Anyone else having issues with the Ayon CD-07s transport?


I bought an Ayon CD-07s here on Audiogon in 2013, and I've really loved the player, with a beautiful sound and solid construction. However, in 2015, the transport mechanism stopped working and the unit would no longer play CDs. Ayon connected me with USA Audio in Arizona (I'm in NC), and I sent it to them, via overnight fed ex, at a cost close to $200. Their charge to me to replace the transport it was $931.70, which included $186.00 for shipping. The transport was $433.00. I was pleasantly surprised when I got the unit back, because I could swear the sound improved.(Maybe it was just that absence makes the heart grow fonder.)  I asked what they had done to improve it, but I got no reply.
Anyway, fast-forward to 2018, and once again the unit is having transport problems. Again, I am looking at close to $400.00 just in shipping costs!. Granted that the CD-07s was not the top of the line when it came out, but seriously, I've had cheap computer DVD players that lasted longer than three years! When I contacted Ayon, they speculated that the symptoms (CD stopping, pausing, then re-starting) could be due to the microswitch, which stops the CD from spinning if the top is opened. The folks in Arizona kindly sent me a new switch, gratis, and I installed it, but it did not solve the problem.
The USA Audio people's solution to this is to replace the transport once again. I asked them what kind of assurances I would have that the same old mechanism wouldn't fail yet again in a couple of years. Their response was, just send it in and they would fix it, with no labor cost. I asked them to sell me a transport, so I could replace it myself, but they haven't responded favorably to that idea.
My conclusion based on my own experience is that the transport used in the CD07s was defective, not just in my case, but in many cases. How else to explain the fact two (expensive) transports failed in such a short time?  So, I'm trying to get data to either support my idea or just admit I've had bad luck with two transports that just happened to be lemons.
So, here are my questions:
1. Has anyone else had these issues with the CD-07s?
2. Would you replace the transport, for another $700?
Currently, I'm using the Ayon as a DAC, which so far has worked just fine.This utilizes the superb DAC with a transport that functions just fine. Anyway, I hope Audiogoners have some insights into this.

Thanks,
seabury

Showing 1 response by anwar

When I had pickup problems with my CD-07, I ordered this and replaced it myself.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-OPTICAL-LASER-LENS-PICKUP-for-AYON-CD-2-Player/360433131841

Later I have to replace the CD controller board, no other choice but order from Ayon Austria, not cheap. I get the dealer to order for me and I replaced it myself as well.

Now the CD-07 has been sold. Will never buy anything from Ayon again.