How Much Is An Antique Record Player Cabinet Worth?

by Helen Appling | Updated: October 12, 2022

We all love having something extravagant in our homes to blow people away when they come to visit. Antique record player cabinets can be found in houses all around the world as a statement piece. However, what distinguishes them from the rest? These cabinets are suitable for listening to and storing music.

You can find cabinets available with numerous shelves for records, a built-in record player, and occasionally even speakers.

Furthermore, you can exhibit your record player and all of your records in these items, which can be open or closed. People like them because they come in a variety of styles to suit practically any decor. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, textures, and sizes.

The best part is that they are still available for purchase in stores today. They are, unfortunately, large and heavy, so make sure you have adequate room before purchasing one of these beauties.

Where Can You Purchase One?

To be honest, you can find them almost anywhere on the internet. However, if you want something authentically vintage, go to an antique or thrift store. There's a good chance that one of these establishments has an antique record player cabinet for sale.

How Do You Maintain Them?

Taking care of these turntable cabinets is similar to taking care of your regular furniture. Nevertheless, because it has a record player and storage, you must keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid damaging your records and the delicate wood that these cabinets are likely made of.

To avoid dust build-up and other potentially hazardous environmental conditions, keep the container for your record player closed unless you're using it.

How Much Is An Antique Record Player Cabinet Worth?

There are several factors you need to consider when determining how much one of these antiques is worth. A few of the elements you need to pay close attention to are:

Condition

As with any piece of technology, it's critical to assess the item's worth based on its current state. Indeed, it looks good, but is the record player functional? If not, it is not as valuable as you believe. Thus, the record player must be in good working order, and the unit should be durable and visually appealing.

Design

A few record player consoles are basic, while others are included in high-end cabinets. These typically have several bells and whistles to offer the owner a wide range of options.

Although broken or damaged vintage record players aren't worth as much as those that work flawlessly, that doesn't imply they're worthless - keep in mind that many marketplaces don't accept damaged record players. Due to the design, certain record players can still be valuable to some people.

While record player manufacturers in the 1960s and early 1970s focused primarily on sound by developing high-quality speakers and amplifiers, in the late 1960s and 1970s, the emphasis turned to excellent design. Furthermore, the success of Stanley Kubrik's 2001 films "A Clockwork Orange" and "A Space Odyssey" contributed to this.

The Audio Research XA, one of the best-designed and simple record players in history – designed by Michell Transcriptors and Dieter Rams Designs, which are known for their minimalistic design and excellent quality construction – is just one example of an unusual design. Despite the fact that the sound quality of these gadgets varies, they remain very collectible objects.

Brand

When it comes to the value of an antique record player cabinet, the brand is very crucial. Several brands are more valuable than others because they are more well-known. Grundig, Zenith, Motorola, RCA, and Telefunken are some of the most well-known brands.

Model

When it comes to exceptional value, certain models stand out. The Linn Sondek LP12 is highly sought after by collectors. This model debuted in 1972, and the antique player's wooden exterior makes it attractive and expensive. The cheapest ones, in decent condition, might be worth roughly $820, but costs rise when changes are made and more parts are added.

Garrard was also responsible for the classic Garrard 301/401 record player. This device is considered one of the greatest in the vintage Hi-Fi world. These sculptures can sell for upwards of $2,337 because of its continued popularity. Top vintage players offered by prestigious companies can fetch more than $11,700.

Overall, consoles are worth anywhere from a few dollars to thousands of dollars. It all depends on the device's condition, the brand, design, the ability to play records, and general aesthetics. If you are unsure of the value of your record player cabinet, you can take it to a professional to evaluate it for you.

How Much Is a Regular Record Player Worth?

Prices for record players vary greatly depending on whether you are buying a used or new player, as well as the features provided. On Amazon, new record players can cost anywhere from $50 to $400 and often much more. Typically, the more costly a record player is, the greater the quality and features. However, this is not always the case, so it is a good idea to do your homework beforehand.

The Price of Antique Record Players

It is reliant on the state of the record player. Does it work properly? Is it broken? Are there any parts missing from it? Some people may want to buy it to use as a music player, while others may want to use it as a decorative item. Other individuals might even want to buy it to restore it. In general, these range from $180 to $250 if they are in good working condition.

The Bottom Line

Does all this talk of antique turntables have your head spinning (no pun intended)? Whether you are a collector or a lucky individual in possession of one of these items, you cannot go wrong with owning a well taken care of antique record player.

When it comes to the worth of your vintage record players, numerous factors such as condition, design, brand, and model make a world of difference. Finally, vintage record players have sentimental value; however, as time passes, it's worth thinking about whether you're willing to sell them for a profit or not.

As long as you take good care of it, you are bound to have something worth thousands in your home. Thus, in this specific instance, it's not out with the old and in with the new!