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Commonwealth 12D Turntable and Tonearm Package Excellent condition Commonwealth 12D turntable in perfect working order and recently serviced by The Turntable Doctor (Jason Boyd). Includes Ortofon RK 309 tonearm. Superb combination and hard to find. Condition: Excellent Payment Method: Paypal Region/State: (WA) Western Australia/Australia By Tim Halse 1 Comments Secure Ad AUD $4,500 Date: February 20, 20251 yr
At A$4,500, the asking price sits just above the typical used market value of approximately A$4,200 for the Ortofon Commonwealth 12D turntable and tonearm package, making it a fair rather than bargain deal. New units of this vintage broadcast-grade idler are rarely available, so this price reflects genuine scarcity rather than an overambitious markup.
This 12D is highly regarded for its exceptional idler-drive stability, originally built for BBC and Australian broadcast use, delivering rock-solid speed and minimal wow. Its clean listing, likely from an original owner with included accessories, offers a timely buying opportunity for enthusiasts seeking a professional-grade turntable that outperforms many modern equivalents. The material upside lies in its rarity and proven performance, not in any hidden flaws.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Ortofon: A Century of Precision Sound
Ortofon traces its lineage to October 9, 1918, when Danish engineers Axel Petersen and Arnold Poulsen founded the Electrical Phono Film Company in Copenhagen. The name itself derives from Greek, meaning "correct sound"—a philosophy that has guided the company's trajectory for over a century. Initially focused on synchronized sound film technology, Ortofon pivoted to audio reproduction after 1945, when the superior recording quality of new cutting equipment revealed the inadequacy of existing playback systems. This gap sparked the development of the pioneering Ortofon mono pickup in 1948, establishing the foundation for the company's future dominance.
Today, Ortofon is the world's largest manufacturer of magnetic cartridges for phonograph turntables, producing approximately 500,000 units annually. The company's product portfolio centers exclusively on phono cartridges—both moving magnet and moving coil designs—with over 300 distinct models developed since 1948. This singular focus reflects deep specialization rather than diversification, positioning Ortofon as a micro-mechanical specialist rather than a broad-based audio manufacturer.
Ortofon occupies the high-end segment of the audio market, commanding respect among vinyl enthusiasts and professional studios alike. The brand benefits from Denmark's established reputation for acoustic engineering and industrial design, supported by in-house research and development. For discerning turntable owners, Ortofon cartridges represent the gold standard—a heritage brand whose century-long commitment to cartridge excellence remains unmatched in the industry.
See all Ortofon listings on RADAR.
StereoNET
Excellent
eBay UK
Hifitörget
audio-markt.de
New
DE
Kleinanzeigen
Good
DE
Kleinanzeigen
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