Had a pleasant and lengthy conversation with Peter at GDL. What a knowledgeable and helpful guy! From my description of the problem, he is quite convinced that it is only a problem with the amp, that it's unlikely that I have a problem with the actuator (contrary to the opinions of some others), and this from a guy who freely acknowledges that, in some cases, the actuator can be the problem (http://www.gdl-online.com/test021.html). But he said that, once he opens up the amp, he'll be able to ascertain whether there are any actuator-related problems.

So my options are:

1. Get a new amp for about $350.
2. Get a used amp for under $100 (found one for $85 w/6 month warranty)
3. Get mine simply resoldered for $40 (a crap shoot).
4. Get GDL completely to recondition mine for around $215.

I'll probably go with option 4....would seem to be the most cost effective way to solve the problem "permanently."

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14 E250 Bluetec 4Matic "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 160k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 180k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver on Tan, 145k mi, wastegate conversion, ALDA delete

19 Honda CR-V EX 79k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife