Issues with Hi-Fi system, looking for advice

[spirit90]

I currently have a Panasonic PMX800, which I've had for a few years. I like the sound quality and how quiet it usually is.

However, recently the disc drive sometimes doesn't open.

I spoke with a long time friend who is an electronics repair technician, and he said I probably won't be able to repair it due to lack of available parts.

I am considering getting the PMX90. It's a bit cheaper, but would the sound quality still be as good?

This is for playing CDs. I don't have a big budget, unfortunately.

What would you do?

Thanks!

 

[Gray]

You could ask your repair technician mate to have a look for you.
A couple of us have fixed much older cd players than yours with tray eject problems.
I think it was a 3D printed part that cured my problem for under £5 including postage.

Otherwise, in your position, I'd be sticking with the 800 as you like it so much....then buying a Tascam CD-200 (currently £260).
Your PMX-800 has aux and optical inputs, suitable for taking either analogue or digital output from the Tascam - choose which output sounds best to you.

(No point in buying another whole mini system - and the Tascam is likely to be a better CD playing experience - and be more durable).

 

[spirit90]

You could ask your repair technician mate to have a look for you.
A couple of us have fixed much older cd players than yours with tray eject problems.
I think it was a 3D printed part that cured my problem for under £5 including postage.

Otherwise, in your position, I'd be sticking with the 800 as you like it so much....then buying a Tascam CD-200 (currently £260).
Your PMX-800 has aux and optical inputs, suitable for taking either analogue or digital output from the Tascam - choose which output sounds best to you.

(No point in buying another whole mini system - and the Tascam is likely to be a better CD playing experience - and be more durable).

Doesn't seem like my friend will be able to fix it.

I can take it to a local repair shop, but they charge to even inspect it.

Do you know what could be causing the tray not to open? If I lightly hit the side of it, it works again.

For the Tascam, I can't find it in Canada for a decent price. But, other CD players would probably be fine? The most important thing to me is that it runs CDs quietly.

Thanks for helping me out! 🙂

 

[Gray]

Doesn't seem like my friend will be able to fix it.

Does he know what you said about hitting it?

If I lightly hit the side of it, it works again.

It could be a loose-fitting PCB connector feeding the tray motor.
If I was your friend, I'd be opening it up for you - to at least have a look. Sometimes causes of trouble are as obvious as when my Philips drawer wouldn't open....

There was no hitting that back into action 😆
(There will be nothing that big inside your mini system).

other CD players would probably be fine?

They would 👍
Either a CD player (with analogue and digital outputs)
Or a CD transport (with just a digital out)
A DVD player will also play audio CDs through your Panasonic system in the same way.

 

[spirit90]

Does he know what you said about hitting it?

It could be a loose-fitting PCB connector feeding the tray motor.
If I was your friend, I'd be opening it up for you - to at least have a look. Sometimes causes of trouble are as obvious as when my Philips drawer wouldn't open....
View attachment 11717
There was no hitting that back into action 😆
(There will be nothing that big inside your mini system).

They would 👍
Either a CD player (with analogue and digital outputs)
Or a CD transport (with just a digital out)
A DVD player will also play audio CDs through your Panasonic system in the same way.

Opened up the PMX800 today. Cleaned it out and I'm replacing the belt.

My overall goal is to get a better system one component at a time.

So first get a CD player, then an amp, then new speakers.

For a CD player, is the Yamaha CD-S303 a good choice?

An important thing I'm looking for is quietness.

I'm also looking at the Marantz CD6007, but it is more expensive.

 

[Gray]

My overall goal is to get a better system one component at a time.

So first get a CD player, then an amp, then new speakers.

That's a good approach 👍
Can't comment on a Yamaha CDP (the only Yamaha product I've owned, was a 100cc motorbike).

I do own a 24 year old Marantz (CD6000KI) though, so I might be biased - but I've never known anyone to be sorry they bought a Marantz player.

Mechanical noise from CD mechanisms is not something that gets considered much in reviews - sometimes they point out that a player is noisy during loading - obviously not so much of a problem.
The CD6007 is such a popular model that you can be sure owners would've publicly complained if it was inherently noisy.

 

[Steve983]

The CD6007 is very quiet and has the added bonus of a decent headphone amp/socket. Excellent sound quality too, I would certainly recommend. Haven't tried the Yamaha although I think its only about £20 cheaper than the Marantz.