Backstory: I've had a Pioneer CLD-D704 in my possession since April 2010. For over a decade, it has served as my main LD player without ever any major functionality issues other than two loading belt replacements. About a year ago, my wife and I noticed an occasional "squealing" sound coming from the player during playback at random times. The squealing eventually got louder, starting creating distortion in the playback, and eventually lead to the player unable to successfully play back any LaserDiscs (CDs continued to play back fine, however).

Earlier this year, I started looking into possible causes as to what the problem could be. After lots of searching through posts on AV forums, Reddit, and LDDB, and attempting to clean/replace spindle clamp components, I determined it was likely the spindle motor itself was shot. I searched online for any replacement spindle motors compatible with the D704, but alas no luck; apparently this is a common issue with this family of players and thus working motors are hard to come by. My beloved D704 was unusable and there was nothing I could do.

Fast forward to April this year when I opened an account here on LDDB asking for advice, even going as far as suggesting I buy a semi-working D503 to cannibalize for parts. Grasshopper replied to that post, then sent me a PM stating he had a working motor and could professionally service my player. It took me several weeks to properly package and ship to him, but eventually my player completed its long trip from SW Texas to Michigan safely and in one piece.

Grasshopper acknowledged the motor was shot and got to work replacing the component, checked tracking/focus gains, fixed crosstalk issues discovered when playing back on both sides A and B, and other technical adjustments I probably wouldn't understand haha. After a few weeks, the player was now ready to ship back out to me. Along with the repair, Grasshopper also offered to sell me a working replacement laser assembly I could have on hand in the event my player ever needed it swapped out, which I gladly accepted. Just last week I received my D704 and the spare laser assembly in the mail. The packaging for each was superb and very well secured. I ran my D704 through its paces with full playback of CAV and CLV discs and it looked and sounded better than ever! Grasshopper kept mentioning how quiet the player was and man was he right. I'd been using my D504 in its absence for my theater room and its crazy how quiet the D704 is in comparison! He also stated that with these repairs, the player should last me a very long time as long as I use it regularly, at least 2-3 discs monthly, which I certainly plan to.

All in all, a really great experience. Grasshopper is a true professional in every way. He provided constant feedback as to the status of the repair, what he had discovered while troubleshooting, and what was being adjusted. He asked questions about the player's history to gauge its use and know about any repairs done to it before. We exchanged several PMs daily about status updates of the repair along with friendly banter including movie tastes and his history with repairing LD players. Both his skillset fixing these old players and his professionalism are a true rarity in today's world.

Thank you Grasshopper for resurrecting my dead D704 from the grave! It's been a real pleasure doing business with you. If anyone has a LaserDisc player in need of repairs, definitely send him a PM for his availability.

He’s the best. He has my 99 at the moment but it’s already fixed. We just need to arrange pickup. When I gave him the 99 to fix I also bought a 95 off him which I’ve been using daily since and the thing is essentially perfect.

Sadly I still have a 3070 sitting in a box that I bought from him and haven't even opened it yet
Always great to deal with him, glad he's back in the scene.

yobagme,

Thanks for the nice review and words on your CLD-D704 LD Player. I think the most work was getting the correct double boxes and packing it securely for a safe transit home! I hate when the U.P.S store doesn't stock the boxes I usually use. And it's a 45 minute drive for me. I used to have Fedex Send me real industrial boxes years ago, but seems like when I asked, they don't do it anymore. I will have to check my notes.

I still think it plays too Quiet!! Lol That Spindle Motor must be when Pioneer did quality ones from their source!

Again, thanks for the kind words, and I'm happy I helped a member on Lddb.

\../

Rein-O, I believe your Warranty Ran out 7+ Years Ago


Always a Pleasure doing business!!


\../

grasshopper,

Good to hear from you! Yeah, that packaging was first class and I'm definitely holding onto these boxes for storage and later use.

I forgot to mention in my review how much I appreciated the cleanup job you did on the outside surfaces, buttons, and rear jacks! That was a very nice touch that you didn't need to do and demonstrated the pride you take in your work. It looks absolutely beautiful in my AV setup, like it was made yesterday!

Thanks again for everything! I spun up Tombstone a few days ago over Dolby Surround and was so giddy to see my D704 back up and running.