I don't know that I agree with you Reb1208. If I were to follow your advice I'd spend $1200 to buy a 6-8 year old used cd player to use for it's drive mechanism as a back up. That somehow, THAT is a better idea than having a brand new laser on hand for back up for $90???
Even if I have to pay a couple hundred dollars to have someone install it and calibrate it, I'm still getting a newer laser for less money than the $1200 used CDP.
Congrats Warren, it sounds like you made out very well indeed!! Enjoy!!