Resolution Audio Opus Players?

There have been user reports of transports failing on some Opus 21 players. Be certain you ask if the transport has been replaced on the one you are considering.

Of course, you must go in knowing that the risk of a failing transport is a possibility.

Tvad,

Interesting, as that is news to me.

My unit, acquired second hand, (I believe it was a year old when I bought it), has been in use by me for a number of years, (five or six I believe), and the transport has never failed. And in fact it is still going strong.

However, I will readily admit that the laser did fail a couple of months ago, (@ Christmas time), and Jeff Kalt replaced it quickly and easily. Jeff did say that the laser is typically good for about five years, and mine lasted six or seven years, so apparently I bet the odds. (FYI, I dropped it off to him at his place in San Francisco, which may explain why he repaired it for such an unbelievably low price. You would not believe me if I told you the cost, so I will not bother. If you really want to know, email me.)

Buying ANY piece of equipment "used" is always a gamble. That is why one should attempt to buy used equipment that is made in one's own country, IMHO. Repair costs and shipping costs will be just that much lower, if and when the time comes to have it repaired and/or upgraded.

03-22-10: Kurt_tank
I will readily admit that the laser did fail a couple of months ago...

I believe the laser assembly is primary issue. I probably mis-spoke when I called it a transport problem.

Do a search of the threads, and you will probably find some posts mentioning this problem (which is not unique to the Opus 21 among CD players). Otherwise, I recall a few listings for Opus 21 players where the sellers mentioned having had the laser assembly replaced.

And, if you're lucky, you might find a GNSC modded Opus 21 at just over two grand. I bought one of these direct from GNSC two years ago and have nothing but good things to say.

No problems to report, but the transport is slow to read.

Laser expected life span only 5 yrs? I have a Micromega Stage 6 cd player that is about 13 yrs old (purchased new for about $1000) and fairly heavily used. It is still going strong, never had any laser failure issue.

Compare this to today's megabuck players having laser problems within only a few yrs. Isn't it a money earning strategy for some manufacturers to leave weak points in their products just to guarantee them additional income in the future?