It was interesting seeing my Apollo being repaired. I was looking for something else and this popped up. I purchased it sometime around 2004 / 2005 to replace a Rotel 965BX. Some earlier skipping was resolved by replacing the disc in the player. More recently though it had become a distinct problem and wasn’t solvable by simply restarting the disc. Picked it up today and no skipping whilst trying it at Cheshire Audio and another 5 hours at home and no problems. Thanks Phil.
Your really spoiling us with this flurry of videos-I love these repair videos.I’m assuming replacing a Naim laser assembly wouldn’t be much more complicated than this??
It can’t be a year 2000 Apollo lol, they weren’t introduced until around mid 2006. The Planet 2000 replaced the original clamshell planet in 2000, and that was replaced in 2003 by the Planet 3 (not sure there’s a lot of difference to be honest). The Apollo was extremely well received when it was released and they couldn’t make enough of them, I wanted one myself. I ended up with a Saturn which was even nicer!
Are these replacement laser units still available to purchase? I ask because I am considering buying a used Apollo like the one you have and I don't want to be stuck with a paper weight if the laser goes! Thanks
@@cheshireaudio I have been told by an engineer that they are Sanyo transports (£40) but the ball chuck arrangement for clamping the disc is a Rega mod. However, the mod can be removed off the old unit and attached to the new one.
I thought that the solder joint is to protect the laser diode from static and should only be unsoldered once you've reconnected the Ribbon cable up ? I'm no expert it's just something I was told year's ago. Enjoy your videos 👍👍
Thanks for the video. Looks easy enough to that I’m willing to try myself on a similar player with a bad transport. Only question is why did you de-solder?
because the laser unit is very sensitive to static electricity they short it with solder for during the shipment. best safest practice is to remove the solder after connecting it to the electronics.
Hi, i have this same cd player but i have no signal coming from the rca out. Only digital outputs are working. Any idea where to look for the problem? Thanks!
I have a Rega Planet 2000 that I bought used for 225 bucks including the remote nice unit. Its DAC is lovely although maybe not the equal to my Bryston BDA-1 although musically one could argue that perhaps. Anyway if I do replace the transport your video made that job more conceivable. How much money is the part?
Thank you doing this video. I have an older Rega Apollo that I like very much. Do you know which version of the Sanyo SF-P101 laser assembly was used? There is a 15 pin and 16 pin version. Is it difficult to transfer the ball-chuck platter interface to the new unit?
Thx for the very instructive video, I'm having a player in from a friend in for repair, do you know the transport model or how to order one ? (or as you mentioned from a compatible brand / player ?)
I wonder if my rega saturn mk3 is having a transport issue as it rumbles at the first 1 to 2 tracks audibly. Some times stronger than others, especially when power is switched on after being offline.
Happy holidays Philip. Your videos have kept me sane through the pandemic lockdown!
It was interesting seeing my Apollo being repaired. I was looking for something else and this popped up.
I purchased it sometime around 2004 / 2005 to replace a Rotel 965BX.
Some earlier skipping was resolved by replacing the disc in the player. More recently though it had become a distinct problem and wasn’t solvable by simply restarting the disc. Picked it up today and no skipping whilst trying it at Cheshire Audio and another 5 hours at home and no problems.
Thanks Phil.
Told you it was quick :-)
Nice one Philip. Just part exchanged my Rega Saturn for a Leema Elements player. Had it for about 12 years.
I've always liked Leema ... used to sell the big CD and Amp, the names of which escape me
@@cheshireaudio Phil,
Any thoughts on the Apollo SE 35th ltd edition version. Have you heard one?
Your really spoiling us with this flurry of videos-I love these repair videos.I’m assuming replacing a Naim laser assembly wouldn’t be much more complicated than this??
Lovely jubley
Fantastic! Thank you. I assume the same is true for the saturn R, top plate has 6 hex/torque screws.
thanks a lot for the video! very helpful!
Works fine, thanks
It can’t be a year 2000 Apollo lol, they weren’t introduced until around mid 2006. The Planet 2000 replaced the original clamshell planet in 2000, and that was replaced in 2003 by the Planet 3 (not sure there’s a lot of difference to be honest). The Apollo was extremely well received when it was released and they couldn’t make enough of them, I wanted one myself. I ended up with a Saturn which was even nicer!
You are right ... just Googled, I've always called this model the Apollo 2000 ... wrongly now it seems. I should remember really, sold plenty of them!
Can the saturn R have it's transport swapped in the same way?
That's the problem with most of the cd players nowadays, shitty transports which cost 32 Euros on Aliexpress
Are these replacement laser units still available to purchase? I ask because I am considering buying a used Apollo like the one you have and I don't want to be stuck with a paper weight if the laser goes! Thanks
You might me better off using solder wick to remove the solder from the link. No kick-back risk from the solder sucker with the wick :)
Hi Philip! Where can we purchase a rega apollo cd transport? It is not available on their website. Thanks again !
It would have to be through a dealer
@@cheshireaudio I have been told by an engineer that they are Sanyo transports (£40) but the ball chuck arrangement for clamping the disc is a Rega mod. However, the mod can be removed off the old unit and attached to the new one.
Do you have link of This part?
I thought that the solder joint is to protect the laser diode from static and should only be unsoldered once you've reconnected the Ribbon cable up ? I'm no expert it's just something I was told year's ago.
Enjoy your videos 👍👍
Apparently a bridging link of some sort... it doesn’t work on some players if you don’t desolder it
Thanks for the video. Looks easy enough to that I’m willing to try myself on a similar player with a bad transport. Only question is why did you de-solder?
because the laser unit is very sensitive to static electricity they short it with solder for during the shipment. best safest practice is to remove the solder after connecting it to the electronics.
@@Erwinhooi thanks, i was able to replace it, working and sounding great.
Hi, i have this same cd player but i have no signal coming from the rca out. Only digital outputs are working. Any idea where to look for the problem?
Thanks!
I have a Rega Planet 2000 that I bought used for 225 bucks including the remote nice unit. Its DAC is lovely although maybe not the equal to my Bryston BDA-1 although musically one could argue that perhaps. Anyway if I do replace the transport your video made that job more conceivable. How much money is the part?
Thank you doing this video. I have an older Rega Apollo that I like very much. Do you know which version of the Sanyo SF-P101 laser assembly was used? There is a 15 pin and 16 pin version. Is it difficult to transfer the ball-chuck platter interface to the new unit?
Thx for the very instructive video, I'm having a player in from a friend in for repair, do you know the transport model or how to order one ? (or as you mentioned from a compatible brand / player ?)
I wonder if my rega saturn mk3 is having a transport issue as it rumbles at the first 1 to 2 tracks audibly. Some times stronger than others, especially when power is switched on after being offline.
Edit: Got the cd drive replaced by Rega's service partner (guarantee). Great service.
Would you have a link for this part? Thanks.
I am watching your video.
I use REGA apollo CD player
SF-P101N SF-P101 (16pin)
Can I purchase this part and attach it?
Don't try this at home kids !!!
that loosk pretty cheap and flimsy once inside