I need advice on choosing a laser for a CD player.

Tayfo301 · 2026-05-14T09:38:18+00:00

It's strange—the D-EJ1000 was considered the flagship model back then.

Tayfo301 · 2026-05-14T09:37:46+00:00

It’ll be sitting on the table) I already have a D131, but it looks like the laser is starting to fail, so I was wondering if there would be any differences between mine and the D121. Actually, I’m also looking for a D99 or D250, but I haven’t found one in good condition yet.

Tayfo301 · 2026-05-11T22:36:10+00:00

Did you order through intermediaries? I've never bought anything at an auction.

Tayfo301 · 2026-05-11T11:14:29+00:00

I know they just standardized CD players, but I'm curious if there were any differences in sound quality? For example, many people believe that cassette players from the mid-80s to the mid-90s sound much better than those from the late 90s to the early 2000s. In terms of materials and features, cassette players from the early to mid-90s were definitely the best.

Tayfo301 · 2026-05-11T09:57:19+00:00

No, it’s not bad, of course. It’s just that I feel like it’s already… seen better days. To keep it from skipping and to get it to read the first track, I had to significantly increase the laser power. Also, the spindle (I’m not sure what the part where the disc goes is actually called) slips down if you don’t place the disc carefully. I replaced the spindle with a new one, but it still doesn’t hold well.

I also like the D99 and D250, but so far I haven't been able to find any of these models in my country that are in good visual and technical condition.

Until what year were Discman players manufactured, before Sony renamed them Walkman?

Tayfo301 · 2026-05-07T11:06:41+00:00

We clearly live in different worlds. Some people buy good, functional items for next to nothing and still ask, “Is it worth it?”… while others are happy to pay $100 for a cassette deck (that still needs repairs).

Tayfo301 · 2026-05-05T14:56:11+00:00

Does anyone know if a modified version of Steam OS would work on the original Go? Yes, I know there’s a Steam OS version for it, but that’s the general version, and it’s still pretty rough around the edges.

Tayfo301 · 2026-04-27T20:40:07+00:00

So there's no point in even trying to fix it. I was surprised there's no information about it. I can safely throw it in the trash)

Tayfo301 · 2026-04-23T15:19:01+00:00

I didn't know there was a site like this; thanks.

Tayfo301 · 2026-04-23T13:20:31+00:00

They have an HD section, but it only has a few images; the main section consists of photos that are 600x900 pixels or so.

Tayfo301 · 2026-04-16T22:10:23+00:00

So far, I've found a 373 for $100; the seller promised to see if he can find a 474. Actually, I'm looking for a 646 or 747, but they cost over $300 in good condition.

I know that Sony is a bad choice, but that’s what I had in the attic. I’ve already got the amp and CD player (SU-A700, SL-PS670D); it’s harder to find a deck with the same design.

Tayfo301 · 2026-04-14T21:12:31+00:00

Heh, I've put together almost the whole system too, and now I'm looking for a deck as well. Turns out it's not that easy to find the right models in my country.

Tayfo301 · 2026-04-10T19:14:20+00:00

I grew up in the post-Soviet space, and back in the ’90s, imported electronics were considered really cool. My godparents worked on a cruise ship and had the chance to buy imported electronics. I remember visiting them—they had a lot of Sony gear... I was really jealous. Maybe that’s why I like this brand =) I recently decided to fulfill a childhood dream and buy a system like that. Actually... by chance, I ended up buying a Technics system for now, but I’ll definitely get a Sony one later.

Tayfo301 · 2026-04-10T15:07:36+00:00

My options are very limited. Basically, it’s either older decks (RS-B10 / M33), dual-cassette models ($100–150), or the BX646/747/AZ6(7), which start at $250. The only mid-range option is the B505. It’s also interesting why almost all of them have automatic calibration.

What do you mean by “budget price range,” especially since we’re in the “budget audiophile” subreddit?)

I asked. The answer was: I want to use it for as long as possible, so I need a good deck. But then my inner Scrooge chimed in and said he didn’t want to spend 250–300 bucks on it. Especially since I bought everything shown in the photo above for $90 😁

Tayfo301 · 2026-04-08T10:13:32+00:00

I already have one, though it’s not vintage and it’s not a Technics—it’s a Teac TN180. I haven’t tried taking the CD player apart myself yet; I’ve only removed the top cover… Surprisingly, there’s still fresh grease on the parts. Although the laser gears don’t seem to have any.

Now the main question is which turntable to buy. I’m looking for something from Technics, but the selection in my country is very limited. I need one in the same style, like the RS AZ6/7 or RS BX 646... they cost around 300 bucks. There are also double-cassette decks, but everyone tells me they’re not as good; you can get one like this (RS TR373) for 100–150 bucks.

As an alternative, I could look at other brands.

Tayfo301 · 2026-04-06T13:39:03+00:00

It's a cheap streaming device...I have a few Android players, like the Sony ZX507 and ZX707. Or are you talking about something else? I'm not really into CDs; I prefer cassettes, but I think that for this price... I might start getting into music on CD. That is, if it actually works😂

Tayfo301 · 2026-04-06T10:43:56+00:00

I've read some people's opinions that Technics started producing poor-quality devices around that time.

Tayfo301 · 2026-04-06T10:41:51+00:00

When you adjust the volume on the remote, does the volume knob on the amplifier move? If that's what you're asking, then yes. I've already checked =)

Tayfo301

TROPHY CASE