Mark Levinson 39 Drawer problem

emtrey

much appreciated! Unfortunately, I just tried the calibration procedure and I got "Failed" on the display. So I think I am doomed...

And you are correct with the expensive service: A while ago, I had my 333 serviced. Good work - repaired, new caps and updated to the latest version but paid over $2,000 for it.
I am not sure if I want to go that route with the 39...

Again - many thanks

emtrey,
Thanks. Can you tell me how to calibrate the drawer? I am not familiar with the process.

Agreed - Thanks

@justmetoo:
I already cleaned the rails/rod before. They were sticky, indeed. However, the posted results of my calibration process are from after the cleaning process.
Thanks for your input.

Michélle

indeed a pity! I am going to replace one other component as a last resort. If that fails, I am doomed...

S.

I appreciate your passion, and I have not given up (yet). I still own another CD player so I have a backup solution. On the other hand, "ianrmack""is right: The unit is 20+ years old...
Unfortunately, the unit is very difficult to service as the PCB is multilayer, so any soldering effort is easily compromised. My experience with ML when it comes to service is not good, as also expressed in this forum several times. I can appreciate that ML tries to protect their service agents, but they should make service manuals available for old models (they used to do this but stopped when - I believe - Harman International acquired them). This and the associated cost if you need to go to a service agent are definitely reasons for me not to purchase any new ML anymore.
I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Michélle

most of my equipment s from the 90s as well and I am quite happy with it. I concur that subsequent research in semiconductors and circuit designs should yield to better audible results when comparing new products with the ones I own. On the other hand, I am happy with what I got (mostly ML) and enjoy my music. Just a shame that the 39 won't do anymore.
Thank you for your thoughts

Michélle

I will keep you posted. My other unit is a 31.5 so I have means to listen to good music right now...

Update (as promised): Long story short: The 39 works again! I had several issues to deal with. First, I fixed a bad solder point with the result that the drawer started working (open and close). Then I had to deal with the non-spinning disk problem: There was a bad connection between the mainboard and the D/A board. Interesting enough, without connecting the D/A board, the CD would not spin. 
After a thorough cleaning and full assembly I tested the unit today on my system. Works great!

George, @justmetoo thank you! I am glad that I was able to resolve this. Looking forward to many listening hours...

My 39 did not give me any further trouble since last reporting here. I only replaced the drawer belt and spent $50 for an original ML part. This certainly qualifies for extortion by ML, but I could not find a suitable belt elsewhere. 
Have fun with your 39