You have been very wise to purchase the extra laser assemblies, however there are several things that go out on these players, especially the SCD-1. It would be my luck something other than the dual laser assembly is the problem. In my case, mine plays SACDs, but will not play CDs. I have been told this is an unusual problem, as most fail first on the SACD side! I just know, one of these days, I am going to get really lucky and meet some nice person that knows all about my SCD-1 and he is going to tell me, sure, I can get it back up and running, and it won't cost me $1,000.00 to get it done, until that day, I will just spin the SACDs on it. One thing is for sure, it will never go back to Laredo Texas!
Having personally repaired and recalibrated at least a dozen different SCD-777ESs, and SCD-1s over the years, I'm very aware of all of the common failure modes for these players. And yes, the laser is only one of its 3 big weak points. However those two players feature a unique transport which proved to have weaknesses that more conventional transports do not. And the XA5400 does not share this transport. So a spare laser assembly, combined with a service manual will likely be sufficient for an ailing 5400 in the future.
----------------------------------------- I am with you on that! IF I could - I would also like the Pioneer SACD - CD player PD-70AE - take an look at the innards of this work of art. It is NOT made for U.S. markets. Do not buy the Japan models - they operate at 100 volts. Plug that in here it will FRY. Hmmm - maybe I can get underwood to modify it. Another is the Denon DCD 2500NE - not for U.S. markets. I DO feel slighted!
I hear you I wish we had more options for affordable SACD players. Someone mentioned the Marantz SA-12 available in Japan. I am hoping maybe when the Ruby is done they will offer the SA-12 here at a more affordable price, say under $3000.
Both the Pioneer PD-70AE and the Denon DCD 2500NE are available for the UK market. Heck, both models are also available in a tiny market such as Hong Kong. Yet, in a relatively large market such as the US, we don't get the good stuff. So I will quote Marvin Gaye....What's going on?
I auditioned a mint 5400 a few years ago next to a Marantz SA8005. The Marantz sounded much better, it wasn't close. Superior dynamics and transparency. The 5400 sounded smooth and nice but dull compared to the 8005. Unless Marantz made a back slide with the SA KI Ruby it should be light years ahead of the Sony.
A salesman I know pretty well at my local hifi shop told me that he heard the Ruby at a customer's house and was blown away. He couldn't stop saying good things about it, and he's usually a man of few words.
The Sony XA-5400's sound really started competing with the most expensive digital front-ends when modded.
I've never heard a 5400. But I own a (now broken) SCD-1, and I can attest that this was definitely true with that model of Sony. Stock SDC-1s sounded great, but with the right mods, these could sound amazing.
------------------------------------------------- SA12 - in Japan.......I called Marantz - this is not going to happen. And Pioneer said - I will not see an 120 volt unit Pioneer PD-70AE The reason: The U.S. market is all about MP3 compressed music; ear buds and personal audio devices. Equipment as being discussed on this forum is very popular in Europe and Asia. Not my opinion that's what was said to me on the phone.
---------------------------------------------------- If that should ever happen - please post the details here. I can use it for an Cayin SCD -50T SACD player now an dumb 38 pound box of fine electronics. I also have extra transports/laser for the Disc players. Replaced the ribbon cables, verified the soldering, the ground, cleaned the connections, tuned the laser and verified motor speed. IT no longer 'knows' what to do when a button is pressed. All I get is 'no disc' and invalid No repair facility desires to repair it including the Cayin manager in Germany
I purchased this locally at The Audio Connection last week and am very happy With it! Beautiful audio! Purchase price was much lower than Music Direct. My stereo dealer says the break- in time is about 100 hours. He also mentioned that this player sounds much better with an amp That is not Marantz
I don't see The Audio Connection listed as an authorized dealer on the Marantz website. Is this correct? If not authorized, I believe Marantz will not honor the 5 year warranty.
I think he was referring to the Marantz Ruby Integrated. For some reason The sacd player sounded better with other options....
I just spoke with John at the Audio Connection. He said he has been an authorized Marantz dealer for 5 years...
What a nice looking player! I'm sure it sounds excellent. Enjoy ! Will the Pearl Lite be available in the US? What is the price in USD? Thanks!
Thats good. Double checking with Marantz by phone just to be sure might be good to do. Maybe their website is out of date.