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SACD Player Won't Play Hybrid SACDs

A few years ago I purchased a used Sony SCD-C555ES SACD changer. I bought it to use essentially as a CD player run through an external DAC. I have about 500 redbook CDs. A couple of days ago I bought my first SACDs and began playing them. Everything worked fine until tonight. For some reason, the same SACD hybrids that played fine several times will not now play in SACD mode. I get the message "Not Hybrid" and the player defaults to CD mode. I toggle between "Multi and 2 channel" and I get the message "Not SACD." Any ideas?
jjpeepers
bvdiman
491 posts
 
Sounds like weakening laser/read - lifetime is about 2-3years. Change the optical
assembly and you should be fine. Can be had from e-Bay for around $30-60 depending
on models.

My old dCS was fitted with Sony's SCD555ES equivalent, and I had to change them out
(optic assy.) once every 2-3years. Basically similar problems you encountered.
jjpeepers OP
5 posts
 
I dropped the SCD-C555ES off at the local Sony authorized repair shop. The place has an excellent reputation and does service work for just about all brands. The problem is the optical assembly. They're waiting for the Sony part to come in. Should be good to go.
bvdiman
491 posts
 
Jjpeepers, good to know.. However if you plan on keeping the player for long, it is advisable to keep another sealed optic assy. as spare - it is getting scarcer by day. Depending on humidity, the problem could be an unpredictably recurring one. With Part at hand, should take no more than one hour to have it professionally replaced.

*For your easy referral, Part is : Sony, Device Optical, KHM-230AAA
jjpeepers OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for the info. Some problems have developed in attempting to get my unit repaired. There are now apparently 3 part numbers associated with KHM-230AAA. The original part # was 8-820-132-02. That was replaced by 8-820-132-03. The repair place ordered this part. It arrived, but was defective and was returned and another one ordered. Three weeks have passed and the part has not come in. Apparently, this part has been replaced by 8-820-132-09 and even this may no longer be available.
Is anyone familiar with 8-820-132-09 and is it now the "new" part for the SCD-C555es?
jjpeepers OP
5 posts
 
One last try. The first replacement part (from Sony) did not work. I purchased 2 replacements from someone in Taiwan that, based on various sites and blogs, is the go-to guy for laser assembly pickup replacements. He gets very favorable ratings and was certain the laser would work for my SACD player and all the ones that used that particular laser. The first one did not work. I'm getting ready to drop off the remaining laser to the repair shop.

There is a "solder blob" that needs to be removed from the assembly for installation. The repair person was well aware of this and properly removed it on each laser. Is there something we are not doing? It seems a bit crazy that none of the replacement lasers work.
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