How to Determine the Value of Your Record Player

Vinyl has made an amazing comeback, people are actually calling it the vinyl revival. The devices with which we play music have changed rapidly in recent decades, from CD to MP3 to online streaming. Yet vinyl has a certain charm, which still attracts music lovers from all over the world. It is therefore very logical that the demand for equipment has also increased.

Now besides a lot off new record players that are entering the market, there also is still a big market for second-hand vintage turntables. Not all record players are worth a lot of money, but a number certainly is. So how can you find out what the exact value is? We hope to give you some pointers in this article to determine the value of any turntable.

State

As with all technology, the state it is in is very important in determining the value of a record player. Of course, a record player that does not work well can still serve as a decorative item, but it will not be so valuable. A player in poor condition can easily damage your vulnerable vinyl records. It can be caused because your turntable is not setup properly , your needle is worn out or your vinyl records are not cleaned properly. A player in good condition must have a nice flat base, the turntable must turn freely and the arm must be able to move without friction. The needle and the cartridge must also be in good condition as this the most common component that could potentially damage your records.

Brand

There have been many companies over the years that produced record players. However, some brands produce better models than others and have a better reputation because of that. The most valuable record players are made by brands such as Thorens Linn, Micro Seiki, Denon, Garrard, Technics and Rega. And also Dual, Kenwood and Marantz are synonymous with good value. If you own one of these, you could have a high-quality record player, and thus potentially very valuable. 

Model

Some models are true winners when it comes to high value. The Linn Sondek LP12 is highly regarded among collectors. The model was introduced in 1972, and the wooden exterior gives this record player a charming look. That is why a lot of new record players are also going with the wooden design. The cheapest ones, in good condition, can be worth around € 675, but the price rises if certain adjustments are made and extra parts are added. Garrard made another iconic record player, the Garrard 301/401. This model is the best of the best in vintage Hi-Fi. Since they are still very popular, they can be sold for more than € 2000.

Design

Although damaged or broken record players are certainly not the same level value as record players that are in perfect condition. However, this does not mean that broken record players have no value at all. Some record players can still be valuable due to their striking and unique style. In the 60s and early 70s, turntable manufacturers focused primarily on rich sound, producing high-quality amplifiers and speakers. In the 70s and 80s this shifted to great designs. Beautiful and rare designs and “special edition” players can be very valuable.

The various factors such as the state, the brand, the design and the model make the difference when it comes to the value of your vintage record player. But if you buy the perfect player, the choice should not only depend on these aspects. It must also suit your personal taste. Maybe you are looking for a record player that has a particular design or a certain feature. Our guides can give you some guidance in searching for your perfect turntable. Maybe you are looking for a certain feature such as the best turntables for digitizing your records or the best direct-drive turntables. Or maybe you are looking for a particular design such as the best wooden turntables. Or, you might just be looking within a certain price range and are looking for the best cheap turntables or the best valued in a certain price range. If you are not sure what to look for you can read more in our guide on what to look for when buying a turntable. In all cases, we hope to guide you in the wonderful world vinyl.