For the same price (about $1,300) I could get either

A McCoy MAC-1700 as a slide in replacement for the 170b
-or-
An Icom 200 as an additional radio (with the flaky KX170b as backup).

Any recommendations?

Third option: MX-170B. We've used this radio in two planes, and love it.
It's a "slide-out/slide-in" affair. No muss, no fuss. (Assuming your
wiring isn't the issue!)

Here's one for $1295: http://www.bennettavionics.com/mx170b.html
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"