Well, I'm not going to get into the cable debate... But I'd just use the DIN instead of getting my choices limited because of a connector. 6500 indeed has no RCA connectors, I forgot about that.

Hi Dave, welcome to the forum! You will need a 7.5V, at least 1 amp regulated (stabilized) DC power supply. This adds up to at least 7.5W. Make sure the power supply is connected with the negative pole inside the plug, which is the opposite of just about any modern kit! Multipurpose power supplies that have a number of alternative DC plugs will usually

No difference really, just the outside finish (if it were aluminum), model number and a different CD mechanism. It will work just the same. Early (most?) 5500's do not have the tray cutout for CD singles, so if you need to play those, a 6500 will be a better choice.

Don't despair, I'm sure Dillen has them. Drop him a PM.

I've actually thought before that it would be quite easy to make a kit out of these preamps, perhaps even such that it would work in several types of turntables by just inserting a different edge of the PCB into the connector, or something... but I'm not sure if there's enough need, I guess the PCB production run would need to be a few dozen

Actually I believe they are rather similar, with hybrid IC power stages... but given these alternatives, I'd decide based just on the looks which are of course very different!

You're evil Jaff! Until I noticed the missing knob, my plan was simpler - BIN it and then ask Andy if he would've bought it had he seen it, otherwise have it shipped to me

Not me - the missing knob made me hold off... let's just wait how long it takes for someone to ask about how to repair one

I've seen one before, but yes, must be rare. I have a good mind of BIN'ing it, but having just spent most of the four last days cleaning and arranging my flat, ...

Everything is possible in theory... I have actually stumbled upon a number of eBay "portals" while searching for something. They mostly simply echo the listings and I'm not sure what the point is, probably leeching advertising income. But, the big but - I believe the amount of work needed would be immense. eBay pages are very complex and