[PaulR]

If you are going to take it out of its case you may as well get a "proper" hi-fi set up. 1970s amplifiers and some turntables and speakers are relatively inexpensive if you avoid the pieces that have a "following" and will sound better than the HMV.

Chipboard and glue is not a bad way of construction in itself it just makes refurbishment a bit more difficult. Most earlier radios and radiograms were made of veneered plywood. You are unlikely to find anything cabinet made of solid wood. Accepting that it will never be hi-fi the HMV should not sound too bad if working correctly.