Besides its nostalgic value, the Technics SL 1200 has tremendous specs to offer. The turntables are virtually indestructible (if you handle them properly) and have a long-standing exceptional reputation. One of the virtually unparalleled features is the Direct Drive motor, which ensures the short time between starting the turntable on which the vinyl record rests and the moment it spins at full speed. This makes scratching possible without damaging the motor.
Furthermore, the Technics SL-1200 turntable has the following specifications:
- Pitch control (+/- 8%)
- Two speed modes (33.3 and 45 rps)
- Wow & flutter (0.01 % WRMS)
- Metal body
- Two colors (gray and black)
- Anti-skating adjustment knob
From MK1 to MK7The first model was released in 1972, but the iconic
Technics SL-1200 MK2 model didn't hit the market until 1979. The turntables are still immensely popular for hobby listeners and professional DJs alike.
The
Technics SL-1200 MK3 also brought a few nifty improvements, most notably the "pitch reset" button that replaced the somewhat clunky "click" at the zero point. The
Technics SL-1200 MK5 is another update of the MK3, with fairly minor improvements in anti-skating, needle pressure and LED settings.
Between 2010 and 2016 it was quiet for a while, but by popular demand Technics released a new model, the MK7. Efforts were made to retain as much as possible the robustness and ease of use of the MK2, and to add useful new features such as "reverse playback," the setting of turntable start-up nei and two different colors for the red "strobe" lights.
What should I look for when buying a turntable?
Technics turntables are real tanks compared to other turntables, but it's still nice to know what to look for when buying. Therefore, we have created a guide with everything you need to know in order to make a good choice. Of course, we also test our Technics turntables on these points 😉
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