10/10 – Mint

Unboxed but basically never used. Looks and feels fresh off the showroom floor. Zero scratches, zero wear, zero excuses. Almost nothing makes it to this level. It’s rarified air.

9/10 – Excellent

Lightly used or a demo piece that could pass for new unless you break out a magnifying glass. Clean fronts, shiny connectors, no rack rash, no dings. It’s been loved.

8/10 – Very Good

Front still looks flawless, but maybe one tiny scratch or bit of haze shows up on the top or sides if you go looking. Grill cloths intact, lettering clean, finish solid. From the listening chair, you’d swear it’s mint.

7/10 – Good

Shows a little character: minor scratches, faint wear on knobs, maybe a haze on the dust cover. No dents, no major wounds, just honest signs of life from a piece that’s been in rotation but taken care of.

6/10 – Fair

Now we’re into “used and it shows.” Expect a bigger scratch or two, a ding on the edge, some pitting on chrome, maybe a hazy dust cover. 100% functional, but no one will mistake it for mint.

5/10 – Average

Plenty of scratches, possibly right on the face. Chrome might be flaking, screws showing rust, grill cloth sagging. Still works fine, but the scars are obvious.

4/10 – Mediocre

Rough around the edges. Rust, bent levers, cracked glass, maybe a corner dinged. Everything still works, but cosmetically… not winning any beauty contests.

3/10 – Poor

Beat up, but alive. Missing knobs, deep scratches, dented corners. Works (mostly), but best for the garage, backup system, or someone who cares more about sound than looks.

2/10 – Very Poor

Bad shape. Bent switches, dented cases, torn drivers, warped platters. Functionality is compromised. Approach with caution (and a soldering iron).

1/10 – Shot

Dead on arrival. Salvage it for parts, use it for art, or keep it as a conversation piece. Not a runner.