I switched the lead to the other side of the xtal and shortened the length to about 3.75 inches from 6 inches, but I still get dropouts. Not really any improvement from switching sides, that I can tell. I guess the only thing left is to add a buffer/line driver chip. I've got a 74HCT541 I'm going to try. It's just not going to be easy to add on to the existing board.

Stu
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If you want it to break, buy Sony!