Dont include any of the out of most everyones price range HLD models.





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What do you mean by "toughest lasting"?

no packing, parcel post just delivered it and it works fine with no loose parts inside the machine

Given that criteria probably any of the single side play models. Fewer mechanics means less chance of damage. Of course with no packing that doesn't exclude a broken front panel

To answer the original question (and having to exclude the X0) a player like the S1, S2, LD-V8000. Single side players with monster mechanics

Just out of curiosity where does the HLD-X9 sit relative to these players in terms of internal mechanical build quality?
I'm not talking about technical excellent in terms of components used etc but actual build quality for lasting the distance.
I know the external build quality of the HLD-X9 is like nothing I've seen on any other player but I wonder is it actually any better internally when it comes to the durability of the mechanics?

Longest lasting

Other than the spindle motor the mechanics of the X9 are like the 703/703/79/99. So the mechanical build quality would be the same as those models and prone to basically the same mechanical issues (which aren't many)

I don't get out the soldering iron very often. Most problems are mechanical in nature. So a single side player should (in theory) last longer because of fewer moving parts (i.e. no turn mechanics). That said, with proper care and service a dual side player should last just as long

The LD-V8000 is known to have been used in kiosk applications, in continuous repeat playback mode, for literally eight or ten years at a time. I have this from someone who used them in museum displays.

Do the X9 or X0 have the same "brittle" drawer as the CLD-99, LD-S9, EAD TheaterVision and the others based on that same design? That anti-resonant coating Pioneer applied to the Elite drawers makes them feel super brittle, like they'd shatter at the slightest jolt. The drawer of the DVL-700 doesn't feel so fragile, and the drawer of the CLD-1010 feels quite strong, as does the Sony LaserMax LDP-150, which is an OEM'd Pioneer LD-700. The Panasonic LX-900's drawer feels strong too but its elevator mechanism seems fragile, although both of my players have been fine as have, as far as I know, another forum members two Panasonic players.

My LD-1100 is still performing superbly, and has never been serviced, since it was built in 1982.

The X0 tray is like the S2, not brittle. If memory serves me the X9 may be the same "brittle" as the S9. I've never seen the 99 tray suffer from the same issues as the S9. I've had to replace S9 trays with a "stock" 503 type tray, cutting out the CD part of the tray and gluing the CD tray into place.

Any number of LDV units. No AC-3, no Both Side Play, giant remotes...but I'll be damned if they aren't basically invicible.

I've wanted to own an LD-V8000 because it gives a true CLV freeze frame and not a freeze field, incredibly fast access times and and other features, but I've never seen one and wonder what the quality of the picture is as compared to high-end consumer players like the CLD-99, 97 and LD-S2?

I know the Lds1, the 2 I have never glitched once in 8 years,

Very solid backup or main player for the bedroom.

The picture quality is nothing special, in my (admittedly limited) judgement, although it's been said that a great deal depends on the fine servo adjustments & that sort of thing. With modern displays, using the external sync input to obtain absolute rock-steady playback with broadcast-quality reference generator (such as a Tektronix 1410) probably doesn't buy too much.

The CLD-3070 I bought new in 1990 (sears closeout) hasn't failed me yet. Though the disc tray is opening slowly now the rest of the machine is flawless.

I have an LD-1100 built in May 1982, that's never been serviced and it still works as good as when brand new - no crosstalk or anything. One of my VP-1000's built in Sept 1980, is also still going strong. My PR-7820's still work well as does my PR-8210. The tube-based HeNe laser, top loading players can be incredibly robust if taken care of properly.

It needs to be re-lubed. Mine did the exact same thing until I sent it to Kurtis for servicing.

TLK

I recently picked up an 8000. I havn't been that impressed by it; it has trouble starting(I think it has a seaking/searching problem) sometimes it won't even start at all, it will try for a couple of minutes then give up. The CLV freeze mechanism doesn't even work anymore(only worked for the first few weeks I had it)