Is X10v3 - causing problems with my cd player?

[cactus]

I've got the following setup: cd player and Turntable both to X10v3 then to amp. I've noticed a funny thing happening when playing cds. I get what sounds like skipping, but I don't think it is. More like little glitches, that don't recurr at exactly the same point in the CD. Sometimes, the glitch causes the CD player to lose its way and the Cd stops playing. The player works fine in a different setup (buffer removed and another amp). I've tried changing the interconnects from the buffer to the amp and this seems to make a significant difference. So, I'm wondering if the problem lies in the relationship between the buffer and interconnects (and possibly CD player). The best interconnect I have (ie soundwise) is the one that has the biggest problem. It's a home made silver wired one. Can anyone work out what the problem is and, particularly, if I can solve the problem and continue to use my favourite interconnect (ie the one which has the biggest problem with playback of cds). I was wondering if earthing has anything to do with it, but I'm not electrically minded. If it does, can anything be done to earth my interconnects?

Thanks

[mrarroyo]

I hope someone here can chime in w/ a possible explanation. I have an X-10 V3 and a few friends have them as well, none have experienced what you have described. Not being an electrical guru I wonder if a ground loop (hum) or something similar is the cause.

[Deleted]

"Is X10v3 - causing problems with my cd player?"

NO !!!
Causes most likely are a less than perfect CD due to fingermarks, radial scratches etc, dust/contamination on the laser assembly, misalignment of the laser assembly, or a laser diode that is almost worn out , etc .
Try a different CD player in exactly the same setup.
SandyK

[XTRProf]

Hi Cactus,

Ya, I think SandyK is right. The buffer wouldn't do that. The only time I had such a problem with intermittent "skipping" sound was when I used the X-DAC V3 (when it was still working b4 the blowout) connected to my Pioneer DV686A universal player. The "skipping" is actually not skipping but some data loss thru transmission via the glass TOSlink. This only happended when the unit was still cold and all things would return to normal after the player warmed up. As I don't have another CDP, so I couldn't check on this validity. Anyway, when I bought my X-Dac used that time about 2 months ago now, the X-Dac was connected to a Marantz CD63 SE (fully moded) via the digital coaxial to test and demo and there wasn't this problem. I think I will have to try coaxial link to see whether this will be a problem once my X-Dac is operational again. Fyi.

[cactus]

Thanks for the feedback. You've saved me going off on a wild goose chase. I took the top off the player and cleaned the laser lens with some IPA and a cotton bud - problem appears to be solved. Having taken the top off the player, I realised how exposed to dust etc the laser mechanism really is. So, I'll be attentive to this in future.

I've got to say, had the MF buffer for a month or so now, and I've been deeply impressed with it. I use it, as I mentioned, with a cd player and turntable, and to each it gives a lovely touch of warmth, liquidity and spaciousness. It has resolved one of those things I had a sense was lacking/not-as-I-wanted in my setup, without easily putting my finger on what it was and how to resolve it. I read elsewhere that this buffer was rated a class A Stereophile component. Does anyone know if that is actually right?

[XTRProf]

cactus said:

I read elsewhere that this buffer was rated a class A Stereophile component. Does anyone know if that is actually right?

Yes, it's true.