“New soundproof rooms are too expensive… Is there a good used one?”
“I’m moving, can I take my soundproof room with me?”
Since soundproof rooms are expensive, many people want to buy them used at a lower price. However, there are many pitfalls unique to used rooms.
This article covers everything from the market prices of used soundproof rooms to purchasing considerations and relocation costs.
Price Range for Used Soundproof Rooms#
First, let’s see how much cheaper you can get them used.
Comparison with New Prices#
| Size | New Price | Used Price Range | Depreciation Rate | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8 tatami (Danbocchi, etc.) | 60-150k yen | 30-80k yen | 40-50% | ★★★☆☆ |
| 1 tatami | 800k-1.2M yen | 300-700k yen | 40-60% | ★★★★☆ |
| 1.5 tatami | 980k-1.3M yen | 400-900k yen | 40-70% | ★★★★★ |
| 2 tatami | 1.2M-1.8M yen | 500k-1.2M yen | 40-70% | ★★★★★ |
| 2.5 tatami+ | 1.8M-3.5M yen | 700k-2M yen | 50-70% | ★★★★☆ |
Price Range by Condition (1.5 Tatami Example)#
| Condition | % of New | Price Range | Features | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almost New (<1 year) | 70-80% | 700-900k yen | Minimal wear | ★★★★★ |
| Excellent (1-3 years) | 60-70% | 600-800k yen | Light use | ★★★★★ |
| Good (3-5 years) | 50-60% | 500-700k yen | Visible use | ★★★★☆ |
| Fair (5-8 years) | 40-50% | 400-600k yen | Age-related wear | ★★★☆☆ |
| As-is (8+ years) | 30-40% | 300-500k yen | May need repairs | ★★☆☆☆ |
Used Market Prices by Manufacturer#
| Manufacturer | New Price (1.5 tatami) | Used Range | Depreciation | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha (Sefine NS) | 1.1M yen~ | 500-800k yen | 45-55% | High |
| Kawai (Nasal) | 980k yen~ | 450-700k yen | 50-60% | Medium |
| Nagawa | 800k-1.2M yen | 350-650k yen | 50-60% | Low |
| Nikken Bunka | 700k-1M yen | 300-550k yen | 55-65% | Medium |
| Danbocchi | 60-150k yen | 30-80k yen | 40-50% | High |
Advantages of Buying Used#
Cost Savings are Significant#
The biggest advantage is price. You can save 40-70% compared to new.
Example: Yamaha 1.5 Tatami Model
- New: 1,100,000 yen
- Used (3 years old): 650,000 yen
- Savings: 450,000 yen
This saved money can be used for:
- Additional acoustic treatment
- Recording equipment
- Moving and installation costs
Immediate Availability#
New soundproof rooms typically have:
- Order to delivery: 1-3 months
- Installation: 1-2 weeks
Used rooms:
- Availability: Immediate to 2 weeks
- Installation: 1 week
You can start using it 1-2 months earlier.
Trial Run Advantage#
Buying used reduces risk:
- If it doesn’t fit, resale is easier
- Less financial loss if selling
- Can verify actual performance before purchase
Disadvantages and Risks of Used Rooms#
Limited Warranty and After-Sales Service#
New Room Warranty:
- Manufacturer warranty: 1-5 years
- Free repairs
- Full support
Used Room:
- Usually no warranty
- Repairs at your expense
- Limited manufacturer support
Hidden Defects#
Problems that may not be apparent during viewing:
Visible Issues:
- Scratches and dents
- Discoloration
- Door alignment
Hidden Issues:
- Deteriorated seals
- Reduced sound insulation
- Internal structural damage
- Mold and odors
High Relocation Costs#
Moving a used soundproof room is expensive:
- Disassembly: 50,000-150,000 yen
- Transport: 50,000-200,000 yen
- Reinstallation: 80,000-300,000 yen
Total: 180,000-650,000 yen
For older units, relocation costs may exceed the purchase price.
Soundproof Room Relocation Complete Guide#
Relocation Cost Breakdown#
| Item | Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Disassembly | 50,000-150,000 yen | Professional disassembly, about half a day |
| Packing | 30,000-80,000 yen | Protective materials, packaging |
| Transport | 50,000-200,000 yen | Varies by distance |
| Reassembly | 80,000-300,000 yen | Installation, adjustments, 1-2 days |
| Floor Protection | 20,000-80,000 yen | Vibration isolation, flooring |
| Disposal | 20,000-50,000 yen | Old materials, packing waste |
Total: 250,000-860,000 yen
Distance vs. Cost#
| Distance | Transport Cost | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Same city | 50,000-100,000 yen | 250,000-400,000 yen |
| Same prefecture | 80,000-150,000 yen | 300,000-500,000 yen |
| Adjacent prefecture | 120,000-200,000 yen | 380,000-650,000 yen |
| Cross-country | 200,000-400,000 yen | 550,000-1,000,000 yen |
When Relocation is Worth It#
Calculate the break-even point:
Example: Yamaha 1.5 Tatami (5 years old)
- Used purchase price: 550,000 yen
- Relocation cost: 350,000 yen
- Total: 900,000 yen
- New price: 1,100,000 yen
- Savings: 200,000 yen → Worth it
Relocation Recommendation:
- Room age < 5 years: ○ Recommended
- Room age 5-8 years: △ Case by case
- Room age 8+ years: × Better to buy new
Key Checks When Buying Used#
10 Essential Inspection Points#
1. Sound Insulation Performance
- Test with actual sound
- Check for sound leaks
- Verify door seals
2. Structural Integrity
- Panel alignment
- Wall stability
- Floor levelness
3. Door Condition
- Opening/closing smoothness
- Seal integrity
- Lock function
4. Interior Condition
- Wall scratches/stains
- Ventilation system
- Lighting function
5. Age and Usage History
- Manufacturing date
- Usage duration
- Previous use case
6. Odors
- Cigarette smoke
- Mold smell
- Pet odors
7. Additional Equipment
- Ventilation fan
- Lighting fixtures
- Electrical outlets
8. Disassembly Feasibility
- Structural verification
- Removal difficulty
- Special equipment needs
9. Documentation
- Instruction manual
- Warranty papers
- Maintenance records
10. Moving Conditions
- Removal deadline
- Access restrictions
- Self-removal possibility
Where to Buy Used Soundproof Rooms#
Online Marketplaces#
Yahoo Auctions
- Listings: 20-50 items/month
- Price: 30-80% of new
- Risk: High (no inspection)
Mercari/Jimoty
- Listings: 5-20 items/month
- Price: Direct negotiation
- Benefit: Can inspect in person
Specialized Dealers#
Soundproof Room Specialty Stores
- Advantage: Guaranteed quality
- Warranty: 3-12 months typically
- Price: 60-80% of new
Music Stores (Used Section)
- Availability: Limited selection
- Quality: Verified
- Price: 70-85% of new
Manufacturer Trade-in Programs#
Some manufacturers offer trade-in services:
- Yamaha: Official program available
- Kawai: Selected stores only
- Benefit: Reliable quality
- Limitation: Higher prices
Important Purchase Negotiations#
Price Negotiation Tips#
Factors for Negotiation:
- Age and condition
- Relocation costs
- Market comparison
- Defects found
Negotiation Strategy:
- Research market prices
- Calculate total cost including moving
- Point out defects politely
- Offer reasonable discount (10-20%)
Contract Points to Verify#
Must Include in Contract:
- Exact specifications
- Current condition
- Included accessories
- Removal deadline
- Payment terms
- Return policy (if any)
Relocation Process Step-by-Step#
Pre-Relocation Preparation#
1. Measurement and Planning (1 week before)
- New location measurements
- Access route confirmation
- Floor load verification
2. Contractor Selection (2-3 weeks before)
- Get 3+ quotes
- Check insurance coverage
- Verify experience
3. Scheduling (1 week before)
- Disassembly date
- Transport date
- Installation date
Relocation Day#
Disassembly (4-8 hours)
- Panel removal
- Component organization
- Protective wrapping
Transport
- Truck loading
- Secure fastening
- Transit insurance
Reinstallation (1-2 days)
- Panel assembly
- Sound test
- Final adjustments
After Installation Checks#
Performance Verification#
1. Sound Insulation Test
- Play music inside
- Check for leaks outside
- Compare to pre-move performance
2. Structural Check
- Panel alignment
- Door operation
- Ventilation function
3. Interior Environment
- Temperature control
- Humidity levels
- Air circulation
Maintenance Schedule#
Immediate (First month)
- Daily: Check for abnormalities
- Weekly: Clean interior
- Monthly: Inspect seals
Regular (Ongoing)
- Every 3 months: Deep clean
- Every 6 months: Seal inspection
- Annually: Professional check
Summary: Is Used Worth It?#
Recommended Cases#
Definitely Consider Used:
- Budget constraints
- Temporary use (1-3 years)
- Trial before major investment
- Flexible on specifications
Better to Buy New:
- Long-term use planned (10+ years)
- Specific model required
- Warranty is important
- Latest features needed
Final Checklist#
Before purchasing used:
- Inspected actual condition
- Verified sound performance
- Calculated total costs including moving
- Compared to new prices
- Checked seller reputation
- Prepared written contract
- Arranged relocation contractor
- Verified installation location
Used soundproof rooms can offer excellent value if you do thorough research and inspection. Calculate the total cost including relocation, inspect carefully, and make an informed decision.
With proper selection and maintenance, a used soundproof room can serve you well for many years to come.