Page 1 of 3

How hard can it be?

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2020 2:17 pm
by Latteman
How hard can it be to build a CD transport
I have a dac
I’m cdp less at the moment- using a ps3 optical out or a Sony Blu-ray coaxial
The sound is ok
I read an article where a guy pulled apart a Tibo cdp claiming it was a cheap dvd mech and output was driven off the hdmi - crudely -and added their own psu.
Would it be possible to attempt making a transport only- what would I need- a donor ?
How easy are they to disassemble and pick out the digital out signal
Cheers

Re: How hard can it be?

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2020 3:02 pm
by valvesRus
Many years ago I did what you are suggesting.

I used a computer CD rom (could use a DVD version) in a small form factor PC case (with a power supply) and a chinese controller kit off Ebay, similar to this --------------

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIY-CD-ROM-D ... Swihtds~0X

Took the SPDIF output to a DAC.

At the time my DAC was (by modern standards) not that good, so as a project it worked and made a reasonable noise.

Whether it was any better than using the digital output of a reasonable CD/DVD player is open to debate.

I've still got it somewhere, but only keep it for sentimental reasons ('cos I made it).

Re: How hard can it be?

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2020 3:12 pm
by Latteman
Hmmm- cheers 🍻

Re: How hard can it be?

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2020 3:13 pm
by valvesRus
Thinking about it, there was a time when an NEC Multispin CD ROM reader, model CDR-602, was touted as being a very good CD transport.

It's a self contained unit and has L & R audio output and SPDIF output, via RCA phono sockets.

They use a caddy to hold the CD.

I know where there is one if you are interested.

Image

Re: How hard can it be?

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2020 4:02 pm
by Latteman
Thanks- I’m a man with a mission now- u have changed my world.
I’m out atm but do know I also have a few drives in my loft- may or may not be suitable otherwise I’ll let you know
Cheers

Re: How hard can it be?

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2020 5:21 pm
by Latteman
Controller kit ordered 😂

Re: How hard can it be?

Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2020 6:44 pm
by Latteman
Lots of YouTube watching has provided motivation and I’ve started a prototype chassis & hardware build as I await the controller from China

Also in the meantime I’ve picked up a used Linn Mimik cdp as it’s a compact size and has bnc digital out-

Re: How hard can it be?

Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2020 9:26 pm
by Latteman
Finally got round to setting up a test rig.
I ran it through my DAC via coaxial cable and ran a blind back to back listening session that included one other person- both preferred the cd/dvd Rom as the transport- such is the positive difference I'm keeping it in my system
Planning a chassis build soon

Re: How hard can it be?

Posted: Wed May 12, 2021 8:11 pm
by Latteman
Update
Really enjoyed the build and now the listening
Image

Re: How hard can it be?

Posted: Thu May 13, 2021 1:05 am
by antonio66
Bloody well done, it looks great, go celebrate with an Irish coffee :guiness;