My PST makes a grinding sound when playing SACD’s?

Audio Components Transports
1

My PST makes a grinding sound when playing SACD’s. It sounds quiet with regular discs Does anyone else notice this? Is this normal?

2

bring coffee, for grinding!

don’t have SACD, but sound, he have problem focussing second layer!

3

I have a PST, a grinding sound when playing SACD’s is not normal.

4

Are you by chance using any kind of tweak on your SACD’s, like Herbie’s Super Black Hole CD mat? If so, that does cause issues while playing discs in the PST.

5

An intriguing question. Here’s what AI said:

  1. Higher spindle speed for SACDs
    • SACDs are read with a different optical system and often require different rotational speeds and servo behavior than Red Book CDs.
    • If the spindle bearing is slightly worn or the motor has developed a small amount of play, it may only become audible at the speeds used for SACDs.
  2. Servo hunting
    • The focus and tracking servos work differently with the SACD layer.
    • If the laser struggles to maintain lock on the SACD layer, you may hear intermittent grinding, buzzing, or chattering as the sled or focus actuator continually corrects itself.
  3. Laser alignment or aging
    • The SACD laser path can become marginal before CD playback is affected.
    • In that case:
      • CDs play normally.
      • SACDs still play but the transport becomes noisy.
      • Eventually SACDs may stop reading altogether while CDs continue to work.
  4. Disc clamping or balance
    • SACDs are manufactured to the same physical dimensions as CDs, but a slightly warped or unbalanced SACD can excite vibrations at the rotational speed used for SACD playback that aren’t present with CDs.
    • If it happens with only one SACD, suspect the disc.
    • If it happens with every SACD, suspect the transport.
6

No tweaks but the sound I hear is a little hum.

7

So perhaps a CD mat could cause an issue if it’s not perfectly centered on a SACD, due to higher rotation speeds.

I just stopped using the CD mat on all SACD’s because they all make a gridding sound.

SACD’s play fine on my PST without the mat.

So I wonder if it’s an indication that there’s an issue with the laser on my PST, or maybe it’s just not possible to get the mat perfectly centered?

8

Issues with transports like the PST make me nervous. Wondering if there’s still disc drive replacements at this point? The thought of ending up with an expensive paper weight isn’t a pleasant one.

9

PS Audio has said they are holding drives for replacement.

10

I believe that PS Audio stocked up with extra transports specifically for warranty replacement especially with the new run of PMG transports.

Upon further research I find that the noisy action of SACD’s compared to regular CD’s is perfectly normal and not to worry about as long as the disc plays music properly. AI gave a lengthy reason for the noisier response to a SACD and not to worry about.

11

So the noise was more of a hum than a grinding sound?

12

That was a few years back. Hopefully they still have replacement drives for the PST.

13

Yes more of a hum.

14

The new PMG transport units use the same mechanism so it would make sense for PSA to have several on hold for warranty repair and repair purposes.

15

Didn’t realize that. Good to know.

16

I’ve seen no indication they do not.