACD: I have loved the format from the first time I heard it, many years ago. I own two Sony SACD players that were $3000 retail, as I recall, when I acquired them--also many years ago. They are the XA777ES and the XA9000ES. The 777 has been a fantastic workhorse, with thousands of hours on it. The 9000 has been an infrequently used player is a second system. But neither will now play the SACD layer on hybrid CD's. I have read very little on this amazing anomaly of the SACD format. Does anyone have any insight on this issue? TC1

I asked Microsoft Copilot again and this is what it said:

Hybrid SACDs contain two layers:

• CD layer: Read using a red laser at 780 nm (same as standard CD players).

• SACD layer: Read using an infrared laser at 650 nm (similar to DVD technology).

🔬 Laser Configurations

• Dual-laser systems: Some high-end SACD players (like Sony’s SCD-1 or SCD-777ES) have physically separate laser assemblies for CD and SACD layers. This allows for optimized reading of each format.

• Single-laser with dual wavelength: Many modern or budget SACD players use a single optical pickup that can switch between wavelengths to read both layers. This is more cost-effective but can be less precise or more prone to wear over time.

⚠️ Common Issues

• SACD layer failures are often due to laser degradation or misalignment. Players may still read CDs fine but struggle with SACDs, especially hybrid discs.

• Some users have had success recalibrating the laser or adjusting internal pots, but this is risky and not recommended unless you’re experienced with electronics3.

If you’re evaluating a player or troubleshooting one, knowing whether it uses separate lasers can help diagnose issues or justify a repair. Want help identifying the laser setup in a specific model?

Tom again:  Finding laser assemblies for older (and sometimes newer) vintage CD and SACD players is a major flaw with these players.  It shouldn't be too hard to find someone who works on Sonys and find out if your SACD laser can be replaced or recalibrated.

I'll respond to 2 comments here. I have all the Doors SACD's , never realized till I looked they are multi channel because I like music in 2 channel stereo. The Denon DCD-A110 SACD player I bought 2 years ago is only 2 channel because it depicts realism. Like a concert experience. I have a 9.2 dolby atmos surround system for movies , sports , etc. So the Doors SACD's have actually 3 layers. Top is redbook , first imbedded layer is 2 ch SACD , second imbedded layer is multi channel SACD. The original SACD's which are mostly from 1999=2003 were one layer only and will not play on a conventional cd player. To me they had the best sound. You can find them used and they are quite expensive.

I still have a Denon 5900 player that plays the old single layer SACD's fine but will not play the imbedded SACD layer on the hybrid's. Had a new laser installed and same problem. I went thru 5 Sony DVP-S9000ES players and never found any that will play the hybrid SACD layer either. These players were all mfg before the hybrid SACD's came out and since the player mfg could hardly anticipate their arrival , my opinion is the old units will not play the hybrid's because they were not designed for them. If you like the 2 channel sound , I'd recommend grabbing a used Denon DCD-A110 SACD player , saw a couple for around $2,300. They weigh 35 pounds and are built like a tank.

you can try a lens cleaner, perhaps get lucky, 

https://www.amazon.com/Arsvita-Cleaner-Cleaning-Effective-ARCD-01/dp/B08PBPZB5Z/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=E08VD3IV8RRG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.d83c8eHTQFTSytV2PUDZjn7f9S5_s9k501zKTkLjCQp2RVWkPPc5V5DR-3mOj67l7uqKaWtHFWF0R_kzp8lFjwJsaxEaNTwnyBDFYMyI5xygA7yiQJUqVQtp92mhukJ4zttYO7y5xYqpQbn6evVVdba4-mdxyt8BFlCJfrGtIyG60iz3MvNEhr-UQ5qQ98ePgGP3Sk9_pMlgCgRkQpycjSnF1ZEgxzO9E9VAH0NP76k.OvJ9AFt7T9AEUsceVV7Cp9biaWdrz3sb-pmb6YC-WR0&dib_tag=se&keywords=cd+lens+cleaner&qid=1756735520&sprefix=cd+lens+cleaner%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

the lasers weaken with use, not age, finding the SACD layer is the 1st to go, so if buying a used player, try to find one sold by the prior owner who knows how much use it got. Mine came out of the seller’s second system, very little use he said, I chose to trust him, it arrived looking new inside and out, has been working perfectly for years.

I may be fooling myself, but I keep this in my ebay watch list, thinking I could be successful replacing an entire assembly, not the individual laser.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/360731502452?_skw=Optical+Pick-up+Laser+Lens+Head+For+Sony+SCD-XA5400ES&itmmeta=01K42TA6GJX7BF16M0SR94J53K&hash=item53fd45e774:g:r-gAAOxyHIlTXMCu&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAABEFkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1fYawop0%2BdliwNYNaY0HuyqBBDz0O3zHIc4CKA8Y93CbNW6cjXeupVnfncUelZBJ5s24FsNIEcoandskDJSeB3W4YRVGef6spUCjDSnEYKQh9UiT1xYTVNSTV2kCEZ674H6%2Fc4kfwz2vdjniRMxY3Yo%2BmPCXCEWjLgp%2BWd4u0krZ4hjkKM%2B6AcH5VTVewGWlMqvKewveNPLYSlPO9ZW%2BmbdzfHQjtkKTR7prQiGSMOoZizgHtzKDrrBLdSKj5QoPVjHcPISSymhztKbWcjDpKnDm%2BNXPDWUpwfbBgphfOMvFN%2BI1%2BoOW6kno7%2F%2BAgev8Exx%2B2P7ShXGpRjbeI%2B27RfF%7Ctkp%3ABFBMtuio2qBm&pfm=1

I bought and replaced a laser on a Marantz, it’s tricky, I’m handy, and I was able to melt the static protection blob, install it, get the CD layer found, but never got it’s position refined with height adjustment screws to find the SACD layer.

Elliott my SA 10 marantz sacd player laser gave up last year after 3 yrs. I got lucky Shari Agon member help me to find the original laser, and TVAD recommended a very good tech Stereo lab here in Chicago. I agree it’s the time of used not the age.