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Philips CDM9/44 Transports

LesW

Retired at user request
Fitted to, amongst other models, the Arcam Alpha 5 and the Naim CD3, this early mechanism is robust but for one or two areas:

Turning first to the Arcam, the tray mechanism is not one of the best designs in the world and not having the facility to 'lock down' the transport can prove troublesome whilst being transported. The problem arises when the player is dropped or suffers some kind of impact. The small platter which spins the CD is knocked down the motor shaft when it makes contact with the chassis of the mech. It then refuses to rotate given the usual 'err' message on the display when trying unsuccessfully to read the table of contents (TOC). The solution is to turn of the mains power and allow a suitable time for the capacitors to discharge fully. Remove the mains lead and store away from the player. Remove the top cover and approaching from the rear of the player, gently ease out the mechanism drawer by pushing it to a point where access may be gained to the platter. Taking a couple of thin bladed knives, insert one under each edge of the platter and gently twist them both at the same time a 'click' should be heard. This generally signifies that the platter has been restored to it's detent position on the motor shaft and should turn with very little resistance when coaxed by a finger. Should the above procedure overdo the the lifting operation, insert a piece of cigarette packet or preferably a 25 thou (Imperial) feeler gauge under each edge and gently push down on the platter. It should now have settled in the correct relationship with the motor shaft and should now play as God intended.

Similar problems encountered with the CD3 may be tackled in the same way but I counsel that the feeler gauge procedure will be preferable to guesswork as to where the platter should rest.

Please note that the transit screw fitted to the Naim players will NOT prevent this kind of damage should the player be dropped by the carriers and the proprietary device fitted by Naim should be used along with a folded tissue across the laser lens in order to ensure at least some immunity to damage.
 


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