Repair a Sony SCD 777ES?

-- to dgarretson, czbbcl, or anyone who can answer...

Please describe the proper method to disconnect the ribbon harness on the Sony SCD-1 to remove the top cover. I tugged on the harness and it did not come loose, so I just rested the top cover on a box about the same size as the CDP and left the harness connected while doing some of the maintenance described by member dgarretson.


SCD-1/777ES Transport Maintenance

1. Tilt up top cover at rear of CDP and disconnect ribbon harness that secures top cover to Main Board at front of CDP. Remove cover and set aside.

dgarretson,
Thank you for the response. This was helpful.

Can you provide the name of the OEM manufacturer for the sled motor ?

"11. If you continue to have read problems, then replace the sled motor, which has been discontinued as a Sony part but is still available from OEM manufacturer."

I still listen to CDs as well as vinyl. The SCD-1 is the best digital source I have. So I am very motivated to get it working again without issues. It would be a shame for a $3 motor to prevent enjoying this excellent CDP.

Hopefully, the sled motor can be replaced. There are 2 reputable electronic repair shops within 25 miles of where I live. The Sony recommended repair facility is in NY (United Radio Service). Did not get a good feeling about sending it there after I called.

I tried to remove the transport assembly to perform the maintenance recommended by dgarretson. Two corner screws came out easily with the correct screw driver, but I messed up the head on the other 2 screws with the wrong size screw driver and cannot get them to loosen.  Lesson learned. I am going to the local repair shop next week.

Thanks jafant for encouragement on the SCD-1 repair!
To all on this thread who care to provide feedback...

I went to a local repair shop and described the symptoms.
Without looking at the unit, the technician concluded the problem is with the reader (lens assembly) and not likely the sled motor.
Do you agree?

The symptoms are listed below.


Dec 2016 problem with SACD & RBCD playback. Also, an occasional thumping noise inside CDP occurs. The noise can be heard across the room.

Intermittent error: No Disk
If play starts after loading a CD it will usually play all the way to the end.

If play does not start then eventually the "No Disk" error will occur.
I can hear the disk spinning during the load process.

When attempting to select a specific track, the track number shows on display but eventually, the "No Disk" error occurs.

jafant-
I purchased the SCD-1 in 2003 from J&R Music World.
The build date is Sep 2001.
I'll keep Pyramid Audio in mind.  However, Texas is not close.  I am in the south eastern coast.
The local repair shop tech stated he will search for a replacement lens assembly.  Waiting to hear back.  In the meantime I cleaned and lubed the sled rails again.  Its working better today but still making a thumping noise.

Hi jafant,
 Yes.  I sent the SCD-1 to Music Technology in Virginia for diagnosis and repair several weeks ago.  Still waiting to hear back.

Thanks for asking.  Will update this post when I know more.

jafant and all,
I am very happy to report that Bill Thalmann at MusicTechnology repaired my SCD-1 player. It plays great now.

Per Bill "disassembled, cleaned and repaired gear bearing surfaces to get friction levels back to normal."

jafant -
 Any contact info for Sony customer service in Michigan?  
Trying to find out if anyone has the Sony reference discs used to calibrate the laser assembly for SCD1 and SCD-777ES.

BTW, what player are you using for SACD?

stereo5, Your SCD777ES may be very repairable. The one I repaired required some work on Gear C in the transport assembly. It would not spin on the shaft which caused the read problem. I used a fine 3 mm round file to open up the bore hole. As I understand, the nylon gears over time become too tight and friction on the shaft causes problems. I also purchased a brass gear on eBay from seller igorek50 for future replacement. It tested fine after bit of filing on the bore hole.
Dgarretson post was very helpful on how to remove the transport assy for the diagnostic.