Technics SP 10 Mk II a --Reliable? Repairable?

I have a Technics SP 10 Mk IIa table and matching power supply.
Is this a reliable TT?

I've been told the ICs in the power supply are unique, and if ever they get fried, the TT as a whole is irreparable. Is that true? Are they bulletproof, or not?

Anyone have one of these TTs that were transitional from the Mk II to the Mk III? What has your experience been?

Who works on or knows these tables? (Albert Porter, of course, knows the II and III)

I've taken mine apart because the Start/Stop switch is not functional, and my goodness these things are complex --I mean like Napoleon!

So would I be better off selling my Mk IIa and getting a regular Mk II? or will it never break?

And if I should replace it, is one source more reliable for these TTs than another?

Thanks for your thoughts,

David