So I have ordered a new laser for the faulty BeoSound 1 - it's on the way from China and I'll let you know how I get on.

I wanted to start using the new SW2.5 BeoSound 1 with the clock, so I removed the CD mechanism from one of my working SW1.3 (no clock) BeoSound 1s and fitted it in the new one - despite being a slightly different CD module (VAU1255/01 rather than VAU1255/21LF, it works well.  When swapping the laser modules I was careful to keep the display module (PCB3) with the original main board to avoid any SW incompatibility or Pin Code conflicts.

Here's the working mechanism that I moved:

Login to view image

The 'donor' BeoSound 1 now needs a good internal clean - a job for tomorrow:

Login to view image

The new laser arrived a few days ago while I was distracted with my 'new' BeoSound Essence.

Here's the one that I ordered - one of the cheapest on Amazon and when I ordered I was given a further £2.62 discount for some reason, hence total of £30.12 with free postage from deepest China.  It arrived in just six days.

link

I have just fitted it, using the helpful guide here: 

I put the re-assembled CD module back in the freshly cleaned 'donor' BeoSound 1 shown above and ... it works perfectly!

Fitting was straightforward, only two things of note:  Firstly, the two small screws holding the white nylon sledge guidance plan had stripped threads - luckily I manage to find some suitable replacements in the garage.  This re-confirms a previous badly executed repair.  Secondly I noticed a slight difference in the new laser module.  The faulty module has a small metal spring that is designed to press against the metal sledge guidance shaft.  You can make out the spring in this picture:

Login to view image

Whereas the new module has no such spring - picture shows sledge guidance shaft inserted:

Login to view image

The anomaly doesn't seem to effect CD playback so far but I will test and monitor.  By the way, I didn't lubricate either guidance shaft or cog mechanism - just left it all as it was.

A final picture showing the laser module in place before I replaced the retaining clips:

Login to view image

I still haven't replaced the CD dust cover to I need to find a way to fix that securely to the top of the CD mechanism, and the CD module suspension is still not secure, so unless I can find a fix I will have to be careful to keep the Beosound upright at all times.

I re-fitted the dust cover today, using small dabs of super glue gel at the right hand end (other side from laser) and found two small screws to hold down the left hand side where it had previously been sitting proud and rubbing the CD.  Screws circled in red below (only one visible) - these weren't there before, I think by design because the rubber suspension mounts should actually hold the cover down if they hadn't been cut off too short.  You can also see the glue below from a previous owner's repair, in the hole from which the rubber suspension mounts should extend:

Login to view image

All is re-assembled now and CD plays nicely without rubbing.

Hi Member 20100, Do you have a link for that part, please?

My Beosound 1 has been stored away for a long while with this problem. I'm finally ready to get it out of the closet and get it working again. I cleaned the laser (have not been brave enough to pull it all apart) and it worked for a while but defaults back to the door opening on start sometimes and not others. Interesting that Guy mentions this still happens to him and has better luck with the older cd's and using the unit more often to blow its cobwebs out has helped him.

I'm in Australia and parts and technicians are scarce. Any on-line parts links gratefully accepted - or Aussie (Melbourne) peeps here?

Michelle

An amazing comprehensive description of how to replace the laser section. Well done Guy

I found this one, as a friend of mine came with a Beosound 1 with a faulty CD player.

Why come to me? Well actually I participated in the development of the first compact disc player (CD50 - AIWA OEM inside)  from Bang & Olufsen in the early eighties.

Fun fact; The Compact Disc Player was introduced in May 1983 coordinated between Philips and Sony.

Meanwhile I left B&O 40 years ago.

Question regarding the Beosound;

As I have not dismantled the unit yet, - still missing a long narrow 20 torx.

I observe that it can load a CD, but the disc does not spin up. In which sequence does it continue? Does the laser light up to focus on the disc before/simultaniously with the disc rotation start up? No light - no detection of disc and consequently no spin up?

Or otherwise?

When I get access, will I be able to see a glimse of red light from the laser, if it works?

All this before I order a new unit.

 

 

Thanks for the compliment Donby, and welcome to Beoworld!

I am actually away from home until Saturday, so I can't look at my Beosound until then.  Maybe someone else can observe their BeoSound 1 and check the sequence of events.

So - I've had done some wrestling with this Beosound 1, which have a faulty CD section. All good until the lens start to focus. I hear the click/tack sound, and then - nothing.

I have put a 1x1 cm piece of paper over the lens, and watched the scenery from the side, hoping for a some red light, - nothing. As I understand the lens must catch focus on the CD, before the CD start spinning?

I have read a lot of commentary, and obviously I replaced the laser. No joy - same result.

Some have mentioned bad capacitors, so I have scrutinized the printboard for bad looking capacitors. That's where I want your opinion.

When I compare the 47uF/16V ones, like no. 2301, a couple have a slight curved top, while others are complete flat. I magine that it take some internal pressure to make it curve even a tiny bit, which is a bad sign.

Any experience and thoughts?