Esoteric web pages say it will not repair any Esoteric products that have been modified in any way. It al so cancel your warranty. Esoteric will not sell any new parts out side of the factory store. Finding someone to do the repairs may not be that tough, but getting new parts will be. I was looking at some Esoteric equipment That i heard at a Audio show. The company was selling speakers and cables. They had mod the Esoteric equipment, It sounded really good. I do not remember the model numbers, but it was their top of the line 2 unit combo at one time. My fear was the laser would go out since it was older. after digging through their web page and checking with their factory repair center TAP. I passed on the equipment. I think your best bet would be to check with APL to see if they can fix it. May be they have some used parts laying around. I believe the head engineer and CEO at APL is a gentleman name Alex. You might get lucky try talking to DCS they used to buy (may still do?) parts from Esoteric.
I think you'r a stand up guy for getting involved. More sellers like you and the used market would be a much better place. Good luck and post if you turn any more info up.