Whereas this might be one of only 2 CD players with 4 x TDA-1541 DAC chips (there is also Cambridge Audio DAC 3 with this configuration), mine also has CDM-4 which is a very reliable mechanism, but it does not read CDs.
This in itself could be a problem, because my CD player Almanach, the VasiliTech page from Belarus states, that it should have had CDM-2 in it :-)
Is this why it does not work?
CD load and spin but there is very little laser output. Loading and unloading works fine, but I see some extra diode in the tray sensor circuit.
Very interesting.
Will have to find a service manual and see what is going on!
Maybe someone substituted CDM-4 for CDM-2 and almost got it going?
Will keep you updated.