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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
russ751 OP
38 posts
 

That’s a very kind offer stereo5. I would very much appreciate a copy of the service manual. Hopefully it will help me to better understand the problem and help me to decide where to go from the place where I am at now. My email is russ751@comcast.net. 

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,261 posts
 

@russ751 ,

 

I just sent out both schematics and service manual.  Hope it works out for you.

 

Bob

steelhead
318 posts
 

Russ,

He runs Music Technology and on the website he does list sacd/cd repair service. I have a lot of respect for Bill and if he can take it on I am confident that he can fix it if the special alignment jig is not required for the repair.  Otherwise I guess you are stuck with dealing with Esoteric (Although Teac will never touch my reel to reel again God willing).

 

In any event I wish you the best and hope you can resolve it with as little pain as possible.  I did not come here to slag other players but the Esoteric handily made other players seem anemic.  My buddy had an Oppo that a lot of folks oohed and aahed over and the Esoteric was so superior it was laughable. Of course at the price it better be, right?

Seriously Man, Good Luck and let us know how the dust settles.

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 

None of this helps me to understand what is happening with my K-01.

As I said before lasers have limited and unpredictable lifespans. My trusted audio dealer would not buy or sell used CD players for this very reason. You are out of warranty, any trusted repair shop can repair your unit (unless parts are unavailable) and they can tell you that in short order. Good luck.

jafant
18,831 posts
 

russ751

 

Yes, keep me posted as well. I own a sweet DV-50 player. There will come a time when it will require repair/service per Esoteric/TAP Electronics. Hoping yours is a small issue that can be resolved with a local repair Technician.

 

Happy Listening!

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