SACD issue needs solution!

[NorthStar]

All right, I need help!

I got several SACD players. But one of them is giving me much problem, and it's been like that for over a year now.
It's the Denon DVD-1920 Universal DVD player.
Everything's playing exactly the way it should be, except for that one particular issue.
-> When putting an SACD in the player, it always goes to the CD layer, even with the player programmed to play the SACD layer!!!
And it won't access the SACD layer from the menu setup!!!

The only way that I can play the SACD layer is to eject the disc then close back the door then eject again and ... keep at it for up to 50 times!!! like that, till it will eventually switch to the SACD layer.

I did clean the laser lens with all the professional methods that I know of. Anyway, it's only this SACD thing that is screwed up, everything else is fine.

I should say that I'm pretty good normally at resolving my own issues, as I did fix other SACD players in the past that would not play properly (they simply needed lens cleaning by opening the player, that's all, but this Denon is very stubborn).

Lesse, what else can I say that would help you guys to help me...
I guess that's about it, just that SACD layer issue. And like I already said, that SACD setup button from my remote won't simply do no good, as when that CD layer is there it shows "operation not available" by a little red logo.
And yes my remote is fully loaded with fresh batteries (just in case someone ask).

If someone here can help me out on that by coming up with the right solution, I would sincerely and immensely appreciate.

* If not, the Denon name is going to take a HUGE downgrade in my book, cuz I'm very close to that final verdict now.

Yamaha is already down hill with few broken components and from poor feature's implementations on some of their products.
Now Denon is on the block, next to take the fall.
After that, Onkyo is under scrutiny, but still good to go.
Marantz, still good to go too, but not everywhere, you gotta know your environment and your options with an eagle's eye.

Sony is already dead a long time ago, same as Harman Kardon.

OK now, back to that Denon DVD-1920 frootloop machine; anyone, any idea, anyhow, anyway, anywhere???

[NorthStar]

Oh!, I forgot, Pioneer is also still go. ...But it was a close call at one point (I took care of the issue myself).
But you know what, Pioneer is weird sometimes in their implementations of Dacs and digital sections, not quite Catholic at times. Here too you have to know your environment & options.

All right, your turn now.

[UT-Driven]

Only thing I can think of is that it is a borderline laser issue and it has problems reading the SACD layer most of the time. Sorry that I can't be of more help.

Doug

[NorthStar]

Yes Doug I hear you loud & clear, that is also what I suspect.

You know Doug, Unuversal DVD players don't last forever cuz of that extra adjustment that the laser lens has to perform in order to play several disc formats, and the SACD ones are some tough puppies indeed.
I am quite calibrated in electronics, but laser lens assemblies, no way.
Same for transports from CD recorders where the laser lens has to do some magic tricks and circus extravaganzas in order to finalyse, read, record, play, and all that Jazz.

These are tough components to maintain in good operating order for any reasonable amount of time. And when I cannot fix my own equipment myself I got frustrated and I learn to adjust my coordinates next time.
But I'm very stubborn, and will give it a fight till the very end; I will try my entire bag of tricks, till one of us finaly give up. It usually ends up in a draw, we both fell & fail.

And I already did what I know best with that 1920; I opened up the top cover and cleaned very gently the laser lens using a Q-tip slightly impregnated with isopropyl alcohol (I know exactly the score from A to B).

Thanks anyway Doug for trying.

Anyone else?

[jmilton]

"...slightly impregnated with isopropyl alcohol".

Is that an oxymoron?

[NorthStar]

I just had that feeling that someone would comment on that one!

* And no, it isn't an oxymoron, it's a paradox.

[UT-Driven]

Apr 20, 2010 14:06:11 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

I just had that feeling that someone would comment on that one!

* And no, it isn't an oxymoron, it's a paradox.

;D

Doug

[NorthStar]

I tought I started a very serious thread! Oh well, it is now! ...I'm seeing dead people in 3D!

[roadrunner]

LOTR

The Marantz VC-6001 and the Oppo 980H are two of the better Universal Players that does an exceptional job with SACD. The Denon 2910/3910 refurbs can be had pretty cheap and were very good with SACD. They had much more robust laser assemblies than the 1900 series players. The Marantz had a better, smoother sound quality than the others. Depending on what you can still find, the Marantz or the Oppo might be you best choice... if you are trying to keep the price down.

This reminds me of a post Rather was asking about last year. The link is below:

emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=newgear&thread=4601&page=1#63503


Good luck in your search. ;D

[NorthStar]

Apr 20, 2010 15:13:54 GMT -5 roadrunner said:

LOTR

The Marantz VC-6001 and the Oppo 980H are two of the better Universal Players that does an exceptional job with SACD. The Denon 2910/3910 refurbs can be had pretty cheap and were very good with SACD. They had much more robust laser assemblies than the 1900 series players. The Marantz had a better, smoother sound quality than the others. Depending on what you can still find, the Marantz or the Oppo might be you best choice... if you are trying to keep the price down.

This reminds me of a post Rather was asking about last year. The link is below:

emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=newgear&thread=4601&page=1#63503


Good luck in your search. ;D

Thank you roadrunner for giving your input. I always read your posts with special attention.

Now, if you did read my original first post, you'd know that I got other SACD players (four more in fact). And also you'd know that I ain't looking to buy another one.
Yep, I got the Oppo BDP-83, and also the Denon DVD-3930CI, and a Sony one too (plus a cheaper Pioneer one).

But my main question has to do with the SACD playability of my Denon DVD-1920. I simply asked if anyone can help me out on that issue. Are you still with me? Because I believe that it was well indicated from my original first post of this thread.

But thank you very much for the free advice; always appreciated. ...And coming from you, even more.

Arigato! + = ;D

[Deleted]

Apr 20, 2010 15:13:54 GMT -5 roadrunner said:

LOTR

This reminds me of a post Rather was asking about last year. The link is below:

emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=newgear&thread=4601&page=1#63503

man, what a memory . . ! ;D

[moovtune]

I had a Denon Universal player that did the same thing, would play the SACD layer only when it felt like it. When it was two years old, it died and would have cost more than half what it cost to replace the laser assembly. Last Denon player I'll ever own.

[NorthStar]

Apr 21, 2010 10:15:42 GMT -5 moovtune said:

I had a Denon Universal player that did the same thing, would play the SACD layer only when it felt like it. When it was two years old, it died and would have cost more than half what it cost to replace the laser assembly. Last Denon player I'll ever own.

Now you just came up with the best answer so far. That is quite what I am deducting too.
I'm at about 90% state of abandoning this player for good, forever! Transports (laser lens asssemblies) from Denon players are very limited in life expectancy. And Denon won't be in my list anymore because of that.
But my 3930 is much more solidly built, and hopefully it will last much longer.
Yep, Universal players are not a sure thing that's for sure.

* May I ask you which Denon model you are referring to?

[Mr. Ben]

As has been mentioned already, your laser assembly needs to be replaced. This seems to happen to Denon's a lot, unfortunately. You can replace it yourself, but I'm not sure which model number is in your player.... I can only find information for the higher-end players.

Here's an example site that carries such things.

[NorthStar]

Apr 22, 2010 8:12:13 GMT -5 Mr. Ben said:

As has been mentioned already, your laser assembly needs to be replaced. This seems to happen to Denon's a lot, unfortunately. You can replace it yourself, but I'm not sure which model number is in your player.... I can only find information for the higher-end players.

Here's an example site that carries such things.

Thanks a lot Ben, I think this is exactly what I need.
I'll take it apart, then call Denon and see if I can get the part I need with my exact serial #, here in Canada, for hopefully less than $20 or so (perhaps a bit more, but less than $40 for sure).
I can get the 1940 for about $80.

Too bad Denon's not using a more durable laser assembly in their players.

[Mr. Ben]

Happy to help. Your 3930 (and mine) are prone to the same sort of failure. The laser assembly for the 3930 is somewhere around $10. You can find a lot more information at avs, in and around this page. I'm considering picking up a spare, since I like my 3930 so much.

[flamingeye]

All I can suggest is get a oppo

[NorthStar]

^ I also have the BDP-83! ...Thanks anyway (it is already indicated in this thread on reply #9, ...just catched you not reading before answering! ).

* And thanks again Ben, you've been the most helpful, and again with that link from AVS.
My issue has been finally solved; we know what was the problem, and now what is the exact remedy. No need to add more at this point, unless someone else has more to say on Denon DVD & BD Universal players with their issues (like slow reading of Blu-ray discs, and other deficiencies or annoyances).

[Deleted]

Apr 22, 2010 20:15:56 GMT -5 NorthStar said:

My issue has been finally solved; we know what was the problem, and now what is the exact remedy. No need to add more at this point, unless someone else has more to say on Denon DVD & BD Universal players with their issues (like slow reading of Blu-ray discs, and other deficiencies or annoyances).

any updates on your progress? part ordered, replaced yet?

[NorthStar]

^ No time yet for that; I'm not in a rush as I got already a bunch of other great players.
Besides, when I know the solution to a problem, I'll only use it when the time is appropriate, as I can breathe much more easily now, and for the future also.