2. digital
  3. 1240366638

Sony 777ES Cleaning

I have a Sony 777ES, yesterday it started not to read the various discs I was trying to play. It was a hit and miss with respects to reading SACD's or regular CD's, that was my first clue that all was not well. I mean what are the chances that both lasers went out at the same time (SACD & CD) right? Well I decided to go where most men have never gone before, THE OWNERS MANUAL. In it I found detailed information on how to clean the units "Turntable". Basically you hold a dry cotton swab or Q-Tip on the "Turntable" while turning it with your finger. After a few revolutions and three or four Q-Tips later just to make sure I really cleaned it well, I was ready for the acid test. Presto!!! The 777ES was back up to speed and reading the CD's perfectly again. I was all set to do the usual research when buying a new or replacement unit, but as it turns out the 777ES will be with me for a while. I'm a vinyl guy and am not all that critical when it comes to digital so the 777ES serves my purposes. Bottom line.......Know your manual or it could cost you!

Regards,
Nocaster
nocaster

Showing 5 responses by nocaster

nocaster OP
52 posts
 
Hello

The turntable they refer to in the manual is the little part or platter the actual CD rests on (About the size of a quarter). It has the little brass stem that sticks out in the middle that they brass weight installs onto. It's also a little elevated from the actuall CD compartment base. Basically just open the cover like your getting ready to install a CD, take a DRY Q-Tip and place it on the little platter and while applying light pressure with the Q-Tip place your finger on the edge of the platter and spin it at the same time. I took the liberty of cleaning the platter and the brass section of the platter at the same time. The whole procedure took 3 minutes, now the unit is working perfectly again. Some debris must have built up in this area over the years. Basically the procedure is like a miniaturized version of cleaning your vinyl with a record cleaning machine like a VPI. Let me know how you make out or if you have any other questions. I hope this will solve your problem as it did mine.

Regards,

Nocaster
nocaster OP
52 posts
 
Hello,

Glad to be of help. Too bad Sony has quick the SACD format, once again hanging people out to dry as they did with Beta vs VHS. Please inform me of the details of the upgrades you mentioned, my machine is 100% stock at this point. Also if you could advise in terms of where you had the work done and the approximate cost. In retrospect now that your 777 has been upgraded, if you had to do it again would you have spent 3 or 4k on a new machine. Perhaps a Moon 3.3 or whatever...........

Regards,

nocaster
nocaster OP
52 posts
 
Hello

Thank you for the info. I think I'm going to take the plunge and work it around my holidays so that I don't miss the unit while I'm away. I actually contacted Allen in Europe via e-mail last night, he said that in modified form level 6 or the new 7 the SCD 777ES is pretty much the best sounding player out there. I'm very excited to do the mods. I'll keep you posted.

Regards,

Nocaster
nocaster OP
52 posts
 
Hi again,

I figure I'll send the 777 in for the mods while I'm vacation in June. That way it will be waiting for me when I get back. The other agonizing decision I'm facing is regarding my amp (Mcintosh 2102). Mcintosh has a promo on right now where as long as you trade up they will give you 75% of the retail price you paid back toward your new Mcintosh unit. I'm looking at the new MC2301 Monoblocs, 300 watts per side and tubes! Not sure though has traditionally I have always believed in upgrading source equipment first, such as cartridges, tables, CD players etc...My system is very musical, especially with the Sonus Faber Guarneri. However I wouldn't mind a little more punch, your thoughts are welcome.

Regards,

Nocaster
nocaster OP
52 posts
 
Hello

Thank you for the very good advise. I have to wait for June to carry out the level 7 performance mods for the Sony. The parts are not in yet but when I spoke to Warren Gregoire he said he should have the parts by June. In the meantime I have been doing some research and asking questions. Some people have said when the time comes go with 2 501's, others have said to add another 2102and bridge them. I'm a little leary of having a SS Amp and a tube preamp. Of course there are the MC2301's , but I cannot immagine needing more than 2 2102's would offer. Especially when you consider the price difference. I know what you mean about musical, my 2102 is very musical as is the whole system at this point. Sometimes adding big watts makes the system more dynamic but also a bit lazy to respond to delicate passages and tones. Decisions desicions, in the end I'll probably have another 2102 as well as the modded 777. Your thoughts welcome as always. Hope all is well with you.

Regards,
Nocaster
More to discover