Linn Unidisk SC

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Ger@ld
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Linn Unidisk SC

Post by Ger@ld »

Hello

I am using a Unidisck SC as a CD player
I would like to use it with the preamp, but I forgot the manipulation to return to this function

Thank you for your information
dasher
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by dasher »

The information that you require can be found in the User manual here: https://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/images/c/c ... l_rev3.pdf but it isn't easy to find within the document. Go Page 32 and then the User Option Table. The bit that you require is actually under "Knekt". You need to change the 'Source' as described in the document.
Ger@ld
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by Ger@ld »

thank you so much
I knew it was in a corner of the doc but I couldn't find it
Thank you
dasher
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by dasher »

No problem - it is a pig to find!

Just spare a thought for the poor people who have had one of these for years and never realised that it can be used as an (excellent) transport! Today, at eBay prices, it is a very cheap, incredibly good, SACD transport giving a full multi channel analogue output. The challenge is to find something half decent that will accept the full multi channel analogue input. There's very little available, And my Kisto is not as young as it once was!
csfan
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by csfan »

Dear Dasher,

As you know Linn stopped supporting silver disk products years ago (with the exception of CD12).
Not a pleasant news when my Unidisk SC wouldn't read DVDs and SACDs anymore.
It had previously been serviced twice (unusual for a Linn product) by my Linn dealer with laser replacement.
But with Linn's decision my dealer said he couldn't help.

So I acquired an Oppo BDP105D (excellent too BTW at a third of the price of Unidisk SC but now sadly discontinued) for my main system and moved the Unidisk SC on a secondary stereo system.

Unidisk SC could still read red-book CDs but couldn't even catch the CD layer of multi-layered SACDs.
Very frustrating as I have plenty valuable SACDs.
I decided to service the wee monkey myself and ordered quite cheap laser modules on the Internet.
Looking similar to mine, none of the two new modules could detect the SACD layer either.
By adjusting the voltage on one of the new modules I at least managed to access SACD's CD layer.
I did the same on the faulty, old module and surprisingly achieved the same result.
Reason why I now suspect that there is a problem somewhere else in the Unidisc SC.

You wrote that used as a transport the Unidisk SC was excellent (yes, this is how I used it).
Do you actually possess a Unidisc SC in full working order yourself?
Or do you know of any Unidisc SC still capable of reading SACDs today?
Your answer would help me to evaluate if my machine is worth any further effort.

If ever my Unidisk SC was back to reliably reading SACDs I would consider using the pream section as you described and directly connect a couple of speakers with integrated amps (or up to 5.1 for DVDs).

Thanks for your input!
dasher
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by dasher »

Hi Csfan

Yes, I still use my Unidisk SC for playing SACD and it still reads the SACD layer. It is very rare that I use it for anything other than SACD as all of my red-book CDs are ripped to a NAS and accessed via the KRDS. I use mine as a transport, as described in the document link above.

As far as I'm aware, the correct laser is a dual frequency one. I do have a spare laser that I bought about 10 years ago but haven't had to replace the one in there yet. I bought it so long ago that I can't remember where I stored it!

If you have the surround module in an ADSM or KDSM then the Oppo is probably the better way to go as the use of an Oppo and DSM Surround allows the 5.1 audio to be streamed. Digital 'out' from the USC is only 2 channel. Thenumber of system controllers (Kisto in my case) that accept an analogue 5 (or 7) .1 signal has diminished to almost zero unfortunately.
csfan
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by csfan »

Hi Dasher, thanks for your prompt reply.

I am very happy that your Unisidk SC is still working fine.
Mine is not and I must try to understand why.

I read somewhere that there were three versions of CD12.
Externally exactly the same, serial number only would indicate if resolution was 16, 17 I think or 24bit.
Could it be the same for UnidisK SC and that yours is more recent than mine?
My Unidisk was assembled by Scott Hunter, serial number 1057563 UNIDISK SC/S.
It was later fitted with the Linn Dynamic power supply, serial number 1205596 DYNAMIK/DISK (really upsetting it went wrong shortly after).

I can only hope that someone with knowkedge about the Unidisk SC production changes will read this and give me a clue as where to orientate my next move.

Thank you again, enjoy your SACDs!
dasher
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by dasher »

Mine is not Dynamik. As far as I'm aware there was only one major change during the production life and that was to add HDMI capability.Mine is hDMI. If I recall I think there were also several software updates - and at least one of these was targeted at disc readability,
dasher
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by dasher »

If it helps, I remember when sourcing my spare, the advice was to get a full assembly. I'm pretty sure that I sourced mine from Liberty Electronics.They have this listing on eBay at the moment - it's showing 'out of stock'. It was the same when I bought one - I just kept watching until one came backing stock. Mine has the track that you see in the image here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-OPTICAL- ... 3719119293
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by csfan »

Very kind of you, thanks again Dasher I will check both leads.
Btw my USC is with HDMI too. And Dynamic was a significant improvement.
Allan3630
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by Allan3630 »

Hi All,

I am also having problems with my Unidisk SC decoding discs of various formats. SACDs are read as CDs and DVDs cannot be read at all.

Csfan: I was fascinated by your description of adjusting voltages on the laser modules. Have you a description and/or pictures on how to do this?

Also, is it possible to upgrade the software ourselves.

Thanks for a very informative post!

Cheers
Allan
csfan
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by csfan »

Hello Allan,

Please note that I was not too successful with my attempt(s).
OK I had some sort of result and didn't break anything but still my USC can't read DVDs or SACDs.
Actually it seems to behave exactly the same as yours.

This said, if you follow the link provided by Dasher you will see how the Unidisc SC laser module looks like.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-OPTICAL- ... 3719119293
It is quite cheap compared to a Unidisk SC.
My Linn dealer had warned me in the past that several were "dead on arrival" (but I now wonder if perhaps they were not calibrated according to the USC specs).
So I ordered two modules somewhere on Alibaba for about GBP80.

Installing a new laser module is neither difficult nor exactly plug and play.
It requires a soldering iron and to follow the procedure described here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il_2OnQ ... ear-net-au
In this video around 1:10 you will notice two identical silver screws positionned horizontally side by side in the middle of the printed circuit board.
One if for power (not voltage, sorry) calibration of CD, the other for SACD and DVD.
Both are very tiny making it tricky to perform according to what is explained at length from 10:20 to 16:20 in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG7KVD1 ... ectronicle
Perhaps I didn't properly manage calibration and should persevere using a magnifier... when time.

About DYI software update I don't know.
I couldn't get hold of my Linn dealer today but will try again tomorrow and let you know.

Enjoy the videos and good luck!
Allan3630
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by Allan3630 »

Hi Csfan,

Wow! That is fantastic. Thanks so much for the advice.
I will have a look and give it a go, and if I have any luck I’ll get back to you.

Thanks
Allan
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by Allan3630 »

Hi Csfan,

Do you know which of the silver screws is for SACD/DVD? I don’t want to touch the CD screw as it is working fine.

Thanks
Allan
csfan
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by csfan »

Hi Allan,

No I can't tell for sure as there is no indication on the circuitery board (plus I couldn't remove the glued label, see photos below).

This said:
1) See how small the adjustment screws are compared to a CD and the antistatic warning on the boxes here
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vo9gnb9fkpwz7 ... s.jpg?dl=0
2) Have a look at the magnified view of the module installed by Linn Scotland in 2008
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bnwrj8f6hbeni ... s.jpg?dl=0
3) and look at the module acquired in 2019
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bzu3bi8sh4yyf ... s.jpg?dl=0

You will see that
- the two modules are about ten years apart but very similar, and
- on both magnified views the top screw looks like it has been deliberately made unadjustable.
So not much choice, just a guess that the bottom screw is for the DVD/SACD section.

May I suggest you wait for a fortnight or so before proceeding?
The video I directed you to did not exist when I first tried, so I was a bit in the dark with my adjustments.
As I have spare modules I would like to try again next week and come back to you with my findings.

About software, my Linn dealer said they had so much trouble with the Linn PC-based tool and procedure that they would send every faulty USC to Linn Scotland for repair and software update.
So, no answer to your question, sorry.
Allan3630
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by Allan3630 »

Hi Csfan,

You bet! I havent started yet. (I noted the one link was out)
I could also use a video which shows how the actual cd tray with lens is removed. I had the unit opened when I had to remove a CD as the drawer refused to open, and it looked like it wasnt' a simple procedure.

Thanks for your quick responses!

Allan
Robert Lake
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by Robert Lake »

Don't forget the read the comments and the answers before you decide on the project
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il_2OnQ ... ear-net-au
If this guy thinks it difficult, for me it appears way above my skills. I wish the guy had made a full video on how he did it.
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springwood64
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by springwood64 »

You should be able to get a local electronics repair specialist to do this for you. I used a local audio and musical instruments specialist to replace the laser of a Unidisk SC. It cost £120 parts and labour.
Pete

Linn Axis, Kinki, Källa (GS308T+Amplifi HD x 2 + BJC), Boazu, Espeks
Allan3630
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by Allan3630 »

Yes you are probably right.

In the meantime it has gotten worse. It now has difficulty reading CDs/SACDs. The problem is that USC’s are a dime a dozen here, so it is not IMO, worth spending much on it.

Might consider going back to my old Kairn, which matches well with my Klout, and invest in a new SACD player.

Opinions?
csfan
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by csfan »

My apologies, I didn't have time to progress much on this.

If, like Springwood64, you find someone able to fix your USC for £120, great, go for it!
A specialist will also check other components, something I can't do.

According to my former Linn dealer, the whole Unidisc range uses a Sony KSS230A laser mechanism, now discontinued.
As opposed to the Philips-based CD12, all the Unidiscs are fragile.
This is why I wouldn't consider a cheap second-hand USC or any other Unidisc as an option.

When my USC broke I bought an Oppo 105D (now discontinued) and never regretted the USC.
And the Oppo plays Blu-ray and DVD with a much better picture than the USC.

To play SACD's and not DVD's in his home, my former Linn dealer is very happy with his Esoteric K-03XS.
Today there are many new decently priced SACD players on the market, enjoy browsing!
Allan3630
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by Allan3630 »

ahhh..too late :-)
Ended up buying another USC with new laser and Dynamik..didnt pay much for it so dont feel too bad.
At least I can read my discs again.
csfan
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by csfan »

Good, Allan3630, I think you will be very happy with what Dynamik brings to the sound. Enjoy your music!
csfan
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by csfan »

Today I spent time on my USC.
In fact adjusting laser power is easy.

Remove the lid.
Open the tray and remove the power cord to be safe.
With the tray open you can see those two screws.
First mark the screws with a felt pen.
With a vey small (1.5) and short flat screwdriver you can easily adjust the settings as the screws turn easily.
On the right is the screw for the CD laser, on the left for the SACD.
Turn clockwise to increase power.

Then what?
It didn't work!
The USC is OK with CDs but cannot read SACDs.
I suspect that the laser I received from China which is currently installed in my USC was dead on arrival.
I should do the same with the two other modules I have but it will take a big longer to dismount the mechanism.
If the USC could read the CD layer of SACDs it would be enough for me.
But I think there is no such user option in the USC, and no way to 'downgrade".

Compared to a Philips CD104 the USC tray mechanism looks rather poor quality.
I can't help thinking that, fortunately, I didn't like the sound of Unidisk 2.1 and 1.1.
Although much more expensive, they had the same mechanism and, of course, the same trouble, so I was told.
Pretty shameful.
keybas
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by keybas »

Hi, I want to contribute some of my experiences with the China Lasers for the Unidisk:

1. The KHM-230AAA seems to be all the same for Unidisk 1.1, Unidisk 2.1 and Unidisk SC, there are no different models.

2. They all come as a full assembly unit, easy to replace. Just loose the four screws with the springs that hold the Laser assembly, remove the three cables, remove the four rubber dampers and then do the contrary on the new one.
Don't forget to unsolder the pin right underneath the flat cable connector.

3. I found out that most of these laser units haven't been aligned correctly. There were tolerances in the height of the spindle motor, the laser power of both the CD and the DVD/SACD Laser and even the alignment of the laser lens was not correct sometimes. (I'v checked about seven of these new laser units until now.

4. There was only ONE working from scratch, playing all disks without any problems. So far to the quality you can expect.

5. This only one laser unit did play well in a Unidisk SC with HDMI.

6. I tried the same laser unit in another Linn Unidisk SC with SCART only. The result: it could play hardly the SACD, but stopped working with all other kinds of disks (no CD-A, no DVD, no MP3CD)

7. Then I tried the same laser unit with an Unidisk 1.1 showing more or less the same result (playing SACD only, playing DVD, but without sound, playing MP3 disks, but with crackled sound, spinning up the CD-Audio, but not recognizing it.

8. All the other laser units had some problems, I could fix some to get working, but some never showed any success.

9. My suggestion is: it might have something to do with the different firmware of the players.

10.These are the dates of the working Linn Unidisk SC with HDMI:
Mar 1 2006
H8S TIME/DATE 11:34:56

H8S CHECKSUM BF2C

DVD AUDIO KEY NUMBER 5813

PCAS330L2R2
S/N 1E0000026308AF14

PCAS424L2R1
S/N 3300000223BF5714

PCAS488L3R9
S/N FA00000223AA9C14

PCAS408L3R1
S/N B400000224459014

MECH VERSION 03.04.00.00

ESS SOFTW.VERSION S1860223

H8S SOFTW.VERSION S1150217
csfan
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Re: Linn Unidisk SC

Post by csfan »

Dear Keybas,

After all my attempts with lasers ordered in China and your contribution I was about to give up.
For some reason I made a recent search and found a supplier in Germany via eBay.
Because Unidisc SC was specifically mentionned, I gave it a go.
I ordered a laser pick-up with a special shipping requirement (in English because I am not fluent in German).
When it was delivered I made sure to perfectly unsolder the antistatic blob and installed the Laser module.
And, guess what?
Hurray!
My Unidisc SC is operational as new.
Yes, it can read SACDs all sorts, DVDs and CDs of course!

I was wondering if it was pure luck, so I questionned Sebastian, my contact at Musi24.DE.
He replied as follows:

"thank you for the feedback. We have a good supplier for this Lasers, since many years we order from him and also we check all of this in our workshop in the reference player. So we can sure, that the laser really works perfect. We also use the laser very often in our workshop for our repairs without any problems. Actually we only have our shop in german language but we ship world wide. Here is a Link to both parts ( laser and mechanism)"
Laser: https://musi24.de/200513584
Mechanism: https://musi24.de/200515081
When customers has any question the everytime can contact us in english language. Also a order can be done as Email (shop@musi24.DE)"

I hope this info is useful.
All the best.
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