How to remove EU power limitation on SONY D-EJ250

This thread covers how to remove the EU power limitation on SONY D-EJ250 Discman.
Models sold in EU are limited to 1.5mW x 2, compared to the rest of the models who output 5mW x 2.

At 1.5mW the device is only useable with sensitve IEMs, being unable to drive any bigger over-ear headphones at a decent volume level.

Other Discmans in the series have same problem and solution is similar, just that the resistor which need replacement may be in a different postition. You need to check service manual of individual unit to confirm this.

The thread also covers a basic service: how to lubricate the spindle motor, the sled motor, sled itself and laser rails. I recommend doing this, especially because it's a SONY and SONY tends to not lubricate things enough.

NOTE: R804 will measure significantly lower when measured in-circuit, so if you want to just check, you need to desolder it first.

STEPS:

1. Disassemble the device.
2. Take the laser/spindle motor assy out.
3. Take the PCB out.
4. Remove R804 and replace it with 100K SMD resistor 0805 package.
Note that I used a 0.25W THT one for testing purposes only.
5. Put the PCB back into the chassis.
6. Remove the spindle motor and lubricate it.
7. Remove cover of sled gears.
8. Lubricate the sled motor, sled and laser rails.
9. Reassembly of sled gears cover.
10. Reassembly and test. Volume should start at 1 after the mod.