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***“FOR SHIPMENTS TO THE USA, CUSTOMS DUTIES APPLY – EXCEPT FOR PRODUCTS MADE IN THE USA – THESE CUSTOMS FEES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER***Vintage Turntable2-SpeedBrand : CECModel : BA-600Color : WoodYear : 1980'SMade in JapanFor more informations, please contact us on emailHave a nice day***Service disponible en français***
This is a buyer’s market for a BA-600 at US$219: that lands above the low-end used examples I found, but still not so high that it feels out of line for a complete, working deck. For a clean, ready-to-play unit, I’d call it fair-to-solid rather than a steal.
What makes it worthwhile is the CEC reputation for well-built, understated belt-drive tables with good musical drive and a very “proper hi-fi” presentation. The model is old, so the real upside is condition: if the platter, arm lift, speed stability, and dust cover are all intact, and the belt/service history looks decent, this could be an easy-enjoyment buy. If anything is missing or the speed behavior is uncertain, the price should soften a bit.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
CEC, or Chuo Denki Co., traces its roots to Tokyo, Japan, where it was founded in 1954 amid the nascent audio industry. That same year, the company pioneered Japan's first belt-drive turntable mechanisms, which gained rapid adoption by major manufacturers worldwide, including Grundig, Marantz, Sony, and Pioneer. From high-precision phono motors to full turntables, CEC quickly established itself as a leading OEM supplier, laying the groundwork for its enduring legacy in mechanical innovation.
The brand's product focus has evolved to center on digital playback, particularly its signature belt-drive CD transports and complementary DACs. Iconic models like the 1991 TL1—the world's first belt-driven CD transport—set the standard, protected by CEC's global patents for reducing jitter and acoustic feedback. Today, the lineup features ultra-premium offerings such as the flagship TL0 3.0 with dual belts, suspended chassis, external power supply, and proprietary Superlink interface, alongside models like the TL5, TL2N, CD5 player/DAC, and DA5.
Positioned firmly in the ultra-high-end market, CEC commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its mechanical purity and refusal to abandon CD as a viable medium. With flagship pricing around $34,000 and manufacturing returned exclusively to Japan since 2011, it appeals to niche collectors seeking boutique refinement over mass-market convenience, its transports praised for rich, musical retrieval that rivals streaming in sophistication.
See all CEC listings on RADAR.
