New VAM1202 laser for my cd63se

[reubensm]

Recently, the laser on my CD63SE died and would not play absolutely anything. The laser on this player was never changed since the day it was purchased new by the original owner in 1995. Got the replacement laser from Hongkong and it was time for doing the replacement. As I did not have time, handed over the player to my brother who spent about 3 hours last night on the job. The player is singing as good as new, as I write to you.

This is exactly the method used (used this very site for reference). Very useful guide: Marantz CD63SE laser transport mechanism replacement / HiFi Gear Blog Hifi Gear

 

[keroo1099]

reubensm, would you mind sharing where you got the replacement laser from (site/address).


Thanks.

 

[reubensm]

this is where we bought it from: Wholesale Product Snapshot Product name is VAM1202/12 mech Optical Pickup VAM1202 /1201 round tube laser lens Marantz CD Player

total cost inclusive of shipping and customs duty (30%) came up to Rs.750/-

 

[reubensm]

We noticed a problem after installing the new replacement laser transport. The CD 63SE would not play some CDs at times. This is not a good tendency, for a brand new laser transport.

The issue was resolved with a small tweak. Please refer to the 2 photos for the fix.

 

[Audio_Freek]

reubensm,

Thanks for the thread. Actually i still stream CD via DVD player and one of my friend just informed that to Play CD only in Hiend CD Player for the best output.Though am now much techy to understand what would be a big difference in CD and DVD,as for me Player is Player. While searching for some good CD player go to Know Marantz CD63 are still unbeatable in CD market for its prize range and got adds in OLX for 8k for the same.

Is it worthy to spend 8K on CD Player? I dont have much collection of CD's But would give a try for a good CD collection going forward.

Your suggestion would be much helpfull.

Almost 18 Years Non stop running should be in Guinness record- for the CD Player of yours.All the best

 

[reubensm]

Playing cds on your DVD player can be ok, if your DVD player is a decent one. From my experience, the older generation Sony DVD players have a lovely sound output. I still use my Sony DVPNS57 for my mp3 cds. However, there is a marked difference between a audio cd played on a DVD player and a dedicated audio cd player. The Marantz CD63 MKII was the first real player from the Marantz stable to hit the big league. It was so good and extremely successful. Marantz upgraded this with the CD63 SE (second editioin) which became its most famous Audio CD player. The machine is built like a tank and sounds fantastic. Its quite heavy for a cd player in the first place, thanks to its reinforced cabinet. The sound is a bit aggressive and loud, compared to the more laid-back NADs but its a pleasure to listen to. I am told that the CD 63 KI model is even better but I've not tried it. I am so happy with my CD63 SE that I've never even thought about an upgrade.

Regarding your query on spending 8k on a cd player, well, that would depend on a few factors:

1) how old is it, or to be more precise, how old is the laser transport?
2) is it in good shape, functionally and cosmetically
3) does it have a working remote in good shape (original Marantz remotes are very expensive to buy as spares)
and more importantly 4) do you have original audio cds to play in it or do you have audio cds burnt off mp3s. If you do not have original audio cds, the difference between the sound of your dvd player and the cd player may not be much. However I must confess that even my written cds sound good on the CD63SE

Prices may vary based on the regular dependencies but IMO, 8k is a good price for the CD63 (is it a MKII or SE version?) if its in good condition with a new laser transport. The original Marantz laser transport was a top notch Philips one (mine was made in Holland). The replacements one gets these days are made in China, hence the quality and lastability may not be the same.

On another note, those who own the CD63 usually don't sell them. If an upgrade comes by, the CD 63s end up getting used on second and third rigs in the house

 

[Audio_Freek]

Thanks for your time

Its SE and its with remote, and the Original Laser.

Cosmetically, Its Ok, Just not showing its age- Thats it.

 

[reubensm]

If its the original laser, then you'll be due for a replacement shortly. Factor that in the offer you make. Changing the laser (including service charges) normally costs about 1.5k.

 

[reubensm]

Thanks for your time

Its SE and its with remote, and the Original Laser.

Cosmetically, Its Ok, Just not showing its age- Thats it.

The Marantz CD63 SE is one of the most significant audio cd players of all time and even today its better than most of the other cd players available in its range. Its even a little bit better than the CD63 MKII. I always prefer the Marantz cd63 SE to the NAD cd players because it sounds brighter and has its sound has silky highs. I have also noticed that this CD player has always worked very well with all the NAD amps that I've owned or listened to.

 

[nagurum1974]

Cd63se paired with nad372 with wharfadale 10.1.its a wonderful combo which i like with me enjoying every bit of music

 

[reubensm]

Cd63se paired with nad372 with wharfadale 10.1.its a wonderful combo which i like with me enjoying every bit of music

+1 to this, IMO the CD63SE works splendidly with all NAD amps.

 

[linuxguru]

Thanks for the info - I had a VAM1202 lying as a spare for about a year and had not replaced it in my 15+ years old CD63, but got around to doing the swap today. The original CDM 12.1 laser unit had been replaced earlier with a VAM1202, and that one was flaky in reading the TOC, had long delays in playing tracks, and sometimes refused to play the track. I tried cleaning/replacing the flex cable, reflowing solder joints on the RF amp board, etc., but nothing seemed to work reliably, so I finally put in the new VAM1202.

... The CD 63SE would not play some CDs at times. ...
The issue was resolved with a small tweak.

The new unit did not require adjustment of the laser bias current - it worked straight away and is very quick in reading the TOC and plays fine (I haven't checked CD-RW yet, but I've never burned audio tracks to CD-RW, only CD-R).

My guess is that the old VAM1202 is also serviceable and can be made to work fine just by a slight tweak to the laser bias current, so I'm keeping it as a possible spare.

However, I noticed a slight difference in the CD presence detect sensor - the old VAM1202 pickup had two copper contacts that are normally open (i.e. don't make contact), while the new replacement appears to have contacts that are normally closed. Since it seems to be working fine, I don't want to mess with it now - the only possible hitch is it may report that there's a CD in the tray when there's none, which I can live with.

Now I need to fix the tray eject motor - it's sticky and needs to be pulled and pushed in manually.

Edit: I also used the opportunity to sand and spray paint the top cover, which was scratched and grimy with age. I slightly wet-sanded the outer surface to improve the adhesion of the new paint coat, rinsed it with water, allowed it to dry for ~3 hours, and then used an aerosol spray paint from a rattle-can. I used Flat Black colour from a brand called Cosmos Lac (seems to be imported from Greece), and it seems ok. However, Hacsol or Duplicolor brands may be better choices if available. If you're adventurous, you may experiment with alternate colours like Gloss Black, Bright Silver, Siemens Grey, etc. If you have a Champagne front panel, Siemens Grey would be a good choice for the top cover.

 

[badrisuper]

this is where we bought it from: Wholesale Product Snapshot Product name is VAM1202/12 mech Optical Pickup VAM1202 /1201 round tube laser lens Marantz CD Player

total cost inclusive of shipping and customs duty (30%) came up to Rs.750/-

Hi
I am about to buy an optical pickup from AliExpress. But I think they dont accept paypal. How did you buy from them? Is the transport working well? Is it skipping often? Is it able to read and play well a little scratched cd?

Thanks
Badri

 

[srinisundar]

Hi
I am about to buy an optical pickup from AliExpress. But I think they dont accept paypal. How did you buy from them? Is the transport working well? Is it skipping often? Is it able to read and play well a little scratched cd?

Thanks
Badri

I may have one which i bought for CD63SE few years back.. Will let you know in few days if i find.. I will give it for free..

 

[badrisuper]

I may have one which i bought for CD63SE few years back.. Will let you know in few days if i find.. I will give it for free..

Thanks Sir. Please let me know.

Badri

 

[srinisundar]

Thanks Sir. Please let me know.

Badri

Yep, posting the image, hope this is the one your are looking or 1202 ?. Fortunately i have laser pickup + another full set.

You can collect both.. Dont blame later if it is not working.. Keeping it for long time after purchase and never tested it.


Regards

 

[badrisuper]

Yes the same. Thanks.

Badri

 

[reubensm]

I bought it from this site and payment was by credit card. Service was great and the item reached as intended

VAM1202/12 mech Optical Pickup VAM1202 /1201 round tube laser lens FOR CD Player-in Laser Equipment Parts from Industry & Business on Aliexpress.com