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CD Players: Stop breaking down

Curious if anyone has this issue: In the past 5 years I have had 2 cd players that have been well-regarded, if not expensive: Onkyo DX-7555, and Cambridge Audio 640C. The Onkyo died after a year -- perfect condition, but it won't play discs, just clicks. Now the Cambridge is exhibiting the tell tale signs, skipping a lot and flashing the NO PLAY message at times. Funny thing is I also have a streaming setup so I don't even use the cd players that much. Am I doing something wrong, or are CD lasers just that fragile? Of course in this price range they are not worth getting fixed, so the Onkyo sits in its box in my attic, with the Cambridge soon to follow, I fear.

My thought was to get a universal player (e.g., Oppo 105) when the Cambridge dies; now I'm questioning that $1200 investment if the pattern is going to continue.
braudio7
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,540 posts
 
My Oppo BDP-95 works fine, but the transport, while fine for the price, does not inspire great confidence in me that it is built for the long haul. There are probably threads about which transports last longest. You could also see if you can buy a spare transport or two for the Oppo.
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tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
I recommend the Oppo 103. Solid performer on its own and a great transport. Great company and great service. You can buy an extended warranty if it makes you feel better. Or as Elizabeth says go with a cheaper unit like the Sony SCD 595 changer from Sony refurb.
photon46
1,076 posts
 
I too had nothing but problems with the two Cambridge 640 series cd player's lasers I had in the past. The Marantz SA11S1 I had also became an unrepairable boat anchor when the laser assembly failed the for SECOND time and Marantz couldn't provide repair parts anymore. I'm hoping the Luxman D-05 I'm using now will prove less problematic.
minkwelder
255 posts
 
Add me to the list of dissatisfied Cambridge 640-C owners. Mine bit the dust after 4 years of moderate use. One thing I hated about it was the buttons. I always had to hit them extra hard and/or multiple times to get the player to start. Very aggravating when you're recording!
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