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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
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tonykay
1,305 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.
rhljazz
1,255 posts
 
Zd542, I seriously doubt that "others" have directly compared a Sony 608 ESD and an Oppo 105D.

I happen to own both right now although they are in different systems.

I am not a believer that a so called modern dac chip is that much better than a high quality 20 + year old chip. The performance of the Oppo is proof enough for me.

I have a Sony X779 ES that I use as a transport for the Hugo. I have plenty of inputs on my VAC preamp so I can try an A/B of the Sony analog out directly against the Oppo using identical cables and report my findings. I could also switch the 608 esd from the second system.

My point is there's a lot of hype about the superiority of a model year 2015 dac/player over anything older that I find is simply not true.
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