Brinkmann Bardo - Dealer Demo value

Yes that's too much $$$ for a 10+ yo Bardo. I owned one maybe 12 years ago and liked it but I did have some speed issues with it. Other than that it performed ok. 

I’m not an expert on Brinkmann and you didn’t name the maker of the 12-inch arm. I checked the Bluebook on this site and it says the Bardo MSRP was $8K. I can’t see the table, but you seem to like it and trust the dealer selling it. There are lots of choices out there for analog rigs, many that I would be happy to own. However, without warranty, at this price, I’d look elsewhere. If you’re set on making an offer, I think that 40-50% of retail is a good starting point for a 10-year old table.

I don't know how they'd expect you to spend that much without even a 15-day store warranty or something, especially with something mechanical like a TT. 

That's to much ,it's 12 years old and no warranty...I have bought to much used equipment in the past .. 3 of them died with in 90 days and I was stuck with broken used audio equipment....*****buyer beware*****

That’s far from a bargain! Here are some listings! Take a look at the sold listings!

Used brinkmann bardo for Sale | HifiShark.com

Thank you everyone! BTW - It's the Brinkman 12 inch arm which is good. I agree 10.5 offer is not good.

You said that you think that the TT is priced too high.  Keep in mind that some things are "for sale" and others are "on the market"  There is a big difference and you know what it is -;

It sounds like you want the TT so if it is actually for sale rather than on the market, here is what I would do.  Everything has some some value, Pokemon cards, Pet rocks, it really doesn't matter.  One of the members gave you good advice, discover what the market value of the TT is.  Then determine what the value of the TT would be to you, what would you actually pay to have it.  Offer the dealer 10% less that what you would be willing to pay.  Then if you have a good dialogue with the dealer you have some room to possibly make a deal.  Hope you get what you're looking for!  

This dealer may have been known for a long time, but the respect shown to you as relating to the asking price, pretty much points to the notion, in the dealer objective lens, your just another Twat in the crosshairs to be stung.   

Offer something near $10.5K BUT with a new Lyra or whatever.

Did you read the 2011 review?

Brinkmann Audio Bardo turntable | Stereophile.com

With the upgraded glass mat/power supply and since it has an upgraded arm, maybe then, it would be reason to start negotiating.

$10.5K buys something NEW with warranty.

So I did this very thing, purchased a demo model bardo from a reputable dealer. Mine was with the 10.5 arm, which is actually my preference, but I also got an HRS platform as well as the Ortofon Cadenza black that was on it which had been mounted by Mike Trei. Since it was a demo, the place was willing to honor the warranty. I've been nothing but happy with the table. For all that, I traded in my clearaudio performance DC and paid another 5k. I'm totally happy with the exchange. 

Thank you for sharing, rmdmoore. You ended up with a reference level setup that includes a warranty. You made an excellent deal!

You are happy, and that's all that matters.

In 10 years a  lot of technology advancements have taken place. The question is what is 10$k buying you today? Is it comparable, better, etc.? It seems you have a lot of leverage to negotiate as others have suggested given this is a 10 year old item. Another aspect to help you evaluate a fair price  to help you is to ask yourself how much you would get for it on the resale market if you had to sell it the next day.

"In 10 years a  lot of technology advancements have taken place."  Yes, in other fields of human endeavor, but in the realm of direct drive turntables? I doubt it.

I have a Brinkmann Bardo and an Oasis. Purchased both used. Paid around $4K for each, without any tone arm.

That's almost exactly what I paid for a brand new one in 2019

I am with lewm on this.