Yes, thanks. Things just took a bit longer than expected and then once you start getting behind on life in general the CD player fells down the list of things to do a bit
One the radio front, since I decided to do a few other jobs on her, I spent some time getting all the old speakers up and running and having now experienced what the HK sound system actually sounds like when in full order, I'm glad I didn't swap out to the old unit. It's pretty decent.
The quick fix I'm running with for just having the multi-changer was buying a couple of spare cartridges, loading them up and keeping them in the (fairly useless) drivers side glove box. Not perfect but I can fit two in there and so can carry around 18 cds in total with not much fuss. More than enough for me.