CD's skipping without having visible scratches

[George]

I recently, for the second time this year, pulled out a relatively new CD, only to discover that it skips.

I took it out and it has no visible scratches on it. I played it on another player and had the same problem.

Obviously there is some kind of defect in the product so I will just return it for another one.

However, the store I did this at last time, Tower Records, is no longer in business.

Does anyone in the USA know which store will give me the least amount of hassle without a receipt?

Virgin Megastore? Barnes and Noble? 

Also, has this happened to you? Is it common?

It sure is damn annoying. 

[orbital]

And to think that we were promised a lifetime of listening enjoyment  Did you try playing it on the computer? They tend to be much less sensitive than stand alone players. Though that won't solve your problem, you might at least try and make a copy if you can't return it.

As for stores, I don't know but go to Union Square. You'll have both B&N and Virgin, plus if neither takes the bait, there is Academyfor a cheaper replacement 

[Que]

The CD has probably little "holes" in it's "silver" layer inside (it's actually aluminium I believe) wich contains the digital data.
You can check this by keeping the CD against the light. This layer is never entirely perfect but if the "blank spots" are big enough and/or close to each other, enough information is missing to cause skipping.

Q

[Harry]

Until now, no problems with that George.
To imagine that a lot of my cd's would have such a defect is to horrid to even contemplate.
So lets hope all in well on my shelfs.

[George]

The CD has probably little "holes" in it's "silver" layer inside (it's actually aluminium I believe) wich contains the digital data.
You can check this by keeping the CD against the light. This layer is never entirely perfect but if the "blank spots" are big enough and/or close to each other, enough information is missing to cause skipping.

Q

If these blank spots look like dotted circular lines, then yes, there are some. 

[George]

And to think that we were promised a lifetime of listening enjoyment  Did you try playing it on the computer? They tend to be much less sensitive than stand alone players. Though that won't solve your problem, you might at least try and make a copy if you can't return it.

As for stores, I don't know but go to Union Square. You'll have both B&N and Virgin, plus if neither takes the bait, there is Academyfor a cheaper replacement 

Good advice, thanks. 

[sonic1]

Much of the time CD skips can be the fault of the player. I went crazy with this some years ago until someone finally showed me it was my player. If it is not clean, or just not a very good player, it will react to certain CDs that way. Try first cleaning your CD player, or getting a good one if you don't have a very good one.

jared

[George]

Much of the time CD skips can be the fault of the player. I went crazy with this some years ago until someone finally showed me it was my player. If it is not clean, or just not a very good player, it will react to certain CDs that way. Try first cleaning your CD player, or getting a good one if you don't have a very good one.

jared

I mentioned in my OP that I tried another player and got the same result. Its not the player.

[sonic1]

But was it a good player? Really, I am saying this because I had the same experience. It is not to say there is not a defect on the CD, but that good CD players will not react to those defects or even scratches. But if you tried it on another GOOD CLEAN CD player, then it could be irreparable.

[Hector]

I have never ever had any problems with CDs in my ancient Philips.

It would be interesting to know what the CD that skips is.

[George]

But was it a good player? Really, I am saying this because I had the same experience. It is not to say there is not a defect on the CD, but that good CD players will not react to those defects or even scratches. But if you tried it on another GOOD CLEAN CD player, then it could be irreparable.

Yes, its a good player. Its been able to play certain CD's that didn't play on the other player before. The other player is my CD walkman and I thought that it was on the blink, but it doesn't seem to be the case. The disc has these light circular markings that I've seen before on discs that I returned, so I wanted to know if this is anexample of CD Rot and/or if this has happened to others. I'd hate to think how many other discs that I own have the same problem. 

Besides, I am not gonna go out and buy a CD player than can play this one defective CD when I can just exchange it at a reputable store. They, I believe will be reimbursed by the label, so no worries, right? 

[George]

I have never ever had any problems with CDs in my ancient Philips.

It would be interesting to know what the CD that skips is.

Its volume 8 of the complete Mozart SQ on the Naxos label by the Eder Quartet. 

[Que]

If these blank spots look like dotted circular lines, then yes, there are some. 

George, this must be something else.
On the blank spots I meant the silver layer is missing and light can shine through when the CD is held against the light.

Q

[George]

George, this must be something else.
On the blank spots I meant the silver layer is missing and light can shine through when the CD is held against the light.

Q

Oh, I'll try when I get home. Thanks. 

[Robert]

Its volume 8 of the complete Mozart SQ on the Naxos label by the Eder Quartet. 

why don't you try emailing customer service at Naxos....They just may replace it for you....Tell them you purchased it at tower and now defunct.....

[George]

why don't you try emailing customer service at Naxos....They just may replace it for you....Tell them you purchased it at tower and now defunct.....

Sounds like a great plan B. I will first try to return it in my neighborhood, as it will be faster and easier, not to mention zero chance of a shattered jewel case.

[Robert]

Its volume 8 of the complete Mozart SQ on the Naxos label by the Eder Quartet. 

George
I do not have any of the Eders, but I do have many quartets by other groups. If you tell me whats on that vol 8. I could burn you a copy by other groups....

[George]

George
I do not have any of the Eders, but I do have many quartets by other groups. If you tell me whats on that vol 8. I could burn you a copy by other groups....

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind and get back to you. 

[George]

Well, today Barnes and Noble exchaged the CD for me without receipt. Virgin would have done the same, but didn't have it in stock.

I actually feel glad that this happened, 'cause now I know if any CD of mine turns out to be defective, I can simply exchange it for a new one and not be out the cost of a CD. 

[Iago]

I actually feel glad that this happened, 'cause now I know if any CD of mine turns out to be defective, I can simply exchange it for a new one and not be out the cost of a CD. 

Let me ask you a question, George.

If you were "out" the cost of the cd, would it devastate you? Would it bust your budget?  Would it require you to accept welfare or stand on line for food and clothing?
How did you get to Barnes and Noble? Did you walk or did you either drive or take public transportation? If you did anything but walk, the time involved and the expense of gasoline or fares more than outweighs the mental satisfaction you got by getting an exchange or cds.
Some things just are not worth the effort to accomplish.