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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
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
The SCd555ES always has been a fussy player.It is PACKED inside with circuit boards etc..Not much room to sneeze. let alone mod anything... If it is running hot (like he changed the output to class A..
Anyway I would think it has started to get too hot. It really HAS no cooling in it, and like is said is crammed to the gills with stuff.
(I opened mine Jeesh!)

Try playing it with the cover off.
If it stops acting wierd, then at least you know what the issue is.
Maybe buy it a cooling device.. Drill a few holes in the top cover?

I cut cooling channels into the bottom of a tube headphone amp which ran really hot. It had a gap in the cover, so the slots in the bottom worked like a charm and it now is much cooler running.
huguesb
2 posts
 
On my sony 5400, you can only play sacd in sacd mode with the internal dac. The digital output only works with redbook.
bvdiman
432 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
432 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
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