As above. The actual mechanical transport/laser can be very affordable if you are into DIY (do not know about the McIntosh unit but Marantz/Denon traverse units are not too difficult to replace) -----if you can locate a source. One would hope a manufacturer like McIntosh would stock these but then again I understand they are not as service oriented as they used to be.
Seeking Budget CD Player Suggestions
I also posted this question in another forum. A friend of mine has an early 90s era Mac CD player which is on its last legs. Great player in its day, but he is on a budget (around $500) and needs to replace it, preferably new, dealer demo, open box, etc. Rotel CD-11 and Marantz CD-6007 have been suggested as top picks in that price range. Any other suggestions, ideas, reasoning for a particular model? If Rotel, would the Tribute or Mk. II edition be preferable?