Only Old Decks? and a question on repair

[RocketDSM]

Am I to understand that Sony hasn't put out a new automotive MD deck in a over a year? Everything I've seen says that the 7700MDX is the latest deck and it was released in July 2001. If this is correct, does this mean that MD is going to die in the automotive world? Or does it mean that a new deck should be coming out soon.

Now for the second part.... Does anyone know of a place in Southern California that I can get my MDX-C800REC deck repaired quickly? The MD section broke, everything else works fine. It just kicks every disc back out and give me a series of beeps. My changers still work, the radio still works, so I'm still using the deck. I'd rather not pay $1000 for a new deck if I can get this one repaired for only a $100. Problem is that I drive every day about 45 minutes each way and would die without my stereo. So downtime is a MAJOR concern.

[Mystyler]

I doubt Sony would have decided to let car audio MD slip by the wayside - one would guess there are new models coming out soon (if not now in Japan). There would be plenty of other manufactuters of MDLP head units - Kenwood, JVC, Alpine and Blaupunkt to name a few.

You'd be best of asking Leland to see if he has spotted anything new in Japan.

[MDX-400]

Now for the second part.... Does anyone know of a place in Southern California that I can get my MDX-C800REC deck repaired quickly?  The MD section broke, everything else works fine.  It just kicks every disc back out and give me a series of beeps.  My changers still work, the radio still works, so I'm still using the deck.  I'd rather not pay $1000 for a new deck if I can get this one repaired for only a $100.  Problem is that I drive every day about 45 minutes each way and would die without my stereo.  So downtime is a MAJOR concern.

The 7700MDX isn't even a NA model AFAIK, it is a available elsewhere though. I never really paid too much attention to whether they were releasing new car models in Japan but I did notice that the US models have been stationary in terms of HUs. The 66XLP is the latest but it is a changer...

The MDX-M690 seems to have been short lived in the US and is no longer offered by Sony. The CA680X though is still a current model though it has been for a couple of years.

Hopefully something new will be released. I always thought they might release an MDLP recording deck but I guess since the 800REC was not a good seller Stateside they decided against it.

As for the repair of your MDX-C800REC, I think the problem is likely a defective pickup. I'm not sure about the cost of that pickup (I could check) but it is likely over $150 US dollars.

However, there is hope for you! You can get the unit repaired for about $125 US through Sony's flate rate program that covers most units that are within 7 years of their "out-of-service" date or the last date Sony shipped/sold the model. This is actually a little known service I find. The $125 covers return shipping but the unit must be repaired by a Sony owned repair facility not just simply a local Authourised repair oulet.

There are several Sony repair facilities about the US however and it is worth it to ship the unit to them and get the flat rate repair as it will likely be much cheaper if you require a pickup. If your model falls under the flat rate program (there are also a few conditions that apply) then that would be your best route.

The only problem is that the repair can take upwards of a month or so and may even take longer if they have to get the part(s) required shipped from Japan (but that shouldn't be the case since your unit is relatively new). While it might be gone for a while I think that would be the best route to go. I mean unless you have a CD changer, personally I would rather have no unit for a short time than a unit that has only the radio working.

Roland M.

[RocketDSM]

Thanks for the info, BUT.... Since I opened up the case, I'm sure I've voided all but the worst warranties (not sure though). Either way, a month is too darn long. I only paid $250 for the deck, so I don't think it's worth the money either. I had JUST found a true Sony Service Center here in the San Diego area, and they closed three days later. I was thinking fast as in less than a week. The tip on what might be broke is helpful, although when I had it apart I couldn't figure out how to open the MD section without breaking it. I DO have a CD changer, and I figured out how to rig my portable MDman into the deck so I still use my MDs, it's just harder. As for the other decks you listed, those aren't 2DIN decks. A friend of mine has the 690 and it's blah. As for NA decks, I don't care where it comes from except that my three favorite radio stations are from 90.3 - 93.3 and with a convertor to get the rest of the band I lose those stations. That's why I was looking into Australian decks. They use my radio band, have 2DIN units, and they are new (i.e. Support MDLP). Thanks again for the assistance and tips, I'll see what sort of progress I can make.