📍 Los Angeles County & SoCal
🔧 30+ Years Experience
🎚️ High-End Digital Specialist
🏢 TEK Media Group
🇺🇸 WE WORK LOCALLY & NATIONWIDE 🇺🇸
Los Angeles • Southern California • Shipping Available Across the United States
📋 TECHNICAL DISCLAIMER: The Mark Levinson No. 39 CD player and No. 37 CD transport are sophisticated digital sources using Philips CDM-12 Pro transports. They require specialized knowledge, documentation, and test equipment for proper restoration. I have the expertise and parts access to restore these units correctly.
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING – MARK LEVINSON NO. 39/37 SPECIFIC: These units use Philips CDM-12 Pro transports, which are known to develop issues with age. Capacitors in the power supply, servo board, and analog stages (No. 39) degrade over time, causing read errors, noise, and performance loss. I provide a thorough, methodical restoration to factory specifications.
About the Mark Levinson No. 39 & No. 37 & My Approach
The Mark Levinson No. 39 CD player (1998-2002) and No. 37 CD transport (1996-2001) represent the pinnacle of 1990s digital source design. The No. 39 features a Philips CDM-12 Pro transport combined with a precision DAC section, while the No. 37 is a dedicated transport designed for use with the No. 36/360 DACs. Both feature massive power supplies, fully balanced output stages, and the legendary build quality that defined Mark Levinson. Known for their incredible musicality, low jitter, and robust construction, these units remain highly sought after. I've restored dozens of Mark Levinson digital components over three decades, and I treat each unit with meticulous care.
✅ WHY TRUST TEK MEDIA GROUP WITH YOUR NO. 39 OR NO. 37:
- 30+ Years of High-End Digital Audio Restoration Experience
- Specialized Knowledge of Philips CDM-12 Pro Transport
- Complete Transport Overhaul (CDM-12 Pro)
- Full Capacitor Replacement: Power Supply, Servo, Digital, Analog Stages
- Laser Pickup Alignment & Focus/Gain Adjustments
- DAC & Analog Stage Calibration (No. 39)
- Precision Clock & Jitter Optimization
- Digital Output Restoration (No. 37 - AES/EBU, SPDIF, Toslink)
- 100% Personal Attention – No Assembly Line
- 90-Day Warranty on All Work
- Nationwide Service – Secure Shipping Available
Complete Mark Levinson No. 39 / No. 37 Restoration Services
🔍 Full Diagnostic & Evaluation Complete assessment, transport performance check, capacitor health, baseline measurements
⚡ Power Supply Rebuild Replace all electrolytic capacitors, bridge rectifiers, voltage regulators, and critical resistors
🔄 Transport Overhaul (CDM-12 Pro) Full disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, belt replacement, laser pickup alignment
🎛️ Digital Board Restoration Capacitor replacement, clock circuit optimization, servo calibration
🔊 Analog Stage Recap (No. 39 only) Replace all electrolytic caps with audio-grade types, check op-amps, verify DC offset
📀 Laser Alignment & Focus/Gain Calibration Precision adjustment of laser power, focus offset, and tracking gain
🎵 DAC Calibration (No. 39) Verify reference voltages, I/V stage performance, distortion measurement
📡 Digital Output Restoration (No. 37) Test AES/EBU, SPDIF, and Toslink outputs, replace driver ICs if needed
🏆 COMPLETE FULL RESTORATION All services above – your No. 39/37 will perform to original reference specifications
💡 WHAT MY RESTORATION INCLUDES: Full electrolytic recap • Transport belt & lubrication • Laser alignment (if needed) • Clock verification • Analog stage recap with audio-grade caps (No. 39) • Digital output testing (No. 37) • Power supply rebuild • 90-day warranty.
Deep Dive: My Mark Levinson No. 39/37 Restoration Process
⚡ POWER SUPPLY (Critical for Low Noise)
- Main Filter Capacitors: Large snap-in electrolytics – I replace with high-ripple, low-ESR, 105°C rated types (Nichicon KG, Panasonic, or Cornell Dubilier).
- Regulator Section: I replace all small electrolytic capacitors on the regulator boards, verify voltage rails (±15V, +5V, +5VA, etc.) within tolerance.
- Bridge Rectifiers: I test and replace if noisy, upgrade to ultra-fast soft recovery types for lower noise floor.
- AC Input & Safety: I inspect AC input filter, replace RIFA caps if present, check fuses and IEC inlet.
- Transformer Check: I verify toroidal transformer output voltages.
🔄 PHILIPS CDM-12 PRO TRANSPORT OVERHAUL
COMPLETE MECHANICAL & OPTICAL SERVICE:
- Disassembly & Cleaning: I fully disassemble the transport, clean old lubricants, and regrease sled mechanism and spindle motor bearings.
- Belt Replacement: The tray belt and sled belt are replaced with factory-spec equivalents.
- Spindle Motor Check: I test spindle motor for noise and runout, replace if necessary (common failure).
- Laser Pickup Assessment: Using an oscilloscope, I measure the HF ("eye pattern") amplitude and jitter. I adjust laser power only if needed, or recommend replacement for worn pickups.
- Focus & Tracking Calibration: I adjust focus offset, tracking gain, and focus gain using a test CD and oscilloscope to factory specifications.
- Magnetic Puck / Clamping: I check the magnetic clamping mechanism for proper function.
🎛️ DIGITAL BOARD & SERVO ELECTRONICS
- Servo Board Capacitors: All electrolytic capacitors on the Philips CD servo board are replaced (typically 10-25 units).
- Decoupling Capacitors: I add or upgrade local decoupling on digital ICs to reduce noise.
- Clock Circuit: I verify the master clock (11.2896MHz or 16.9344MHz) for accuracy and jitter, replace crystal if drifted.
- Digital Filter (No. 39): I check power supply to the digital filter, ensure clean decoupling.
- DAC Section (No. 39): I verify DAC operation, check I/V converter op-amps, replace capacitors in the analog path.
🔊 ANALOG OUTPUT STAGE (No. 39 Only)
- Coupling Capacitors: I replace electrolytic output coupling caps with high-quality film or bipolar audio-grade types (Nichicon ES, Elna Silmic II).
- Op-Amp Upgrade (Optional): Original op-amps (typically NE5534/OPA627) can be upgraded to modern low-noise types (OPA1611, OPA1656) if desired.
- Power Supply Decoupling: I add or replace local decoupling capacitors near each op-amp.
- DC Offset Check: I verify and adjust DC offset at outputs to near 0mV.
📡 DIGITAL OUTPUT STAGE (No. 37 Only)
- AES/EBU Output: I verify balanced digital output for proper signal level and impedance.
- SPDIF Output: I check coaxial digital output for proper waveform and level.
- Toslink Output: I verify optical output operation.
- Output Driver ICs: I test and replace digital output driver ICs if failed.
Common Mark Levinson No. 39/37 Problems I Solve
#1 Transport Read Errors / Skipping
Symptom: Disc not recognized, skipping, clicking, failure to read TOC.
My Solution: Clean/lubricate transport, replace belts, adjust laser focus/tracking, replace spindle motor if worn, replace laser pickup if necessary.
#2 Capacitor Aging in Power Supply
Symptom: Increased noise, hum, intermittent operation, poor bass response (No. 39).
My Solution: Complete recap of all electrolytic capacitors in power supply, digital, and analog boards.
#3 No Audio Output / Distorted Audio (No. 39)
Symptom: One or both channels dead, distorted sound, low output.
My Solution: Check DAC reference voltages, replace failed op-amps, recap analog stage, verify relay operation.
#4 No Digital Output (No. 37)
Symptom: No signal on AES/EBU, SPDIF, or Toslink outputs.
My Solution: Check output driver ICs, verify digital signal from transport, replace failed components.
#5 Display Issues (Dim or Missing)
Symptom: VFD display dim or not working.
My Solution: Check filament voltage, replace driver capacitors, replace VFD if necessary.
#6 Tray Mechanism Issues
Symptom: Tray won't open/close, grinding noise.
My Solution: Replace tray belt, clean and lubricate gears, adjust tray position switches.
#7 Remote Control Not Working
Symptom: No response to remote.
My Solution: Check IR receiver, replace electrolytic caps on front panel board.
Mark Levinson No. 39/37 – Component Overhaul Database
⚠️ Typical restoration: 50-70 electrolytic capacitors replaced. I use premium Japanese and USA-made audio-grade components.
POWER SUPPLY
| Component | Original Type | My Restoration Replacement |
|---|
| Main Filter Caps
| 4,700-10,000µF @ 35-50V
| High-ripple, 105°C (Nichicon KG / Cornell)
|
| Regulator Board Caps
| 47-1000µF @ 16-35V
| Low Impedance, 105°C (Panasonic FC / Nichicon PW)
|
| Small Signal Caps
| 10-100µF @ 16V
| Audio Grade (Nichicon FG / Elna Silmic II) for No. 39
|
DIGITAL BOARD & SERVO
| Section | Capacitor Count | My Replacement |
|---|
| Philips CDM Servo Board
| 15-20 electrolytics
| Low ESR, long life (Panasonic FM / Nichicon HE)
|
| DAC Board Decoupling (No. 39)
| 10-15 small caps
| Solid Polymer or Low ESR Electrolytic
|
| Digital Filter Supplies
| 8-12 caps
| Low noise, audio-grade (Nichicon FG / UKL)
|
ANALOG OUTPUT STAGE (No. 39 Only)
| Component | Original | My Upgrade |
|---|
| Output Coupling Caps
| Electrolytic 47-220µF
| Bipolar Audio Grade (Nichicon ES) or Film
|
| Op-Amp Decoupling
| 10-47µF Electrolytic
| Low ESR + 0.1µF film bypass
|
| Feedback Loop Caps
| Small electrolytic
| Polystyrene or Polypropylene film
|
Precision Calibration & Alignment Procedure
📀 MY CALIBRATION PROCESS FOR NO. 39/37:
- Laser Alignment: Using an oscilloscope and Philips test CD (SBC 444A), I adjust laser power, focus offset, tracking gain, and focus gain to factory specifications. The HF "eye pattern" should be clear with amplitude >1.2V p-p.
- Spindle & Sled Servo: I verify and adjust spindle motor gain and sled servo for smooth, accurate tracking.
- Clock Verification: I measure master clock frequency and jitter using a frequency counter and jitter analyzer, replacing crystal if off-spec.
- DAC Calibration (No. 39): I verify DAC reference voltages and I/V stage performance.
- Analog Stage (No. 39): I measure frequency response, distortion (THD+N), and signal-to-noise ratio.
- Digital Outputs (No. 37): I test all digital outputs for proper signal level and waveform shape.
💡 NOTE: Proper calibration requires specialized test equipment (oscilloscope, frequency counter, distortion analyzer, test CDs). I have all the tools and 30+ years of experience to restore your No. 39/37 to reference-grade performance.
Mark Levinson No. 39 & No. 37 Specifications
| Parameter | No. 39 CD Player | No. 37 CD Transport |
|---|
| Transport
| Philips CDM-12 Pro
| Philips CDM-12 Pro
|
| DAC Chips (No. 39)
| PCM1702 or similar
| N/A (digital output only)
|
| Frequency Response
| 2Hz-22kHz ±0.1dB
| N/A
|
| THD+N (No. 39)
| <0.002%
| N/A
|
| Signal-to-Noise (No. 39)
| >110dB
| N/A
|
| Digital Outputs (No. 37)
| N/A
| AES/EBU, SPDIF (RCA), Toslink
|
| Dimensions (WxHxD)
| 17.8" x 4.5" x 15.5"
|
| Weight
| Approx 28 lbs
| Approx 25 lbs
|
Frequently Asked Questions – Mark Levinson No. 39/37
❓ What transport does the No. 39 and No. 37 use?
Both units use the Philips CDM-12 Pro transport, a high-quality mechanism known for excellent stability and low jitter.
❓ How long does a full restoration take?
Typically 3-4 weeks due to the complexity of the transport alignment and calibration. Rush service available.
❓ Do you offer nationwide service?
Yes! I serve customers nationwide. You can ship your No. 39 or No. 37 to my Los Angeles facility securely.
❓ Can you replace the laser pickup?
Yes, I have access to high-quality replacement laser pickups for the CDM-12 Pro transport.
❓ What's the difference between No. 39 and No. 37?
The No. 39 is a full CD player with built-in DAC and analog outputs. The No. 37 is a dedicated CD transport with digital outputs only, designed for use with an external DAC.
❓ Do you have spare parts for these units?
Yes, I've accumulated a stock of belts, capacitors, laser pickups, and other components for the 39/37 series.
❓ Do you warranty your work?
Yes, 90-day warranty on all parts and labor. I stand behind every restoration.
My Service Area – Local & Nationwide
🇺🇸 NATIONWIDE SERVICE AVAILABLE 🇺🇸
Ship your Mark Levinson No. 39 or No. 37 securely to my Los Angeles facility – I serve customers across all 50 states
Local Service: Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and surrounding Southern California areas. Local pickup and delivery available.
Nationwide Service: For customers outside Southern California, I offer secure shipping options. I provide detailed packing instructions and work with fully insured carriers to ensure your valuable No. 39 or No. 37 arrives safely.
Los Angeles County: LA Burbank Glendale Santa Monica Hollywood Pasadena
Orange County: Santa Ana Anaheim Irvine Costa Mesa
Nationwide Shipping: New York Texas Florida Illinois All 50 States
TEK Media Group — High-End Digital Audio Restoration Since 1994
📞 (818) 244-4440 | ✉️ service@tekmediagroup.com
Serving Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, and nationwide via secure shipping
Specializing in Mark Levinson, Krell, Wadia, Theta, and High-End Digital Components
Mark Levinson No. 39 / No. 37 Specialist • CD Transport & Player Restoration Expert
