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Seller's Description

For sale is a Townshend Rock MkII turntable, Townshend Excalibur tonearm, Decca London cartridge, Amber tube phono stage with external PSU, and RCA phono cable. Dust cover included, Silicone trough fluid included, Ecstasy Prop feet included. As detailed below:- The Rock has been refurbished with ...

Our Thoughts RADAR AI

Ambitious is the verdict on the A$4,950 asking price for this Townshend Audio Rock phono stage, as it sits well above the typical used market for Townshend Rock turntables, which trade secondhand for roughly A$2,000–A$3,000 (converted from £1,000–£1,500). Without a clear model number or confirmed condition, benchmarking this price is difficult, but it likely exceeds the 75th percentile for any Townshend Rock variant in the used market, making it a hard sell unless it is a pristine, original-owner unit with rare accessories.

The Townshend Rock line is legendary for its unconventional, belt-driven design and fabulous sound, offering a glimpse of high-end audio that few other turntables can match at this level. If this listing is indeed for a rare, well-maintained Rock phono stage in original-owner condition with included accessories, it could be a worthwhile buy for a dedicated enthusiast seeking rarity and performance, but the price demands clear proof of condition and model specifics to justify the premium.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Townshend Audio

Townshend Audio traces its roots to 1975, when Max Townshend founded Elite Electronic Improvements (EEI) in West London, UK, channeling his passion for music and hi-fi into innovative audio solutions. Initially focused on unique parabolic-stylus cartridges, the brand evolved under his vision, notably spotting the potential in a university prototype that became the iconic Rock turntable. This heritage of engineering ingenuity from Cranfield University's labs propelled Townshend into hi-fi prominence, blending British precision with a quest for sonic purity.

The company specializes in niche, high-performance categories like vibration isolation products, turntables such as the Rock 7 and Sovereign V, tonearms including the Enterprise Mark IV, and passive preamplifiers like the Allegri Reference. Their Seismic Isolation lineup stands out for decoupling components from external vibrations, while select offerings extend to cartridges and podiums, all engineered for maximum simplicity and effectiveness in revealing recorded detail.

Positioned as a quirky British boutique in the high-end market, Townshend Audio commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its well-engineered solutions that tackle real-world acoustic challenges. Far from mass-market fare, it appeals to knowledgeable buyers seeking subtle yet transformative upgrades, with products like the Rock turntable earning cult status in hi-fi lore for their enduring impact on playback fidelity.

See all Townshend Audio listings on RADAR.

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