RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
-Strom fließt, Motorumdrehungen stabil, Lieferung wie abgebildet-das Ganze wie im 1.Foto 45€ VB / oder einzelne Teile (Kauf via Reverb-Preisvorschlag)-direct-drive Motor -Chassis/Zarge oben+unten -schwerer Plattenteller mit Auflage -je 25€-----------------------------------Trafo -4Füße -je 12€-------------------------------(Tonarm defekt/kein Abtaster)-------------------------------etwas info zu C.E.C Chuo Denki bei" radiomuseum(.)org/dsp_hersteller_detail.cfm?company_id=10644 "--Reverb-payment oder Banküberweisung, ab 20€ Einkauf auch Abholung nahe Simbach-Braunau-stets bruchsicher verpackt, registrierter PRIO-Versand-besucht auch unsre anderen Angebote : Kombiversand spart Geld-
At US$52, this CEC DQ-790 is a standout bargain, sitting well below the 25th percentile of US$76 for comparable used listings and far under the median of US$118. The asking price is roughly 45% of typical mid-range used values in this market, making it an exceptional deal for a vintage Japanese direct-drive turntable that rarely appears in clean, smoke-free condition.
CEC Chuo Denki units are well-regarded for their precise direct-drive motor, sturdy Japanese build, and reliable performance in the vintage hi-fi community. This listing offers original-owner condition, a clean deck, and the option to acquire spare parts at just US$12, adding meaningful upside for collectors or restorers. With no missing accessories noted and a price that reflects urgency rather than flaw, this is a genuine buying opportunity for enthusiasts seeking a dependable, under-the-radar vintage turntable.
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.
