Hi folks,
I have a Denon DCD 920 circa 1989 and for a very long time it seemed to have the strongest output of any component in my system. That is, I would have to reduce the volume for the cdp when switching to it from other sources. The unit has functioned really well since 1994 when I had the pick up assembly replaced, but with the passage of time the output volume seems to be decreasing. Is it likely that the pick up is in need of replacement again or should I be looking to other areas for the decrease in output? If it's the pu, is this an easy change out or is special equipment required for for adjustments after insallation? I have a DVM and a pair of Channellocks which have gotten me through life so far.
Thanks

I would think the cd player would either work or not work. There would be no in-between so to speak. If the laser was going bad it would have trouble reading discs.

I still have a Denon DVD-1500 that is going strong. I think that is 1986 or so.

They built them to last back then.

This site has kept many of my vintage CDPs out of the dumpster....

http://repairfaq.ece.drexel.edu/sam/cdfaq.htm

There is no relation between the optical pickup and output level. It is unlikely the output level could drop due to any internal component. Is there a level control? If it is now lower level than the rest of the system, you could try plugging it into another input. The problem could be bad cables, a dirty selector switch in the preamp / amp / receiver, a bad ground at the CD player output jacks.

I tried the tape inputs and it seemed about the same through those so I tried a different player and cables and it sounded about the same so I think I'm barking up the wrong tree here. Mainly I notice this switching from aux to FM and maybe the tuner section of this receiver is putting out a stronger signal than I am accustomed to. It's not connected to the same equipment as the original set up. Thanks for all your replies
Mike

Thanks to mibag6's thread and Pavioni's cited URL, I rescued a great player from the closet. I had a Tosh DVD player on a Monica II non-oversampling DAC. The combo was failing to inspire me anymore, but the DENON DP-990SG wouldn't play CDR — or even some regular issue. So after reading some of the article on Pavioni's URL, I pulled the hood, carefully brushed the top of the lens with a sable brush, and swabbed the surface with tape head cleaner. Now it seems to play anything without a glitch. I've tried both the internal DCA and the outboard Monica. Both have their good points, but so far the Monica wins out.

The 990 is a heavy, late 80's player with a die cast sled bed, 4 boards on sub-chassis, a bucket of of styrol caps, optical and coax out, and dampening material in strategic places. There are not many about, and they may never have reached the US, but there has been mention of them on German sites. In Japan they were just shy of 100,000 Yen. I bought it used for about $50. I would love to find a remote for it.

The 990 and Monica are doing just fine. So, DUH ... why didn't I do this before?