I know I'm nearly a decade late replying to this, regardless I will reply. I would take the stereo apart after letting it sit unplugged for an extended period of time by removing the four screws on top then, removing and disconnecting the turntable. That said however then there is the process of removing the board from the front to access the volume button, which I have not done as mine had a different problem which leads me to what was wrong with mine. As others have posted elsewhere, the right channel went out on mine a long time ago. So in between it not occurring to me to take off the turntable, then moving and keeping the stereo in storage for the last 5 years. It was not until in the last two months out of boredom (which happens during a pandemic) I decided to bring back my trusty old Sanyo out from hibernation, and get back into the hobby of enjoying the all in one vintage stereo (they just don't make them like they used to) As for the right channel issue I found that by using pipe cleaners both inside and out (both channels) in the speaker port, I was able to bring the right channel back to life. I also did the same for the equalizer sliders. Afterwards I found the left channel to be a lot quieter than the right, but now both channels sound a lot more even. I believe it was a matter of dust and possibly age as the sanyo is now 30 years old. I hope this helps, if you see my reply Emily and if you still have the stereo. I also hope this helps anyone else out there who may still have the GCD 949U.
Sam
June 2020
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