In a current thread on the Gon, a post referenced a malfunctioning CDT, which I have recognised as a PS Audio PWT Transport.
The Post reported that the Transport needed three new CD Drive/Laser Readers over a few years and that the producer refused to repair the unit when the issue recurred.
Very recently, after 8 years of ownership of a PWT Transport, the CD Drive / Laser Reader failed to function, which was an unexpected occurrence. After a not-too-long period of further investigations, I learnt I was not alone when it comes to failures to read a disc.
I divided the overall purchase price over the owned years and settled on the idea that the annual usage was £ xx.xx, and decided a new CDT was worthwhile investigating.
Whilst investigating CDT options and searching for CDT Option vs PWT Transport, I discovered a Thread on the PWT forum about the CD Drive/Laser Reader failures and the guidance on a DIY Swap, supported by photo directives from the service manual.
Usually, I leave all electronics to a professional or individual known for their adept skills in this field; on this occasion and having been offered support, I investigated the exchange methodology to be done by myself.
After a few hours, during which the bulk of the time was spent separating the chassis Top/Base, I was able to follow the guidance and remove the CD Drive. After a YouTube guide, I was also confident to follow a suggestion and check the tension on the drive belt, which meant parting the CD Drive from the metal housing. There was no condition witnessed to suggest the belt was too loose.
A few days wait, and a replacement CD Drive / Laser Reader from a 2006 production was delivered, which was a straight swap; there were no adaptations to the wiring/connections required.
The new CD Drive was responding to the remote, reading discs, and replays were once more available.
Over a few days, I was to learn the CD Drive used with certain CD’s was quite audible in its operation, which prompted an investigation into CD Drives that are compatible and known for their quiet operation. After a few hours of research and a few days' wait, I was once more delivered an alternate CD Drive / Laser Reader from a production era of 2020.
So far, there is no drama; everything is tickety-boo.
In about a ⅙ of the time of doing the first exchange, I was able to complete the newest CD Drive exchange.
I added a vibration-reducing Butyl Sheet to both CD drive casings and the Top/Base Chassis of the PWT Transport.
An unexpected error was encountered on Exchange 2 after the success of Exchange 1.
Exchange 2 was not functioning with the remote control?
Using the Service Manuals directive to manually open the drive, a CD was used.
A disc was read, and a replay of music was the result. Keeping the disc in the closed drawer and rebooting the PWT Transport, using the back of the unit's power button. I was able to start using the remote control, which resulted in replays of music.
During the earliest of replays using Exchange 2, it was very noticeable that the End Sound was perceived as much improved over the prior two used CD Drive / Laser Readers.
It is not very easy to describe why there is perceived to be an improved end sound. The following might be the answer?
1. A 2020 production CD Drive, especially produced for quiet operation, may be the reason?
2. A more recent Drive/Laser of six years old as a design, may be a much better design over the equivalent device produced as a design 12 years ago?
3. The Butyl Sheet may have a contribution?
Most importantly, relating to this report, is that a CDT with an operation failure and decided upon to be replaced is now operational once more 
. The outcome is that the education has been well received, and the overall cost so far is less than £100 with change to spare. Fortunately, I now know a person who is able to swap out a CD Drive / Laser Reader if a failure occurs in the future.
