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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
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
The 'look' of a transport has nothing to do with how long it will last. Plenty of heavy solidly engineered transports bite the dust while flimsy $300 Cd changers keep on running year after year.
This is from reading stuff here and at other sites, plus my own experience with changers..
It is way more chance than construction technique
tgrisham
1,179 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
1,008 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
191 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!
arnettpartners
312 posts
 
I went through 3 NAD's (still under warrantee). Started at entry level and kept upgrading and told myself the upgrade would be more reliable. Got off that treadmill and bought an old 20 lb hk 1988-92from a agon seller who had kept it in storage--had always wanted one--the tray slides in and out like butter--and use it for a transport. Found a second one on ebay NIB. I'm good until the moters die. They stopped making the moters.
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