How to fix a Cambridge Audio Azur 640C

[rcarlton]

Two weeks ago I got the dreaded "no disc" message when inserting either a burned disc or a Redbook CD. No warranty, only have $300 in the thing. What to do?

Tear it apart and see if it can be fixed! Better yet...find a website that will walk me through the ordeal! Here is the website.

Looks like I still gotta tear it apart.

Here it is with the hood off. Picture 1.

Two screws to remove to get to the lens. Could have easily moved the lens by turning the plastic gear. What is the fun in that? Picture 2.

The lens assembly. Used a Q-tip to make sure it moved freely, brushed all the dust off of it (really didn't see any).
Picture 3.

Close up of the lens. Note that it is manufactured by Sony. Used some magic cleaner (Isopropyl alcohol would have worked I bet) I picked up at Lonestar Audio Fest yesterday, sprayed a Q-tip and wiped the lens down. Reassembled....it works .
Picture 4.

Tried a lens cleaning CD; complete waste of time. Looks like you have got to get right on the lens to clean it. Did not see any dirt or grime on the lens. Used a magnifying glass. Must be real sensitive.

The magic cleaner. Thanks to MaxxHorn speakers .
Picture 5.

[htaddikt]

That's great info! I have 740C and will remember that. These players are very proprietary and I would hesitate to attempt any repairs beyond a lens cleaning, etc.

[rcarlton]

Oops...got the dreaded no disc message again. Could the lens be dirty? Took the cover off, cleaned and cleaned the lens with no results. Looked closely at the wiring and made sure each connection was tight. Pushed connection, tested. Finally started working when I pushed the connection in the red circle. The ribbon cable is the only one from the transport mechanism, only tested two other connections on the transport before I tried the other end of this cable. Sprayed it with DeoxIT, put it back together and it is playing in the background as I type.

[lcaillo]

Likely the pickup is going bad. Look on the side of the pickup assy and get the number. This looks like one of the cheap Sony pickups that you can get a replacement for easily. Just remember to remove the solder bridge before installing the new one.

[rcarlton]

Like this one:

[lcaillo]

Well, given my experience with that vendor and the reputation that they have among servicers, I don't think I would use that source for such a part. There are numerous vendors that have them, however. Just match the KSS number on the white tag and look to the parts suppliers listed here:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/foru...tributors.html

Also, you might refer to the information in Sam Goldwasser's FAQ referenced in this list:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/foru...ful-links.html

[rcarlton]

lcaillo,
Thanks for the heads up. I hope never to have to replace the pickup. Fingers crossed.

[rcarlton]

Looks like the pickup has finally given up the ghost. New one on order.

[rcarlton]

Got the new part, simple to replace...but...it don't work. Correct part number, checked all connections, no luck. Put the old laser pickup in...works fine. Still suspect the laser assembly is going bad, hope I can get a replacement.

[lcaillo]

Did you remove the solder bridge like I said above?

[rcarlton]

Nope...found the note in the box. Removed solder bridge. All is working. Took 18 minutes from start to finish once I removed the solder bridge.

Just saw your note about the solder short...it was 8 months ago after all.

[kavaljit]

Hi,

I also have Azur 640C (version 1) for the past 4 years.

Lately, it is having problems in reading the disks.

perhaps time for lens replacement.

But i don't have the exact screw driver to open the CD player. So I am unable to read the exact Sony Lens number (KSS). The KSS213 series has many products starting from B,C, D to Q.

Could any owner of version 1 please tell me the exact number of sony lens (KSS) so that I could find out the exact replacement.

thanks in advance

cbs

[rcarlton]

cbs,
My 640C is version 1. The screw driver to open the unit was purchased at Radio Shack, it has a small star shaped head. Should be able to pick one up at most electronics stores or on the web.

Mine required a KSS-213c. I ordered from B&D Enterprises.

[rcarlton]

Remove hood from unit. Open tray drawer. Unplug...drawer stays open and out of the way.

To remove the pickup unscrew the brass screws at 1 & 2. The assembly has 2 pins that were held in place by the brass screws. On the other end of the assembly is a small post which fits under the black gear (partly shown in next picture at the bottom).

Notice the white plastic rail the laser rides on. There is a small piece of plastic below the lens assembly that fits on the underside of the plastic rail. You can see it on the third picture, directly above the number 8.

Slide plastic stop at 3 back to allow rod to slide part way. Remove plastic gear at 4 (best to remove it from the backside, see 8).


Close up of plastic clip at 3 which stops the metal bar. Move it aside to allow bar to slide partway.



Remove flat wire from old pickup and turn assembly over. Should be enough slack in the wires.

Remove screw, washer and spring from 5 & 6. Slide bar out at 7. Push plastic gear out at 8 to remove the old pickup.



9. Remove solder short on PC board on the new laser pickup. Forgot to do that initially, caused some concern for awhile when nothing worked. Use a soldering iron and solder sucker. They use a solder short as electrostatic protection.



10. Here are the part numbers (KSS-213C) and the flat wire connection. Fairly easy to snap in place. Reverse all of the previous steps to put it back together, test it, if it passes put the hood back on.

Total time...18 minutes. This should be similar to the process for a broken DVD player.

[kavaljit]

Thanks so so much Ron for your tutorials with photos.

Now it is very clear to me on how to go about it.

No need for spending money and time seeking a technician as you have potentially made me one.

Once again, a big thank you.

CBS