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Repair my Sony CDP 608 ESD?

I have a very clean Sony 608 ESD, I bought it brand new in 1986. So I can not complain that it has been a good sounding and flawless performing player all these 29 years. So, lately it is getting touchy, and skips at the slightest footfall, the laser head must be going out? I've been shopping for a replacement, looking at used Esoteric's and Marantz's, used in the $1k to $2.5k range. and am wondering if I may be better served if I just had this unit repaired? In fact, even if I do buy another used CD player, maybe I should have it repaired anyway, just so I can resell it and save it from the scrap heap? Does anyone know of a good shop that I could have the repairs made at a reasonable cost? Any thoughts on a replacement? Thanks in advance.

Russ
alpha_gt
alpha_gt OP
155 posts
 
Thanks, food for thought. You're right J135, that thought hasn't occured to me, probably couldn't find anyone to fix it. I've read up on that new Oppo 105, it is truly amazing feature wise, 30 years ago remote control was cool, now! Wow so many things and formats, sound quality aside.

But for any machine to last that long I guess I was spoiled, and was thinking I could buy something that would last that long again, but I guess that's not realistic either. Who knows what formats we will be listening to in 10 years? No sense in taking out a car loan on something that may prove obsolete in 10 years.
tonykay
1,314 posts
 
Lucky for you there are probably no parts to repair your unit. The Sony 608 ES was amazing in its day, but that day passed a long time ago. You will be floored by the improvement in sound of a new player, when you do get one. If you insist on the retro style of the Sony there are many great players that you can pick up used for half your budget (Sony SCD777 and 9000ES come to mind). Do what you think is best, but for my money (or yours) I would check out that Oppo line. Great value for money!
zd542
5,339 posts
 
The Oppo makes sense only if the OP needs to play multiple formats. It looks like he just needs a Redbook player. If that's the case, buy a good CD player. Why pay for features you don't need?
rhljazz
1,255 posts
 
I disagree with the other responders regarding sound improvement in something like the Oppo. I have both a new 105D and a 26 yr old 608 ESD. I have not performed a direct shootout between those two, I will say I prefer the Oppo as a transport with a 19 yr old VAC tube dac to the Oppo itself.

The Chord Hugo is better than either although it produces a more energetic up front type of sound.

Since the Sony is aged, have you tried a lens cleaner type disc?
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"I disagree with the other responders regarding sound improvement in something like the Oppo. I have both a new 105D and a 26 yr old 608 ESD. I have not performed a direct shootout between those two, I will say I prefer the Oppo as a transport with a 19 yr old VAC tube dac to the Oppo itself."

In order to disagree, you need to be talking about the same thing. Others have compared the new Oppo to the old Sony. You're throwing a tube dac into the equation that no one here has access to, but you.
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