My first serious home stero system is almost complete!

[Pibborando]

Well, the Denon DVD 2800 came and it looked just perfect. Hardly appears used at all. Quite an attractive (and hefty) box. Of course, do you think I could get an $800 DVD player for $35 and have nothing be wrong? Nope.

The tray has trouble coming out and going back in, like the auction said. You have to help it along. I cleaned the tray and rails with a cloth and the open/close action improved. I think it may just be some dirt or buildup of something in there and the little motor can't power its way through it. So with more extensive cleaning I think that problem could be solved.

Now, I've run into another problem. When I first loaded a CD into the machine and pushed the tray in all of a sudden I heard loud grinding noises. Oh no! It would make a lot of noise and then just give up on reading the disc. So... I opened her up.

I carefully removed the drive shroud and lid to reveal the "disc spinny thing" as I call it and the laser. I loaded a disc in again to watch the mechanism and see if there was anything mechanically wrong. Didn't look like it. Yes, I know the lid has to be on for it to work because the lid has the top disc clamp thing and--OH WAIT. I then noticed that the platter that the disc sits on, that spins, was missing something. I decided to open up another DVD player I had lying around to compare. I then realized that my Denon was missing the magnet ring that sits in the middle of the spinny platter thing. The magnet holds the top disc clamp tight down on the disc so it doesn't slip. No wonder it was making all those noises! But why would the magnet just be gone? It doesn't make sense but at least I know the problem.

Now I just have to find a ring magnet of perfect size to go in there. I actually tried crafting one just now out of a fridge magnet (those thin, flexible ones). It took a long time and didn't work anyway. Those magnets are way too weak.

I think I'm going to call an electronics repair place in town tomorrow and ask what they can do. Even if I have to get professional help to fix this thing, it'll still be a great deal.

I actually did get it to play a CD though, by pressing down on the top disc clamp with the tip of my finger so it would spin smoothly. Sounds real nice.

Still waiting for the amp to show up.

 

[soloz2]

wow... I love how honest ebayers are... *sigh

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pibborando /img/forum/go_quote.gif I then realized that my Denon was missing the magnet ring that sits in the middle of the spinny platter thing. The magnet holds the top disc clamp tight down on the disc so it doesn't slip. No wonder it was making all those noises! But why would the magnet just be gone? It doesn't make sense but at least I know the problem.

You could try contacting Denon, it is probably a very cheap part and they may even comp it for you.

 

[Pibborando]

Ok. I talked to Denon's technical support and they gave me the part numbers of the components in my 2800 that would need to be replaced. I'm guessing the drive platter and some other things, since the little ring magnet is not sold by itself. They gave me the number of the closest place to order from and it looks like the part will only cost about $5. How to install this once I get it? No idea. Guess I'll just tinker with it.

Oh and my Rotel RB-980BX FINALLY came! Got it unpacked and it was immaculate. Besides one little nick next to the warning light (which was described in the auction), it looks brand new. Got everything hooked up with my Denon PRA-1500 and loaded a CD into the 2800.

I was anxious to find out whether I'd hear a difference or not. My fears were extinguished when I heard music through my newly assembled system. WOW! I was hearing details that I hadn't heard before. The imaging was pin-point and instruments were perfectly distinguishable from each other even in dense parts of the music. The bass, which I had thought to be a bit flabby before, now sounded taught and more controlled than ever.

So basically I am very pleased. I think the Denon's smooth, musical tone pairs well with the Rotel's razor sharp detail and articulation. Highs don't sound recessed anymore (when I first used the 2800) and not overly in your face either (as with the Yamaha). Just right.

Now I just need to upgrade this crappy TV.

 

[terrymx]

need photos.

 

[Pibborando]

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrymx /img/forum/go_quote.gif need photos.

Ok.

I bought a nice little (40") silver and glass TV stand from a local furniture place. They had to order it so it won't be here till Tuesday. It will look much better than that POS night stand I scrounged up to hold my stuff temporarily.

 

[Pibborando]

TV stand arrived and I've got it all set up. Much better.

Next upgrade? The TV, definitely.

Any tips on how I can improve the sonics of this big, reflective as hell garage? It won't matter for too long (moving into an appartment or house off campus) but right now, I know my rig could sound a lot better.

 

[Csericks]

Do some searches on Audio Asylum regarding speaker placement. Proper positioning of speakers is free and, perhaps, the most effective tweak of all. It looks like you are off to a great start - have a great time!

 

[terrymx]

that is a clean setup, congrats. you're off to a good start with toeing them in, but only good if you set them a bit farther apart for wider stereo imaging. though when i sit too close to a pair of speakers i dont care that much to toe them.

btw, is the lower wall behind made of stones? i like it. also nice dedicated carpet.

 

[Pibborando]

Thanks. Since I don't really have the room to move the speakers farther apart, I just tried pivoting them out a bit so there's less toe-in now. The soundstage feels a bit more open and wider. I think I'll keep it this way.

The lower wall behind my set-up is just the foundation, poured concrete. I'm in my garage ATM. You can see the white paint they put on the drywall speckled on it. Yeah, it's classy.

 

[terrymx]

oh and about the dts ac3, i realized they are just compressed, if you open them its mostly 192kbs, to give space for the video i guess. for me that would be a lost of details not gain. now pcm is uncompressed, thats a gain.

 

[Pibborando]

Hey, look what finally came today!

Transplant ready to procede.

I just finished getting the new tweeter in and it looks great! Now to hear how it sounds. I wanted to make this post first, then turn my computer off, so I don't have my PC's fan noise distracting me. I'll report back soon.

 

[warpdriver]

was the old tweeter pushed in?

 

[Pibborando]

Quote:

Originally Posted by warpdriver /img/forum/go_quote.gif was the old tweeter pushed in?

Yes, and the sound quality seemed to have been affected. It was more rolled off than the other one and made a hissing noise when playing. The new one sounds perfect!