Sony SCD XA 1200 ES repair options

[Esque]

I have a Sony SCD XA1200ES here, recently bought on the used market. Unfortunately, it turned out not to be all that good.

When I first tested it, the hybrid layer of SACDs was not recognized, a lot of ticking/skipping, slow loading, toc errors, stopping playing halfway, etc.

The seller did not want it back and refunded part of it. That’s why I decided to try a few things myself:

- Removed dust from the laser with a cotton swab. This did not make any difference.

- B0 > B01 > B02 performed in the service menu. (With a regular hybrid SACD)

Now it recognizes the hybrid side of a SACD again and I can play it. But it still has trouble playing anything with the tiniest mark or scratch. Also some spotless CD’s are skipping at some point.

The part number for the laser is not available anymore. However since its fine playing the SACD layer, Ive got slight hope.

But what are my options? Would performing B0 > B1 >B2 with a official CD help any. And if so, which one and where to get it. The service manual did not disclose it.

Any info would be much appreciated.

 

[AnalogSteph]

Does the unit play any better if turned upside down? Could be the classic duff spindle motor if so. You can try giving that a drop of light oil at the spindle.

 

[JeffS7444]

I found this blog post where changing a ~$5 ribbon cable corrected the problem.
https://ameblo.jp/ko-chikun/entry-12270755449.html
This doesn't appear to involve unplugging the laser diode itself, because if it did, there are special procedures which must be observed, as laser diodes are easily damaged.

Replacement cables, lasers pickup, even complete transports may be available via eBay or AliExpress.

 

[Esque]

I found this blog post where changing a ~$5 ribbon cable corrected the problem.
https://ameblo.jp/ko-chikun/entry-12270755449.html
This doesn't appear to involve unplugging the laser diode itself, because if it did, there are special procedures which must be observed, as laser diodes are easily damaged.

Replacement cables, lasers pickup, even complete transports may be available via eBay or AliExpress.

Ive translated the article and if im reading it correctly. He openend up the machine, broke the FCC cable removing the drive mechanism and has replaced it.

Or am I missing something?