The other day my Marantz SA 8260 CD player started giving me the dreaded TOC
Error when I tried to play a CD. I researched the web but could find no advice other than send it in for repair. I tried everything
to try and reset the player, but nothing worked. Then I had the idea to see if it would read an SACD. It did. I reloaded the
SACD several times and toggled the mode between Multi and Stereo. When I put in a Redbook (standard) CD, it began working
again. Then it crapped out again. So, I could have it repaired (supposed to be a firmware upgrade), or buy a new one. The
Boss gave her OK. A Marantz SA8001 is on the way. I found it for $720 on the web. WHOO HOO! I get paid extra for working the
summer, so now the Cayin A-50T is in my sights for July. I expect I'll sell the ASL and PAS 3 on EBAY. Just keeps gitting
better, like tubes when they break-in.
Update: The SA8001 arrived. It sounds better with Redbook than the
other one. YeeeHaaa!!!
However, I just noticed a low level buzz in my speakers. I checked the bias on the amp and it
was way too high.????- How????. I set it correctly. Maybe it was tube break-in. So, my speakers are on the "C"
list, the CD player is "A" list, and the Cayin integrated amp is on the "B". After July I should
be set for a while. Right, I've said that before.
Also, I just replaced (04/17/08) the Monster 850i
interconnects with Audioquest Diamondbacks. Result? Better impact, bottom end tighter, mids more pronounced and sweeter, highs
have better definition and extension. On 04/29/09 I changed from Monster cable HP-XP to Audioquest X-2 speakers cables. Much
more musical and better definition, a smooth flow to the music.
ADC:
Spectrum analyzer &
pink noise generator. Still have it,but haven't used it in years.
Acoustic Research:
AR-6 (My first, 1973), AR-2a, AR-93, AR-58
Aiwa:
3-head cassette deck, AD-6800U??
Akai:
Reel
to reel deck.
GX-M50 3-head cassette deck.
Audio
Analyst:
2xa
Bose:
Acustimass
3
Carver:
Sonic Hologram Generator.
Still have it, but don't use it.
DBX:
1bx,
two 3bx (one w/impact restore),4bx,222,224.
Discwasher:
Record and stylus cleaner.
Dual:
CS-604
turntable
Empire:
Phono stylus
JVC:
Turntable
(my first, 1973)
DVD player
Kenwood:
KR-6160 receiver (55wpc) (My first, 1973)
Two integrated amplifiers (60wpc ea).
Pro-Logic receiver (70wpcx3) (20wpcx2).
7-band graphic EQ
Center and surround speakers.
Some giant, muddy
sounding speakers back in 1977.
MXR:
Tape
noise reduction unit.
Nady:
GEQ-215
Dual 15 band graphic EQ. I Will give this to one of the kids.
Optimus:
Sub-woofer.
Paradigm:
Focus.
Pickering:
Phono stylus.
Pioneer:
5-band graphic EQ.
PL-55D turntable.
2-head cassette deck.
Compact Disc player (my first one ,1984)
DVD player
RCA:
Small sub-woofer.
Used to use for 7.2 effect. 6 meter FM bleeds all over it.
SAE:
5000 Impulse noise reduction. I kept this, but I don't know why.
Shure:
M95 phono stylus
M97HE phono stylus.
Stylus pressure gauge.
Sony:
5-Disc CD player.
Surround speakers.
Sound Guard:
Record protection system.
Teac:
Reel to reel deck. Still have, don't use.
Technics:
12-band
Dual channel graphic EQ.
Integrated Amplifier (140wpc).
Still have it, last used in 1994.
2-head cassette deck.
SH-9020 peak/average meter unit. Don't use it but will
never get rid of it.
Zero Stat:
Yes, I had one of those stupid guns.
And headphones
from AKG, Audio Technica, Koss, Sennheiser, and many others.
The oldest piece of equipment I'm still using
is the Harmon Kardon HK-500 tuner. I bought this new in 1980 for 58 dollars. The SH-9020 mentioned above was purchased new
in 1981 for 90 dollars. Being overseas had some advantages.
Cute Song:
