Repair a Sony SCD 777ES?


My 12 year old Sony SCD-777ES stopped working today. After the disc is inserted and the cover closes it makes some unhappy grinding and clanking noises as it attempts to spin the disk. It also switches automatically to SACD mode even with a redbook cd, but never starts to actually play the disc.

Can these old Sony's be repaired? It is a decent player and an excellent transport for my dac, I hate to just junk it! Any recommendations on the best way to get it repaired?
stickman451
MY one experience with a Sony repair left me knowing I would never use any Sony repair service again. Same thing as mentioned, no repair actually done, but definite extra damage. I own a SCD777ES, but stopped using it, as I bought a Marantz SA-10. The Marantz is better, And not glacially slow to load either LOL My SCD777ES will not play the SACD of dual disc. but WILL play SACD only disc just fine.( it no longer matters..I also own a 333ES and a 555ES five disc changers which are dead too.
Sony can kiss my )( .....Maybe years ago they were great, but today you could not give me a Sony product for free.
I feel for you Elizabeth, my Sony SCD777ES is gathering dust as it will not read anything anymore.  It  last had the laser replaced 10 years ago.  Too bad Sony doesn't keep parts for their older units.  Now I use a McIntosh SACD player and a Esoteric SACD player.  I don't miss the agonizingly slow loading of the Sony.
stevebraxtonno, I do not have any contact for Sony since they left Texas. Perhaps a Google search can reveal this information? I wonder if Bill Thalmann has the correct calibration equipment? He is awesome, offers excellent electronics service. I use a Pioneer Elite 59-AVi universal (CD/DVD/SACD) spinner.
stevebraxtontry this # for Grand Rapids MI - 888.222.SONYKeep us posted on this development.
stereo5, Your SCD777ES may be very repairable. The one I repaired required some work on Gear C in the transport assembly. It would not spin on the shaft which caused the read problem. I used a fine 3 mm round file to open up the bore hole. As I understand, the nylon gears over time become too tight and friction on the shaft causes problems. I also purchased a brass gear on eBay from seller igorek50 for future replacement. It tested fine after bit of filing on the bore hole.
Dgarretson post was very helpful on how to remove the transport assy for the diagnostic.