Thanks for the advice folks! I would like to do some tests on the output voltage once the CDX is under a load, in other words, playing a game. I think I will try this next time I have the bottom metal cover off. My guess is that it isn't drawing many amps, at a max 1.5 versus the 5.65 the PS2 brick is capable of providing. It's all pretty new to me, but that's why they make multimeters to test things like this. But anyhow, simple math says not under load it is outputing 98% of the volts of a stock unit. That seems to be within tolerance to me.

I am going into the laser replacement with a digital camera and the CDX faq, and a lot of time. It is very advanced disassembly. I am going to be drawing from my arcade tech work, certainly. I have all of the tools for it on hand and some good experience.

I think the $13 lens replacement is wise. The old laser seemed to be flooded with dust specs, hair, etc. I did all the cleaning I could, but it wasn't enough. I have done this type of operation before, on my TurboDuo. That seems like a cakewalk compared to what I am about to face with this unit. I figure the poor bugger was worth another $12 to try and get it refurbished properly before I banished it to a dusty box somewhere.