X-Ray

[xfi]

Hi

I am currently enjoying the Musical Fidelity world of X.  After getting hold of an X-Plora, I was impressed with the build I decided to venture further.
I have now acquired an X-Ray 1st gen. Could anyone tell me if there is a common problem that may cause intermittent skipping when playing a CD. It is quick to read the TOC when disc is inserted so I don't think it is the laser itself.

Many Thanks for any replies.

[xfi]

OK. Can anyone advise as to how to get into this player? I have removed the 6 screws at either end and come to a halt.

[xfi]

No worries, worked it out, nothing broken.

[nando]

I’m interested!

I have the same player. Mine is not yet been opened by me. I think there is a Sony mechanism in there.

I have replaced Philips mechanisms before but not a Sony.

Hoe have you been working on the player.

Replacing capacitors is one of my future projects.

[matrix Productions]

I'm very interested in whether you found the cause of the skipping of tracks. Mine has been doing it for about 10 years but I've never tried to resolve it.
I have noticed that after its been running for awhile, warms up I guess, that it seems to do it a lot less.

Cheers
Matt

[nando]

Maybe it’s sticky white grease (no joke) which is on the guiding rod (no joke) of the laser head assembly.
You can remove it with alcohol (iso propyl alcohol) and a cotton bud. Then re-appy new gease. Be careful not to damage or spray the laser.

[matrix Productions]

Thanks Nando I'll give it a go.

[matrix Productions]

Unfortunately that didn't remedy the problem.
After some investigating I decided to replace the laser assembly which is a drop in part, Sony KSS240A.
www.wagneronline.com.au/sony-kss240-laser/dvd-cd-parts/service-repair-parts/kss240a-6067/2407/pd/
It has improved it no end & will play CD's without a problem, however if the player is bumped or shuddered it will skip then resumes playing as normal. It does seem more prone to jumping from bumps than other players.
Fixed, maybe time will tell.

[nando]

You replaced only the laser head? And not the rest?

[matrix Productions]

The complete assembly is a plug & play part, Sony KSS240A. Very simple job as it happens. Pull the ribbon strip, slide out the metal rod & bingo. Drop new assembly in, reassemble player & job done.
It seems improved mostly, however it still has a problem with Track 1 sometimes when the unit is cold, although it seems to locate & play all other tracks no problems, looks like there is more to this puzzle.
Here's a supplier I found in Europe.
www.giuseppeguastella.it/ricambi-tv/accessori-e-ricambi-origin-sony/kss240-arp-884814412.html?___store=en_uk&___from_store=it#product-tabs1

[xfi]

There is more to this....
I have pulled apart the whole transport, replaced the KSS-240A assembly, cleaned and regreased rails and runners etc. It is better but not what I think it should be. It still seems to be incredibly sensitive to anything other than an absolutley pristine disk. Even then, it can misbehave/behave with temperature change (whether or not this is anything to do with it), as mentioned by matrix Productions.

I also replaced the ribbon cable going to the laser assy incase it was an intermitent proplem due to a tiny break.......it was not.