Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 596, 598 DSL-720 drives from China

Hi,

If you've got a 598 or 596 it's probably got an ageing DVS DVL-720 DVD ROM drive in it.

My 596 did and it died very soon after I bought it (sob). I tried replacing the laser but that didn't work. I tried replacing the drive with another DVD ROM drive from a PC and that was fairly successful but not great.

These are old drives, but I found a supplier for new DSL-720 drives in China prepared to ship small quantities to the UK, through Alibaba. They'll send me one for $41 plus $45 shipping - around �55. I'm tempted to buy two to get the price down a bit - if anyone else interested, PM me.

I can't guarantee anything other than I'd be acting in good faith, sharing the costs, and that replacing the drive is fairly easy - just two connectors and lots of screws...

Perhaps I'm mad. Quite my sick 596 makes me sad!

-Edd

I have a TNT account with a good rate in China.
If there's anything I can be of assistance, let me know.

Thanks for the offer, Albert. I'll probably try to keep it simple, by letting the seller arrange shipping.

Guys,

Albert has advised caution:Sensible man, that Albert.

Best case: the firmware just has to be of a certain date or later. Worst case: it has to a specific Meridian version. From a 2006 thread on here:Unless anybody can share a good reason for blind optimism, in view of the uncertainties my current plan is to buy a unit or two to test before ordering for everybody else.

I'll post prices next, which are getting better!

I've had an encouraging reply from China about shipping costs:

On a $50 invoice we might pay 20% VAT - or customs might not bother (as below their �9 minimum).

So if we buy 7 drives, the cost could be as low as $52 (�33) each delivered to me, plus forwarding within the UK (�5-�10)

The single unit cost is $86 (around �53) but that's direct to your address in the UK, so maybe ordering individually is not so bad?

THE PLAN
So... as mentioned in my previous post, my plan is to buy ONE drive (or maybe two) to check out first, rather than risk buying seven only to find they're incompatible. I will let you know in a week or so!

If anyone is in a hurry, just let me know and we can share a "risky" order. Or you can buy direct from Shenzhen E-Best Industrial Co., Ltd..

Do these drives need flashing with Meridian firmware?

Hi VK

Yes, that's a good question to which I do not have a good answer. Hence the cautious purchase.

From reading past posts, it might be necessary to get 100% functionality. But whether that missing functionality is important - no idea.

I've never flashed any Meridian hardware but firmware seems to be available for both the 596 and 598 - or at least I can find docs. I'm exploring now.

RS232 ports... ah. Where did I put my soldering iron?

Maybe Chris from the repair shop could shed some light on this, I know he has a few ROM drives left...
My thoughts Jonathan

Good idea. I've asked Chris for advice.

Update: I ordered a single drive mid-week, should arrive in a few days (DHL). Supplier kept changing the prices - mainly in an upwards direction. Annoying, but still worth it - if it works.

Will post an update as soon as I've received the drive and tried it out.

Just realised I've got an MSR remote, not an MSR4 - so no MENU/SETUP button, just hope I don't need the setup menu!

Update: Initial experience

The drive arrived midweek but I'm not yet sure what to say about my experience. I bought it from http://www.e-best.en.alibaba.com/ from Candy, who was very helpful but the language barrier is significant.

Good points:

• I've received my drive and it's exactly as described
• t works fine as a CD drive with full functionality (track numbers and time display correctly) and sounds great
• I could pay with PayPal

Bad points:

• The drive was manufactured in 2002 so is "new old stock". A bit dusty and maybe less than reliable as...
• I can't get DVDs to play at all (no disc)
• The price kept going up (quoted the wrong price, charged for using PayPal, customs charges)
• The buying process was rather drawn out

I'm still investigating but a bit depressed. I'm going to try tinkering with the firmware and Meridian Configuration Manager, and swapping with other DVD ROM drives to see if any support DVD, however badly. I will report all my findings in a day or two - and leave you (dear reader) to draw your own conclusions.

I may also try swapping the drive electronics with the original drive, if feeling brave.

It may be that my 596 is more broken than I thought - that the core electronics can no longer play DVDs, nothing to do with the DVD drive.

In truth I'm fairly happy with being able to play CDs again - but DVDs would be nice!

-Ed

Ed

I believe there is a separate laser to read DVD vs CD so failure to read one and not the other suggests a faulty drive I would fear.

12 year old NOS may contribute to this? I hope not, I have a DSL-720 stored away that I bought several years ago for future security of my various M players that use this unit.

Good luck.

Richard