SACD Hybrids and SACD Problems

[drcg]

Recently, I discovered that my new universal DVD-A/SACD/CD player will not play SACDs- neither hybrids nor SACD only. After loading, the first track plays with no problem. From the 2nd through last track playback gets increasingly worse with skipping and static and no playback at all by the last track. This player has had extensive modifications to improve sound reproduction by a reputable "modder" to whom I returned it for troubleshooting. SACDs, including the ones I sent along with the player, played flawlessly when he checked the unit. The unit plays CDs flawlessly
including the CD layer on hybrids. Would appreciate help from anyone who
may have a clue.

drcg

 

[Johnd]

What is the brand, model, and what modifications were made to the unit? If you modded it, it must be a fairly nice unit, so a manufacturing defect is unlikely, but possible. But the mods would void any warranty, so your only recourse is to bring it back to the modder. Why haven't you done that yet?

 

[drcg]

What is the brand, model, and what modifications were made to the unit? If you modded it, it must be a fairly nice unit, so a manufacturing defect is unlikely, but possible. But the mods would void any warranty, so your only recourse is to bring it back to the modder. Why haven't you done that yet?

Thanks for your reply. As mentioned in my post, the unit was returned to the modder for troubleshooting and played flawlessly when tested.

The unit is the Samsung HD 950 with HDMI connection and cable. The stock player sounds quite good on its own and was selected for mods to provide a player that exceeds the sound of some in the $2500.+ class and some even more costly players for significantly less money. At the same time, the mods have improved video quality as well.

Modifications include: replaced stock voltage rail decouple/bypass capacitors in all critical areas with Rubycon ZL/ZA capacitors and rectifiers with a handmade exotic version that uses ultra fast SMD diodes; installed an Exotic Jensen 4-pole Electrolytic capacitor in the power supply to replace the stock smoothing cap; upgraded analogue output stage that replaces the stock output stage with a custom version using Rubycon Capacitors and silver wiring.

In addition, the unit also received an Audiocom Superclock 3 reference clock upgrade. This is a reference quality jitter reduction circuit that replaces the master clock and offers much lower jitter rate than the stock cmos type oscillator.

There is an unconditional lifetime guarantee by the company/person who
completed the mods. Obviously, the Samsung warranty is voided.

I am completely satisfied with the 'high-end' quality sound of this unit. Redbook CD playback is incredibly open, silky smooth, without glare or graininess. The soundstage is wide and deep. Details in the music that were previously missing are dramatically present.

The player is on its way back to me from the modder. I expect SACD playback
will not be a problem. Problems with SACDs themselves, optical pickup and
menu related issues have been ruled out.

drcg

 

[j_garcia]

I have the same problem with specific discs on both of my SACD players. I believe this may be related to the laser assembly alignment or it may be a bad disc, because it is limited to a very small number of discs for me. I'd like to hear if anyone else is having these problems as well.

 

[BostonMark]

Menus?

Hate to ask a couple questions that may be obvious but

1. are all the analog cables plugged in?
and
2. are all the menus for the unit set for SACD output?

other questions

Did the Unit play SACDs well BEFORE the modder modded it?
If it did, I think we both know the answer what happened and who is responsible.

 

[drcg]

Reply to BostonMark

The stock player was thoroughly checked before modding following standard procedures to insure that it worked correctly out of the box. Also, after all mods were completed, the player was bench-tested and played continuously for two days. The unit has a burn-in period of up to 300 hours before it reaches its full potential. The Chesky SACD Hybrid Sampler Disc was used to check playback and the unit performed flawlessly. Both of the individuals who do the mods are highly reputable and very professional. They have numerous satisified customers. I trust them completely and have been impressed with their tech support.

When the player was returned to the modder, all parameters in the set-up menu were readjusted after troubleshooting. I will make sure to set them for SACD playback. All analogue cables are connected. Although there are no adjustments on the Samsung transport, it is possible that it was knocked slightly out of alignment in shipment back and forth. The unit is working fine now.

drcg

 

[Pyrrho]

I have the same problem with specific discs on both of my SACD players. I believe this may be related to the laser assembly alignment or it may be a bad disc, because it is limited to a very small number of discs for me. I'd like to hear if anyone else is having these problems as well.

You guys are sure making me love my Yamaha DVD-C750. I have NEVER had any problems playing SACDs (or any other kind of disc, for that matter). And it sounds great.

 

[jwenthold99]

ok, resurrecting from the dead, but I have a Sony dvd/sacd player that seems to miss the sacd portion of hybrid discs. sacd only seem to be fine, but most of the hybrid discs I put in default to the cd layer. Maybe bumping this up will bring some solutions to light.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Some tips...

I own several SACD players, and they all have major playback issues.
A Pioneer, a Sony, a Denon & a Yamaha.
It's the laser assembly (& lens) that is very delicate and sensitive to the smallest particule of dust,
and vibration (I use squash balls cut in half as insulation feet).
They are very fussy and hard to maintain them fully operative.

* Tip: Clean your lens with a non abrasive lens cleaner (a disc from Allsop).

** Or & also: Spray some compressed air (like for your computer), into the opening of the player's drawer, towards the lens, and by using the small plastic straw that attaches to the can's noozle.

*** Other tip: Remove the top cover of your player, and use a Q-tip slightly moisten with
isopropyl alcohol (remove the excess with your finger).
Then apply very gently (with great care, without applying any force) to the lens only.
<< Just a gentle touch, that's all.>>
Use the other side to dry the excess that might be left on the lens.
---> Don't forget to turn your player OFF, by unplugging the power cord.
( Remove the player of his cabinet, if you have too, which is preferable and recommended).
And do this, once or twice a year (in particular if there is a smoker in the house, then, twice a year is not too much).

))) Remember, laser assembly are a very delicate part of any player, more so from an SACD player
(CD recorders also).

Good luck to all & take great care of your love ones too,

Bob......... and keep on playing those SACDs, cause they sound damn good.

 

[j_garcia]

ok, resurrecting from the dead, but I have a Sony dvd/sacd player that seems to miss the sacd portion of hybrid discs. sacd only seem to be fine, but most of the hybrid discs I put in default to the cd layer. Maybe bumping this up will bring some solutions to light.

There should be a setting for which format to default to, so if it is set to CD and you put in a hybrid, it will default to that but with a disc that is not hybrid it goes to the first one found.

You guys are sure making me love my Yamaha DVD-C750. I have NEVER had any problems playing SACDs (or any other kind of disc, for that matter). And it sounds great.

I got replacement discs for those that had issues and the issues went away. They were bad discs.

 

[jwenthold99]

There should be a setting for which format to default to, so if it is set to CD and you put in a hybrid, it will default to that but with a disc that is not hybrid it goes to the first one found.

I will have to check that. I have been the setup menu many many times, and I don't recall having that option. I will double check though. Most likely the player is just getting old, it is circa '02

 

[jwenthold99]

I checked the owners manual, and there is not a default choice for hybrid discs... must be a laser issue of some sort. Time to start saving for the Oppo BDP-83. or upgrade my receiver so I can access SACD over HDMI from my 80GB PS3.