Zenith Y960 - Is $1200 worth it....

[robbieg83]

Hello,

I've been in contact with a reputable console and vinyl shop who say they just got their hands on a Y960. The cabinet is in "excellent condition, it was a one owner piece and it is fully functional." This one has the heavier larger cabinet with the more powerful amp, belt-drive changer and bigger speakers than the Y931 I reached out to them asking about. He is asking $1200 for it which includes servicing but not shipping.

I'm new to the forum, but became a member because I wanted to locate a Zenith Louver door. I plan to buy one and never let it go, but I want something that is highly sought after or will be; a real collectors item. My preference was the slightly older tubed version of this but I have been told that the earlier solid state console from Zenith were actually quite good. So I am willing to over look the fact it is a SS in exchange for the ease of maintenance; as long as I am getting something that will become more valuable with time. My questions are these:

Is $1200 too high for a Y960 in excellent condition. If so, what is a reasonable going price for these lately? And is this the kind of collector model of Zenith that I have been hoping for, or should I stick to tube; I have read in the forum it typically tube or nothing else. If not any suggestions on what I should hold out for?

I'll upload pictures when the shop emails them; hopefully very soon!

 

[orthophonic]

The Y960 sounds better than any tube console and I am a tube guy. Worth it? that is up to you, they have sold for that in the past (mostly LA area). If it really has been serviced that would be a plus.

 

[robbieg83]

Thank you for the input Ortho!

 

[robbieg83]

So far I think I'm going to pull the trigger. I'm going to offer $1000 and hope to settle in the middle. I'm still open to additional advice, suggestions or better deals if anyone else has some!

 

[bob smog]

Price seems very high, even for MCM. My sister picked one up for $100 at an estate sale. I saw one offered for $10 at another sale 20 yrs. ago.

This model of Zenith is fairly common in my area (Chicago). I see a couple at estate sales every year. Prices here are typically in the $150-300 range.

While they are cool looking and sound nice, they are huge which limits the demand. IMO $300 for a nice one that's in good working condition.

 

[jberger]

I love MCM styling, and the Zenith is a nice one. Unfortunately, it's another one that opens from the top, so you can't set a TV on top of it, or even wall-mount the TV unless you like it very high to see when the lid is up.