The short version
- Typical range: £50 – £350
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Electronics
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used Hi-Fi system is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for Hi-Fi systems, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £350 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £297 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £227 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £157 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £87 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a Hi-Fi system
- Quality separates from respected makers
- Amplifiers with clean, noise-free channels
- Original speaker terminals and remotes
- Vintage components with a following
What lowers it
- Scratchy volume pots and channel imbalance
- Perished speaker surrounds
- Missing remotes on modern components
- All-in-one micro systems, worth very little
How to work out what yours is worth
- Play through every input and both channels
- Sweep the volume and balance for crackle
- Check speaker surrounds for perishing
Once you have those three answers you can place your own Hi-Fi system on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Are old hi-fi separates worth anything?
Good ones are actively collected and can be worth a great deal. All-in-one micro systems sell for very little.
What is a scratchy pot?
A volume or balance control that crackles when turned, caused by dirt or wear. It is often cleanable and worth mentioning.
What are perished speaker surrounds?
The foam ring around the driver crumbling with age. It is repairable with a re-foam kit but should be disclosed.
More value guides: electronics guides · all value guides · browse live electronics listings.