Hey Brian,
The volume control thing did last a long time, but that was the only issue during the 8 years I've owned it. The sound was always glorious, but now that the volume can go up where the control knob is sometimes at halfway, it sounds even better and really potent beyond what it did prior. I agree with your earlier post that I was extremely lucky to land one of these when I did. Maybe you will be also someday.
Bob