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Esoteric VRDS-NEO not reading discs

I have an Esoteric K-01 cd/sacd player that is around 7 years old.  Recently the transport tray began to have a problem.  It would only open part way on the first 3 trys.  I was told that it needed a new transport drive belt, so I replaced the belt and the tray opened fine.  However, now the laser does not read the disc consistently.  It has played fine for a few hours, but most of the time it reads "no disc" or "disc error."   have contacted Esoteric and there only response is that I need to send the unit to an authorized Esoteric repair center.  They also have told me that the service manual is not for sale to the public.  This unit has been off Warranty for many years.  The cost to send it to the repair center is over $100 each way.

All this trouble for a part that costs around $0.40 for a generic replacement, and $16 for an authentic belt from Esoteric.  This player cost around $20k new and it is  rendered inoperable after 7 years because of the failure of a cheap belt. I do not think I should have to pay hundreds of dollars to have it repaired.  It does not seem fair to me that Esoteric will not help me to fix this problem myself.

What do you think?  Is there anyone out there who can help me to understand what the problem is with the laser not reading discs properly?  I am willing to pay someone for their help.

russ751
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,141 posts
 

The are several threads about Esoterics authorized repair centers.  WARNING, you will not enjoy reading them.

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 

Lasers have a limited lifespan. If it's not on its way out, it might need to be re-aligned. Count yourself lucky that you can get service or a replacement part if you need one. 7 years is a pretty good run, how many years do you think is the right amount for free repairs and shipping? 

fiesta75
1,378 posts
 

My experience with CD players not reading discs is the laser is getting weak or failed. I’ve had problems like you describe on other manufacturers but have no knowledge about Esoteric. Good luck!

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,265 posts
 

I do not think shipping your CD player to Esoteric for around $200 both ways is too much for a 20K product is unreasonable. Your player has the same transport as mine, the VRDS NEO which is one of the best on the market.  If it is a laser problem, they use a special alignment jig to repair. Most likely in your DIY repair you bumped something in the laser assembly and it now needs to be realigned.    It does have to go back to Esoteric as no one else has that jig.  
 

Think about repairing an exotic car, it’s the same scenario.  I would bite the bullet and ship it out.  Otherwise, you now have a 20K boat anchor.  

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cleeds
5,656 posts
 

stereo5

I do not think shipping your CD player to Esoteric for around $200 both ways is too much for a 20K product is unreasonable...

+1. I know it can sting, but I consider occasional costs such as this just part of the hobby, even if obviously it's not the fun part. A product such as the Esoteric deserves the best service available, and it's a very specialized product.

Think about repairing an exotic car, it’s the same scenario.

Yes, it's part of the cost of ownership.

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