It needs a little work, but this 1950s Dieter Rams-designed Braun SK4 audio system on eBay is still a seriously tempting proposition.
What you are looking at is a model SK4/1 (also known as Snow White’s Coffin), a Dieter Rams/Hans Gugelot classic that actually dates back to 1957. Yes, Braun was producing audio systems that looked like this over 60 years ago. Looks we can only dream about today.
It’s a thing of great beauty and it’s a testament to the design that these players sell even when they aren’t in perfect working condition on that basis. That’s the case with the one here, which has partial functionality but needs an expert eye to get it working completely. Basically, a good audio engineer or an electrician who know this kind of thing.
In terms of the cosmetic look, this is in ‘excellent condition’, described as very clean inside and out. Visually, it ‘looks like new’.
The paint is in ‘great condition’, as well as the labels and the acrylic hood, which has no scratches and looks like new. The side walls made of wood are in ‘very good’ condition and the radio has seen some work, with the capacitors renewed. Impressive for a player over 60 years old.
But it doesn’t have complete functionality as I said. It turns on and all lights and buttons are said to work. However, the radio does not work ob FM and the MW band has noise, but no actual stations to hear. That’s why you need that audio expert to come in.
On the plus side, the turntable ‘works perfectly’ and ‘rotates at all speeds’, while the pickup is still ‘pretty good and loud’.
In fully-working order, this would be a big-ticket item, but at the same time, buying a player with technical issues is a risk as you don’t know what the problem is and how much it will cost to fix.
So with that in mind, you are buying this as a record player, a decorative item and an appreciating classic. These will only go up in value.
If that sounds like a risk you want to take, bidding is currently at £448.54 with a couple of days to go.
