How much is a Sony KV-36XBR450 worth?

Answer 1

$100-$300

This is my opinion as an owner of a Sony KV-36XBR450 who has recently experience the failure discussed here and has done some investigation into my best recovery actions.

Acknowledging this set is one of the most advanced and largest tube TV's ever made with an absolutely INCREDIBLE HD picture, it is also apparently one of the most complex and fragile TV designs. Brand new these sets were $2500 - $3500. They wiegh over 225lbs (any stand for it needs to be unusally sturdy) and are very awkward to move...add in the fragile nature of the technology and you begin to see some challenges with picking up a used one. Unfortunately, the real depreciation of these sets is only recently become evident. The electronics enabling the incredible performance of the tube technology itself seem to be failing as a rule on these sets. I have had several technicians comment that the tubes should have ~12yr life, but the failing control electronics seem to be occurring systemically at about half the tube life. a simple Google search for "XBR flashing" and you begin to follow the threads of numerous reports of the TV clicking and the standby light flashing, but the tube remains . I have received repair estimates between $300 and $600 and even then with at best a 90 day waranty on the repair itself. These TV's went out of production years ago and most of them have been in use for ~5 yrs already.

All that stated, it seems to me the appropriate used value of the Sony KV-36XBR450 should be between $100 and $300 depending on condition and your relative confidence in any claims of "very low usage" through the years.

I have seen several listings for these on Craigslist in the last several months ranging from $100 to $700 all accross the country. It is understandable why owners would appreciate getting something from their $3500 set after so few years, but the reality is they are old tech, failing tech, and comparable new tech is getting ever closer to the $1000 mark with several near comparable options under $1000. The question to the buyer lies in their willingness to spend $Xhundred on a used set that could require a $500 repair in a matter of months or provide a fantastic picture and performance for several years to come at no extra cost. It comes down to a risk value decision.