California Audio Labs Icon

Since this version is not a Mk II I would just walk away and keep your $$$ in your pocket.  However, if it was a Mk II with the factory Power Boss power supply upgrade then I would enthusiastically recommend a complete rehab... 

Sorry for the double post.

I had a Cal Icon MK2 many years age and I really liked it. Eventually the laser went bad, and I wanted to replace it, but it was hard to get so I gave up on it and bought a new cd player, which I had for quite a while. When that one started to give me problems, I purchased an Oppo 105 and the upgraded to the 205. They sound good and the build quality is excellent. They are universal players and Oppo still services them, even though they don't make them anymore. I haven't had any problems with either one. Sacs sound great and sometimes I watch concert videos with it and play the sound through my stereo. It's built for surround sound too. A friend of mine wanted to buy a new inexpensive CD player. I recommended he buy a used Oppo 103, Which he did and is really happy with it.

I had a Cal Icon mk2 cd player many years ago and I really liked it, but it finally wouldn't read CDs anymore. I tried to buy a new laser to repair it but it was hard to get, so I gave up and bought a tube cd player. When that started giving me problems, I then bought an Oppo 105 and then upgrade to the 205. Great players and the build quality is excellent. A friend of mine wanted to buy a new inexpensive CD player and I recommended a used Oppo 103 which he purchased for not much money. He loves it and they still service them if needed. but I never had a problem with either of the ones I purchased. I have concert videos and can play them and listen to the sound through my stereo, which is nice. Sacds also sound really good through it too.

Judsauce - who did the work on your old Kavent?  I have an old CAL Aria that still plays great but sometimes the drawer sticks and one of the display numerals has a section out.  Replacing the laser also sounds like a good idea.  Still I'm thinking about a Luxman but wonder if the $$$ would bring any sound improvement from the CAL.

@judsauce - correct replacing the laser is always good as these things eventually ear down.  Upgrading power supply caps and a few key resistors takes units to a entire new level.

Happy Listening

@bigkidz +1

They replaced a laser in an old Kavent CD 731 CD player. Breath of life in a great older player that would have unwarrantly hit the trash. Playing like new every day. The key to bringing the old stuff to life is finding the right doctor.

My CAL icon mk Ii died many many years ago. Easily replaced and bettered even then.

Streaming is where it’s at these days. Rip your CDs and play with Roon. Or just keep it simple and buy a good quality new cd player. The technology overall has come a long way. DACs in particular. Top notch sound need not cost much.

.....take the deduct and run.....If asked why, say that it's disgusting to listen to the point of physical pain and move on....;)

Repair only if very cheap. 

IMO yes get it repaired and upgraded. How much do you want to spend?  You can add better power supply capacitors and upgrade key resistors making what was a very good CDP competitive in todays marketplace. We recently did an old Cary SACD player with over 100 parts.  Damm if it does not knock our socks off.

Happy Listening.

Over many decades I have owned lots of CD players (including a CA Labs) so many improvements since those days and a tremendous reduction in price makes repair a waste of $$$. Case in point, I recently bought a Shanling ET3 transport (MSRP $729) and am blown away everytime spin another CD. They also make a CD player and a player that also plays SACDs

Highly recommended

Ha, I figured that much. Thanks.....

I'd say donate it to the Smithsonian and move on.