CD/DVD Player Clicking

[MGailing]

Ok - I just picked up my Yamaha MCR-E600 and the first disc I put in it causes the cd/dvd tray to start clicking as if it were trying to focus the lazer over and over. It sounds louder with burned cds/dvds and quieter with mint, store bought cds. I took it in for repair and the tech said he didnt hear anything (which is total crap - its louded than my music at low volumes!). Anyway, does anyone have any idea how and why this is happening? The electronics in the unit are quite nice - what do I do?! I cant listen to my music at low volumes!

 

[furrycute]

There is probably something wrong with the spinning mechanism. Can you still exchange it for another unit?

 

[MGailing]

Sadly, I cannot. It was a gift for Christmas and the company it was bought from is not an authorized dealer - my warranty is thus void. In addition to that, Etronics.com (where it was purchased) never emails me back when I ask to exchange the item - HORRIBLE business - never buy from them. So im stuck with a unit that makes a loud clicking noise and the stupid tech around here doesnt hear it! Makes me wonder if he even looked at it...

Are there any easy fix-it tips? Im pretty good with electronics - ive fixed DVD players and what not before, but if there is no elegant way to repair this, then i guess im just screwed.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Sadly, I cannot. It was a gift for Christmas and the company it was bought from is not an authorized dealer - my warranty is thus void. In addition to that, Etronics.com (where it was purchased) never emails me back when I ask to exchange the item - HORRIBLE business - never buy from them. So im stuck with a unit that makes a loud clicking noise and the stupid tech around here doesnt hear it! Makes me wonder if he even looked at it...

Are there any easy fix-it tips? Im pretty good with electronics - ive fixed DVD players and what not before, but if there is no elegant way to repair this, then i guess im just screwed.

Have you tried to call them? What condition was the box in? Did it look like an open box resold?
I would do a few things with it but you, without experience, I cannot recommend pulling the cover.

 

[furrycute]

I know the now discontinued Philips 963 DVD player used to make this kind of loud clicking noise. And the spinning mechanism or the disc reader would inevitably die not long afterwards. It was a defect that was very common in that model.

Aside from replacing the whole drive assembly, I don't see how else you can fix it.

Have you tried to put it into an enclosed cabinet with a glass front door? That may reduce the noise you can hear.

 

[MGailing]

The box was fine and at first glance it didnt look like it had been touched. After messing with it for a while, I noticed some of the typical wrapping paper around the items were missing which makes me think this was either a refurb unit or someone opened it up and put it back - who knows - that doesnt help me really.

As for calling Yamaha - I called them and they said that its def. not right and that I should get a replacement. Only thing is, I cant get one! No warranty and the tech out here for Yamaha doesnt seem to hear it - everyone hears it but him - even the person as the front desk!

I have experience with repairs, but like I said earlier, it would have to be somewhat easy - I dont think id have the guts to do some serious soldering...

 

[MDS]

My Onkyo DVD player does the same thing occasionally, although it is not a loud click. When I hear it, the screen usually says 'Skipping Bad Disc Area'. I really doubt there is a bad area on the disc as it happens on many discs.

I've never ever had a problem with Onkyo receivers, but the dvd player (which I believe is a re-badged Pioneer) is pretty poor.

 

[MGailing]

Thanks for all of your responses - the clicking is getting louder and louder now - to the point that it is drowning out moderately loud music.

I know this thing needs to be replaced, but I dread to think of how much it is going to cost to put a new cd/dvd player in that can do as much as it does.