Expert: Cleggsan - 11/17/2010

Question
QUESTION: i've had the adcom gdc-700 cd player since 1997. it plays a cd for about 5 mins and starts crackling (sounds like a speaker problem, but not)continues like that for a minute and then skips to the next cd and crackles. When i stop it and start another time it works again for the first 5 minutes. i tried the cd cleaner thing, didn't help.  The cd player is hooked up to Adcom gtp 540 and a gfa 5300 amp.
thank you,
laksmi

ANSWER: My guess is the laser diode in the optical pickup has become so weak it no longer provides a strong enough signal for error-free digital to analog conversion.  They don't last forever.

It is repairable by having the optical pickup replaced but the cost is greater than the price of a new player.

Or, it could be the digital processor is not functioning properly as the digital stream comes in from the optical pickup.  But, it is most likely to be the laser diode; it is uncommon for one to last as long as you have had it - since 1997!

Those are my thoughts.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank You, in your opinion should i add a cd player to the other adcom pieces (are they too old ) or just go out and buy a new set up. I won't be able to replace this in quality and don't have more than $400. to spend tops. any suggestions?  Many Thanks!!!!!!!!!!
lakmsi

Answer
Keep the amps.  They last forever..... mostly.  CD players are good for an average of 3 or 4 years under normal conditions.  But a very inexpensive cd player will sound as good as an older expensive model due to the great improvements that have been made in technology over the last few years.

In fact, you can buy a single cd player (portable) at Walmart for $9.99 and play it through your fine audio system and you will be surprised how good it will sound.  A better cd player, maybe $30 or more would sound very acceptable in my opinion.

Best wishes.