Thanks Guiller!
I did see that post, and I have the same hot Zener issue but it works fine. Some discoloration on the board, but it functions. As suggested in the post you linked, I think it was engineered with the expectation to generate some heat there.
As far as functionality, she produces sound. I am disappointed with the sound quality at lower volumes, but when I open her up a bit she sings. I need to replace nearly all the lamps, but I haven't taken them out yet to see what kind I need. The LED power meter is working fine.
The tuner is a little finicky. Its almost too sensitive. When I try to dial in a station, I really have to finesse it to find the sweet spot to get it to lock into stereo and the signal meters are misleading. Not really a problem-- just takes a little getting used to.
I have a broken balance pot. The PO must have knocked it around. The knob is missing and the shaft is broken off. Fortunately balance isn't an issue, but it sure looks ugly with the missing knob. Two of the speaker terminals on the B side are also broken off. Visually, caps look good but I suspect that's part of my sound quality issues throughout the range. In summary, I need to replace dial lamps, meter lamps, speaker terminals, and the balance pot.
I don't plan to do a complete restore, rather clean it up and use it. I had high expectations for the sound, but I am not blown away by it at this point. Don't get me wrong-- it sounds good, but its really not anything special. For sound quality, my baby Sui 210 and Pio 550 sound better, just without the guts of the Nikko.
