Sansui SR-838 Turntable

DCrews

Active Member
Hi:

I am interested in purchasing a Sansui SR-838 turntable. I haven't found one for sale yet, but when and if I do I would like to know what a reasonable price for one would be. I did look at some completed auctions online that ended at $192 and $200. Both looked to be in good condition overall but I think they were both missing feet. Are these typical prices for this turntable? Can they be had for less?

Appreciate any insight you all may have.

Thanks
 
They can but, it really depends on the market. I would assume even around $300 be fair for one of those turntables as you don't need to worry about shipping .
 
I would bet that is a rather rare one to find. Sansui's TOTL? and Sui tables are not as common as say Technics or Pioneers or Duals even.
 
The SR-838 (or the SR-929) are not all that common; you may need to do some looking. They are very nice TTs, though, well worth the search. If your heart is set on one, I'd say try to get the best deal you can, but be willing to go a little on the high side, simply because it may be a while before you find another one --and even when you do, it may not be any cheaper. (Besides, if you do find a cheaper one later, you can probably get it, too, and then clean up and re-sell one at the more expensive price.)
 
SR-838 recently sold on eBay $500. $200 or below is very optimistic. SR-929 sold even higher.
 
I have one near me selling for $300. Was not thinking of jumping on it really. Hmmm. I do like Sansui amps...
 
For as uncommon (not rare) as these are spoken about, I have been lucky enough to find two of them locally in very nice shape. Sold one in BT and was able to replace it, a year later, with one from CL. Looks great, works well and sounds nice with the Q-lock off. Not my primary table but I needed something that uses the standard headshell.

I had the second one in the house for about a week when Tom claimed it. But I don't want to sell it yet as Tom is the guy whose standard headshell mounted cartridges I need this turntable to audition.
 
Thanks everyone. That gives me a good idea of what to expect if I am able to find one. Wish me luck!
 
I've been on the lookout for the 838 as well, since the 939 (TOTL) tends to command a lot more money and I don't see the functional differences enough to warrant the significant price difference to get it. Prices vary quite a bit depending upon condition. From what I've observed, anything in really great shape seems to grab a winning buyer anywhere from upper $300's to mid $500's. With problems like cosmetic issues and missing dustcover tends to go a lot lower, like about $200. But those kinds of sellers don't appear to be knowledgeable of how to properly pack a TT. I avoid them like the plague and prefer to wait for something local. A few local ones to me have popped up, but the sellers were asking too much and difficult to deal with.
 
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You guys are a bad influence.

There was one for sale locally and I could not resist.

Picked it up last night

A few minor issues :

The anti-skate line was not connected, in place now.

The secondary counter weight is absent,......:sigh:

The cartridge overhang gauge is also missing, I will use Hakaplan's short cut instead.
 

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Nice score. There were if I recall 2 versions, with different head shells and minor
plinth variations.
How is the finish on yours? They can show scratches.
 
Nice score. There were if I recall 2 versions, with different head shells and minor
plinth variations.
How is the finish on yours? They can show scratches.

The headshell has the azimuth correction feature.

I did not know about the plinth variation, what are the differences?

There are some minor light scratch under tonearm, from long finger nails ?:D

Going to do some research on what is a good method for restoring the piano black surface.

The cartridge is an Empire 2000E/III with a fresh looking aftermarket stylus.

The dust cover has some light markings that needs a good polishing with PlastX.
 
I was surprised that it was still there several days after it was first listed.

It needs a good cleaning and some going over first.:music:

Balifly, I was very tempted to buy this myself... but too much gear already, especially turntables. Looks like it was a good grab - enjoy.:yes:
 
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