Sounds like you already have your mind made up. If you are happy with your tuner, you should at least consider talking to your area McIntosh dealer; and finding out what it might cost to have your tuner restored to factory specs. You might be pleasantly surprised how much less it would cost. I
suspect it would be way below the $500.00 figure. I have a
newer McIntosh tuner, an MR-73; which my local Mac service dealer restored to "like new" condition. This included replacing the signal strength metering circuit, alignment,
cleaning, and replacement of several bulbs. Not only does everything function perfectly, but the FM stereo is a daily
delight to listen to. The cost was only a little over $200.00 and if I decide to ever sell; I have a perfectly functioning tuner. And do keep in mind that most McIntosh fans do like their equipment in unmodified, but perfectly functioning condition.
suspect it would be way below the $500.00 figure. I have a
newer McIntosh tuner, an MR-73; which my local Mac service dealer restored to "like new" condition. This included replacing the signal strength metering circuit, alignment,
cleaning, and replacement of several bulbs. Not only does everything function perfectly, but the FM stereo is a daily
delight to listen to. The cost was only a little over $200.00 and if I decide to ever sell; I have a perfectly functioning tuner. And do keep in mind that most McIntosh fans do like their equipment in unmodified, but perfectly functioning condition.