Posted December 24, 2025 at 19:40 GMT
Just my observation - I've been following the 400x market for about a year now. Although they are very iconic and insanely cool, they are actually readily available in all states of condition, which helps keep prices in check. I've probably counted 20-30 for sale this year on eBay alone of the various types. 4002 late models probably trend as the least expensive of the original design, with premiums paid for the 4004 and 4000 models. I'd add that you frequently see several for sale asking over $1500, but not many sell at this price point in the open "as-is" market. More frequently, they'll sell in the high $600 range for working models with serviceable cartridges. Known restorers can of course get more for their units privately.
The best news of all is that there is a steady supply of 3rd party support, which helps keep many of the units working (which also helps keep prices on the low side, because there's almost always a way to get a glitchy unit working well again). RIAA boards range from $150-$400, depending on who you buy from. Cartridges are $150 for as-is (depending on the cartridge type), and plenty more for re-tipped ones. You'll usually save a bunch of money if these are already on the unit you are buying, relative to the costs of acquiring the pieces individually. We have to pay more in the States than enthusiasts do in Europe - I'd say up to 50-75% more for the same-condition merchandise. There are simply fewer units available, and they cost a lot of money to ship overseas.
As to the future - who knows, records have seen a mini renaissance, but I don't see this generation of kids forking over thousands for 50-to-70-year-old equipment anytime in the next two decades. I'd venture to say that If you spent top dollar and paid $2000+ for a super cherry restored one with all the bits you describe, you'd probably be unable to make any return selling it at any point in the future. Just one person's opinion.