Welcome back FP.
I got to see that 500 in person before leaving Cali, it's 100% brand new. Amazing time capsule.
I'll tell ya, when I first start collecting, I didn't fully connect with the Sony line up. Maybe I was too hung up on Lasonic's, or didn't have enough face time with them, but after working on the CFS-99 and seeing so many of your Sony collection, that changed my whole view. I finally "Got" the angled tuner dial and the high end Sony build quality and deck precision. Maybe not "amateur re-belting friendly" but when these decks are dialed in, they are at the top of the food chain. Of course, the prices reflect that too. Sure would like to add a 99 to the collection one day.