Kenwood - KD-550 Turntable

Kenwood KD-550 – features
Direct drive
Servo-controlled motor
33 and 45 rpm
Adjustable pitch: ±8%
Very good wow & flutter: < 0.03%
Rumble: –70 dB
Heavy aluminum turntable: 1.5 kg
S-shaped aluminum tonearm
Adjustable speed control for 33/45 rpm
Strobe
Weight: no less than 15.5 kg
Extraordinarily heavy ACRB-resonance-free housing.
Value today
The KD-550 has become quite sought after by enthusiasts. As a rough guide, I’d quote:
Condition Value
Working, average condition €400–550
Very good condition €550–700
Perfect condition + good cartridge €700–900
Restored / special cartridge €900+
My assessment of your unit
Visual: about 9/10.
I see:
original heavy Kenwood housing/plinth, with no visible cracks
original Kenwood direct-drive turntable
original S-shaped tonearm
original control strip and buttons
very nice original dust cover
Acura headshell with desirable Shure M44-7 cartridge with a good stylus.
everything looks very neat and well maintained
the turntable spins and plays according to the photos
no obvious damage to the plinth or arm
Value
The current market for a KD-550 with original arm is roughly €400–700. In Belgium, for example, there is currently a KD-550 in very good condition with original arm/cartridge offered for €450.
But I would appraise yours higher than that €450, especially because of the exceptionally neat condition.
Specification My estimate
My advice: if you want to sell it, I would list it at €795 and aim to get around €650–700.
Will be very well packed and insured for shipment. I’ll pay the insurance.
Again, a very beautiful exemplar !!