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Author Topic: Kenwood TS-850S Value?  (Read 428 times)

WA7WS

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Kenwood TS-850S Value?
« on: October 19, 2021, 11:53:44 AM »

I have a pristine TS-850S (not /AT) that I'd like to sell by itself or with the matching power supply and speaker.
I'm not up on values any more.. I just realize it was a serious contesting xcvr in it's day.
Hoping to get an honest starting point for selling this gem.  I no longer contest and don't really need the bells and whistles.
I know we hams are cheap/frugal.. but.. I need some help.. grin
Thanks, Bill
WA7WS (ex N7GHG)
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N5XJT

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Re: Kenwood TS-850S Value?
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2021, 01:50:07 PM »

There are two factors influencing the value of a TS-850.  The first one is what is the serial number?  Those beginning with 5 or higher have fewer problems with the caps replacement issue this radio is well known for.  Even the later numbers often require replacement of the display board caps though.  Also, the lack of an AT denigrates the value.  Both of these factors will impact price and how quickly the rig will sell.  What is the SN and do I correctly assume there is no AT?
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K1FBI

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Re: Kenwood TS-850S Value?
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2021, 03:46:21 PM »

I have a pristine TS-850S (not /AT) that I'd like to sell by itself or with the matching power supply and speaker.
I'm not up on values any more.. I just realize it was a serious contesting xcvr in it's day.
Hoping to get an honest starting point for selling this gem.  I no longer contest and don't really need the bells and whistles.
I know we hams are cheap/frugal.. but.. I need some help.. grin
Thanks, Bill
WA7WS (ex N7GHG)
Bells and whistles? It doesn't even have a tuner....
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KB1NO

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Re: Kenwood TS-850S Value?
« Reply #3 on: October 19, 2021, 04:36:23 PM »

I suggest searching for sold listings here and on QRZ.com.    It was an amazing rig in its time, but the demand for the older rigs seems to have declined in value because of the IC-7300 and the difficulty getting repair parts. Without a tuner, it would seem to be a starter radio , or a receiver for an SWL.   I tried hard to get $450 for my very good condx "5" serial number, fully filtered TS-850/AT with new capacitors at several flea markets, but no takers.  Though I admit the audience at flea markets is smaller than eHam.    I finally settled for $375.   But that's just one data point.
Suggest that you advertise it for what you would like to get and see if you get any takers.   You can always drop the price.
You may find a collector who really wants one.
GL,
John, KB1NO

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KS2G

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Re: Kenwood TS-850S Value?
« Reply #4 on: October 19, 2021, 05:24:30 PM »


I'm not up on values any more.. I just realize it was a serious contesting xcvr in it's day.


Only three intact --but lots of parts-- sold on e-Bay in the past 90-days -- none with matching power supply and speaker:
$600 - $455 - $750

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KT4WO

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Re: Kenwood TS-850S Value?
« Reply #5 on: October 20, 2021, 05:47:41 AM »

"I finally settled for $375"

I would have gave it to a new/needy ham before I let one
go that cheap.
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KB1NO

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Re: Kenwood TS-850S Value?
« Reply #6 on: October 20, 2021, 09:33:44 AM »

To KT4WO:
It was a needy ham.   A retired gentlemen who was battling a serious disease.  He had an 850 he loved but it had the older DDS chips and multiple other problems.  He wanted a nice one to use on the air.
Perhaps you are correct,  I  should have just given it to him.
John, KB1NO
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K6BSU

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Re: Kenwood TS-850S Value?
« Reply #7 on: October 20, 2021, 10:28:33 AM »

Never too late to send a check to the "retired gentleman".
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K1FBI

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Re: Kenwood TS-850S Value?
« Reply #8 on: October 20, 2021, 07:29:54 PM »

Never too late to send a check to the "retired gentleman".
It’s easy to talk the talk but not so easy to walk the walk.
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