Thread: Service issues with Marantz SA-8001

Posts: 4

Post by emaidel May 6, 2015 (1 of 4)
I'm curious as to whether or not anyone else is experiencing such issues with the Marantz SA-8001. Numerous SACD's refuse to load, or if they do, the machine makes a lot of mechanical noises. Usually I can try a number of things to "trick" the unit into playing these SACD's, but it's really a nuisance.

I sent the player off to an authorized Marantz Service Center only to be told that the laser mechanism was "getting weak, " and that the part is no longer available from Marantz. Considering the fact that the player is only 7 years old, and I have other much older equipment that still works fine, I think this is unacceptable on the part of Marantz.

Any comments?

Post by stvnharr May 6, 2015 (2 of 4)
emaidel said:

I'm curious as to whether or not anyone else is experiencing such issues with the Marantz SA-8001. Numerous SACD's refuse to load, or if they do, the machine makes a lot of mechanical noises. Usually I can try a number of things to "trick" the unit into playing these SACD's, but it's really a nuisance.

I sent the player off to an authorized Marantz Service Center only to be told that the laser mechanism was "getting weak, " and that the part is no longer available from Marantz. Considering the fact that the player is only 7 years old, and I have other much older equipment that still works fine, I think this is unacceptable on the part of Marantz.

Any comments?

The Marantz 8001 player uses the Hitachi HOP 1200 series laser. These are cheap and easy to get, though there are several versions. Try www.dalbani.com for starters. You may have to search around a little on various other audio forums to find out which HOP-1200 the 8001 player used and what is compatible with it.
The 8001 player went out when the 8003 was introduced several years ago. The HOP 1200 lasers were never known to be long lasting, so not surprising that they are in short supply at Marantz.
However, you may also wish to try a different Marantz Service Center or ask them if they will replace with an aftermarket part, although you won't get a warranty on that one.
Try hard as a $15 laser plus one hour service charge is far less than a new/used player.

Post by stvnharr May 6, 2015 (3 of 4)
emaidel said:

I'm curious as to whether or not anyone else is experiencing such issues with the Marantz SA-8001. Numerous SACD's refuse to load, or if they do, the machine makes a lot of mechanical noises. Usually I can try a number of things to "trick" the unit into playing these SACD's, but it's really a nuisance.

I sent the player off to an authorized Marantz Service Center only to be told that the laser mechanism was "getting weak, " and that the part is no longer available from Marantz. Considering the fact that the player is only 7 years old, and I have other much older equipment that still works fine, I think this is unacceptable on the part of Marantz.

Any comments?

The following will help you sort out some of the issues and experiences.

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-source/156379-marantz-laser-pick-up-sacd-dvd-question.html

Post by emaidel May 7, 2015 (4 of 4)
Thank you. I suspect a call to Marantz's customer service might be worthwhile too, as that may lead me to a different service center.

Other than this issue, I've been very satisfied with the 8001, though I'm sure the newer model is better. I'm just not in the position to spend over a grand for one, especially if I can get the 8001 repaired for a fraction of that cost.

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