Hey everyone! I recently dug out my Sony D-99 from storage and decided to get it working again. It had some issues with the sled and spindle motor, but I’ve managed to get both moving now. However, it’s still not playing, and I noticed the disc spins very wobbly. After looking at photos of other D-99 units online, I realized that my spindle hub/holder is different. Instead of the usual metal hub found in Discmans from this era, mine has a cheap-looking plastic one: Can anyone confirm if this is a replacement? Could some models have come with this plastic version, or is it likely that mine was swapped out at some point? Also, does anyone know if I can buy a proper metal replacement online? I haven’t had much luck searching, but maybe I’m using the wrong terms. Thanks a lot!
Hello! The D99 does not have a plastic turntable but a metallic one. The plastic one with the 3 ball bearings is for devices with ESP. The D99 has a magnetic clamping mechanism. So yeah, seems like someone changed the spindle of your Discman. You best het would be to try to get one out of a donor player. The D90 is compatible. If you are in Germany (or in Europe in general) I might be able to help you.
What I thought :/ thanks for clarifying. I’m actually based in Europe yeah!! any help with this I would really appreciate.
What do you think about a turntable switch? I am actually in need of a turntable like the one you have, and I have a couple of spare metallic ones. Just let me check if the shaft diameter of the Discman I am repairing matches the one of the D99. Could you please check if the turntable you have has cracks?
Different motor shaft diameter I believe. This D-99 may be a later model when they transitioned to the newer CD spindle type.
Now that is something new. Where there D99s without magnetic clamp style turntables? For what o can see in OPs picturey the spindle shaft doesn't even pops out of the plastic turntable, which makes me believe is not original.
So there were actually D-99 models with this kind of spindle? The thing is that, in the top part, it still has the metal thing that would magnetically couple to the one at the bottom:
Then I think it is clear. That thing hanging in the middle is the magnetic part. The clamp, so to speak. You are missing the lower part, the metallic turn table. What I do not understand is why would anyone replace the metallic turn table for a plastic one. The magnetic clamp system Sony used in those CD players is simple, reliable and virtually failure-proof.
Yeah… no idea. The only reason I can think of is that they used this one for parts and put the metallic one in a working Discman—but then why replace it with the plastic one? I don’t know. Also, the metal spindle thingy doesn’t usually break—at least, I’ve never seen one broken. By the way, I sent you a message. Not sure if you got it, since it’s my first time messaging on this forum and the system is a bit different from what I’m used to
I think someone "transplanted" the entire optical pick up block and sled assembly into this D-99 from a similar model. Either because that is what they had on hand and it fit or they didn't want to spend the $$$ on e-bay buying another D-99 or D-9 for parts. That's my theory anyway. Subject to change as more facts emerge etc., So in order to "restore" this D-99 to original superior CD spindle platter one would need to... go onto e-bay and buy another D-99 or D-9. The D-9 will be cheaper. Then swap over the assembly. Usually works without oscilloscope laser adjustment. (I selected a late model year (1991 or 92' if I remember?) to ensure I got the KSS-220 laser. Check e-bay listings that show Discman base plate and the year + in clean scratch and wear free condition for low hours.) a D-9 in great condition off e-bay just to swap over the "fresh" KSS-220 laser block into a D-555 with weak laser and bad tracking. And it worked flawlessly without laser adjustments. Solid working condition with a low hours "fresher" laser.)
Hmmm, is there any way to make sure if this is the original one or not? Here are a couple of pictures from top and bottom: To my, it sounds like too much hassle soldering all the wires etc from another unit and this one seems to fit perfectly in this player. EDIT: After checking a bit more I can see that the soldering job in the wires from the sled motor doesn't look great. Also the green wires have been extended by soldering another piece of wire, which seems kinda dodgy.
