My PD-S703 may have finally died…

[CageyH]

After many years of service, my trusty PD-S703 may have kicked the bucket.
It still powers up, but fails to read CDs, so I am guessing the laser has gone?

Any advice on trouble shooting this, or should I just recycle it, and move on?

[Macca]

shame that, if it is the laser then its all over but could be any number of things.

Probably not worth it unless you've got loads of time and patience.

[CageyH]

I can get a new laser for €150 + shipping.

Seems a bit expensive.

[Macca]

And it's probably a fake.

if you only need it as a transport pretty much anything will do that.

[CageyH]

Fakes are half that price.

I have a spare CD player, so I will dig that out.

[walpurgis]

I can get a new laser for €150 + shipping.

Seems a bit expensive.

You should be able to pick up a decent used 703 for around that sort of money or a 505 or even better, a 505 Precision.

[CageyH]

There is one 505 precision for sale at the moment, and it is in the U.K. �� Pick up only.

However, there is life in the old girl yet. I am listening to it now. It uses ribbon connectors for the laser unit (and in a few other places). I have reseated the ribbon connector and it seems to have done the trick. I seem to remember having done this before, but I can’t remember when.

Anyway, it is fixed, and I have spent less than 5 minutes doing it, which is good news in my book. This CD player is like part of the family now. I bought it new in the 90s, it followed me around when I was a student, in my early career around the U.K., and now in France. It would be sad to have to part with it now.

It does not get used much, but I bought a new CD the other day and I wanted to listen to it.

[walpurgis]

That's good. I really line the Pioneers, they always sound nice.

[Macca]

I've had a bad ribbon connector do the same thing. Found out after I spent money on a fake laser. Although it was only a tenner.

[ReggieB]

Anyway, it is fixed.

Good news - well done