CD's skipping without having visible scratches

[George]

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. 

Sounds like we see this one differently. 

[Don]

Sounds like we see this one differently. 

I see it George's way.

[Iago]

I see it George's way.

Of course. I wouldn't expect that you and I could agree on anything.

[George]

Sounds like we see this one differently. 

Just to clarify: when I buy a CD that is supposed to "provide a lifetime of enjoyment" and I take care of it, it should last a lifetime. Period. If it doesn't, its nice to know that there are companies who will return the defective CD and give me a new one. I really think the product should be made better in the first place and therefore actually "provide a lifetime of enjoyment" in the first place, but since things are as they are, I can live with it.

[Iago]

Just to clarify: when I buy a CD that is supposed to "provide a lifetime of enjoyment" and I take care of it, it should last a lifetime. Period. If it doesn't, its nice to know that there are companies who will return the defective CD and give me a new one. I really think the product should be made better in the first place and last a lifetime in the first place, but since things are as they are, I'll accept the current situation.

But George, you're ignoring the fact that even defective cds. DO last a lifetime. 0:)

[George]

But George, you're ignoring the fact that even defective cds. DO last a lifetime. 0:)

I think you missed the part about "a lifetime of enjoyment." 

[Bunny]

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. 

This hasn't really happened to me, but the first thing you should do is try emailing or telephoning the record company.  If they won't help, then contact Towerrecords.com customer service.  That's been taken over by Caiman which has a very liberal return policy.

[Bunny]

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

Those circular lines are the most damaging because the cd spins as the laser reads it.  If the lines were in a radial pattern, or a spiral pattern then you probably wouldn't have a problem.  That is a manufacturing defect, so the manufacturer should really make good on it.  Btw, which cd is it?  I've had experience returning cds to some manufacturers because of bronzing, so I might be able to tell you if they will be helpful.

[George]

Those circular lines are the most damaging because the cd spins as the laser reads it.  If the lines were in a radial pattern, or a spiral pattern then you probably wouldn't have a problem.  That is a manufacturing defect, so the manufacturer should really make good on it.  Btw, which cd is it?  I've had experience returning cds to some manufacturers because of bronzing, so I might be able to tell you if they will be helpful.

T'was a Naxos but it was replaced by a local Barnes and Noble. 

[Bunny]

Excellent!  They can return it to the manufacturer very easily. 

[BorisG]

I do not know this Iago. Is he a nut? George, I am glad to hear everything was resolved.

Over twenty-five years, I have had many defective CD experiences. Bronzed CDs, or ones that would not play properly. One even with the wrong music on it. All were resolved through either manufacturers, CD labels, or dealers.

One time I complained to a CD label about the very poor sound on a fullpriced CD I had just purchased. This was a new release studio recording, so there really was no excuse for the poor engineering. The label allowed me to choose another from their catalog, and to keep the other.

In my experiences, most businesses are only too happy to please, because they want you as a repeat customer. Saying nothing does nothing for their quality control or your pocketbook.

[George]

Agreed Boris! 

[SonicMan46]

Hello, George - been away in Florida for a week w/o my laptop!  So, just getting back to the forum - first, glad that you were able to exchange the CD.  I've had a 'small' number of CDs 'skip' on carousel players, but play fine on portable units or on my DVD players, so as you did, always try out the CDs on other players; also, I've found that DVD players seem to read standard CDs 'more reliably' - not sure if there is a scientific basis for this opinion but the DVD laser tracking certainly has much more precision - replaced my older carousel CD player w/ a DVD carousel (think this came up in an older thread) one last year and have had no problems.

Also, even though the surface of a CD looks 'pristine' always try a cleaning radially w/ an appropriate cloth - this has worked a few times for me when CDs were skipping on multiple machines.  Concerning Q's comments, most of these CD surfaces (which are usually aluminum) will have tiny holes when held up to the light - and I'm sure the manufacturers have a 'threshold', so doesn't usually help to isolate a skipping issue unless the defects are numerous, large, or in a circular orientation, as Bunny indicated.

Finally, I think the concept of 'CD ROT' is pretty much a fallacy - aluminum can 'oxidize' if exposed to air, but if CDs are well made & kept in pefect condition & stored correctly, then the discs should last & play for decades - I started to buy CDs in 1984, and all of those 'early' purchases play fine; in fact, about 4-5 years ago, I went through my entire CD collection (took over 6 months and drove my wife NUTS!), and all played fine.  Dave   

[George]

Finally, I think the concept of 'CD ROT' is pretty much a fallacy - aluminum can 'oxidize' if exposed to air, but if CDs are well made & kept in pefect condition & stored correctly, then the discs should last & play for decades - I started to buy CDs in 1984, and all of those 'early' purchases play fine; in fact, about 4-5 years ago, I went through my entire CD collection (took over 6 months and drove my wife NUTS!), and all played fine.  Dave   

WOW! Good news! Thanks!

Welcome back.

[Iago]

Agreed Boris! 

You agree with Boris that I'm a "nut"?
And if "Boris" thinks that, please tell him that he ain't seen nuthin yet.
I must add him to my "hit" list.
If the world was filled with "nuts" like me, it would be a far better world than one filled with pedants like Boris.
He may not know me yet. But he will!

[Harry]

If the world was filled with "nuts" like me, it would be a far better world.

I totally agree with you here Iago!