Hi,

I opened the box of a September 2000 vintage Meridian 596 to see that the DVD-Rom unit is a Korean made 19.99$ DVS DSL-710A. See atatched link at eBay: http://cgi.eBay.com/1-unit-DVS-DSL-...244QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
This is a common DVD-Rom Drive/Loader used in APEX made low-cost DVD Players.

There was a thread in this forum about a guy who found out that the 800 used the same exact Drive/loader. Here is the link:
http://www.meridianunplugged.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=000086#000005

I am assuming that the DVD-Rom drive is similar. BTW, I talked to DVS and they say that way, Linn is using their products too.
Here is a link to the company's website:
http://www.dvs.co.kr/project/english/product/710a.htm

If you need to replace a DVD-Rom drive, all you do is take the cover off, release the drive's mounting screws unplug the data and power cable (when the unit's is un-hooked of course...:-)) same as you would do with a PC DVD-Rom drive.
Hook the new one to the power and data cable and voila!
This unit, unlik computer DVD-Rom drive does not even have Master/Slave termination.
The other thing you want to check is a firmware (it will be printed on the Drive/Loader). The one I bought on e-bay (the link above) is L008 firmware, from October 2000 so it did not require a firmware flush from Meridian.
The Meridian "motherboard" recognized it instantaneously and it plays like a charm.
I think Meridian write their own firmwares.

Regarding "region free" here is a thread:
http://www.meridianunplugged.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=000681;p=0

Good luck!

Doron

596, G02, G57
Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home