Customer Reviews

Panasonic Technics SL-1210M5G Black Record Turntable - Direct Drive

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Other than the Gold Ltd. Edition Technics turntable, this is the one to make any dj the envy of the block. Expanded pitch adjustable features, braking adjustment settings, and long lasting led illuminator lights and increased anti-skating make this absolutely a spectacular analog machine/ dj instrument. Quality build is superb and built to outlast anything out there in the competitive market... The ONLY minor mistake not used in really completing the whole package is a lack of a key adjust control. Basically, with a key adjust you can speed up or slow down the beats or the music without vocalists sounding like chipmunks, or Barry White speaking in slow motion ! Key adjust just changes the speed of the music and vocals, not the pitch or tune...This is just a small bonus feature that would have been nice to have; Denon and another company name have already done this for their brand of DJ turntables...

The Flagship of the Technics Turntables, the SL1210M5G is the 30th Anniversary edition of the legendary SL1200 line. This fully manual unit has been going strong since the '70's and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. The deck was originally built as a high end home audio component, but has become honored by most club DJ's because of it's rugged build and many DJ enhancements over the years.

I selected this version for my home turntable because of the oxygen free wiring and other tone arm improvements and high quality phono cables. After many inconsistent speed issues with belt drive turntables, I am pleased with the very durable and ultra quiet brushless DC motor that powers the Technics units.

This turntable is ready to go for home enthusiasts or DJ's. It comes complete with a rubber platter mat, a slip mat, a head shell, cartridge alignment tool and a non attached dust cover. If needed, a hinge kit is available from KAB USA. All that's needed is a phono cartridge. There are many to choose from, either hi-fi or DJ.

After a few weeks of revisiting my 40+ years of vinyl, I can agree that this deck deserves the title of Grand Master.

I have owned turntables costing several thousand dollars in the past. They are getting older now and I thought new one in the reasonable price range but high quality. I put in my Shure V15xMR in the arm tracking at 1g. Perfect tracking - super low rumble and no hum at all with or wo grounding. The construction is first class. This is a super bargain - it has been improved over the years. Yes you can spend a lot more - this product delivers in all the important ways. For many it is not expensive enough and has low snob appeal. If a small company were to make this turntable - my guess it would cost around > 1500.00. Panasonic has been making it for over 30 years now! Rarely does a product remain available for such a long time. The reason - this is a masterpeice!

I set this baby up and calibrated the arm in less than 2O min, all the parts worked 100% flawlessly and good quality construction.
Sound is great especially with the right stylus. It's a bit pricey but worth the sacrifice-so save up.
The only downfall is that you have to purchase hinges separately to attach plastic cover either from Ebay or Kab.com...you also need to get some 1/2" self tapping screws to mount the plastic hinge holder piece at the rear of unit as it comes with pilot holes. Other than that it works marvelous!

Just received two of these turntables in brand new condition in July 2011 (at a very highly paid price) - but they are the quality as expected from Technics as always. I consider myself lucky to have found two of these since they were discontinued in 2010 - and know they will hold up as well as my 30+ year old Technics turntables so that I can continue spinning and mixing my vinyl record collection into the future.

For anyone on the fence about this turntable - I highly suggest you get one of these before they are gone or you have to look for a good used unit in the years to come.

I've been a Dj for 2 decades, started on the 1200mk2 and am now rocking these 6 nights a week. This is my 3rd pair and won't own any other. The torque feels better than previous models and the blue l.e.d. lights give this a sleek look in the dark. I still wish they'd come out with a straight tone arm for these. Numark had it correct with the ttx1's, however, power issues I had with those made them unreliable. And Vestax pdx-2000 were a great turntable for scratching in the bedroom. The cheap plastic feel on the Vestax gave horrible feedback through the needles(the infamous low end hummmmm). I've never had any problems with these while using Serato.

They do not come with the hinge for the plastic top? I'll never understand that.. But they do come with a set of slip mats and that famous thick rubber mat that a dj won't ever use.
You can't go wrong and won't be disappointed in this purchase. These should be the last turntables you'll need to buy (unless you want multiple sets).

But you better get them quick as they're getting harder to find and more expensive to buy!!!

I ditched my training wheels for these Technics tables. Basically, I went from class C to class A DJ equipment. These tables perform better than they are written about. Sound quality, platter torque, durability, and everything else exceeded my expectations. The sound of my scratching, beat juggling, and mixing now sounds like a professional behind the wheels. I recorded several demos and played them back for friends and family who know I DJ. When the demo was done, they were amazed that it was me making the beats. These tables do come with a price tag but if you can afford them, BUY THEM! You'll never buy another analog turntable again. When you own these units, you are an all star MVP playing in the majors. I love these tables!

I was happy to see the mention of KAB and the dust cover hinges. I wanted to make note that when you buy any '1200 from KAB you automatically get not only the hinge kit installed, but you get the thicker audiophile mat and a full QC inspection as well. Stock, The MK5 and M5G both come with a thin rubber mat. this may not be tall enough to set tonearm height correctly with short squat cartridges. The thicker mat solves that and improves the sound as well. Of course, the mat is available separately as well. [...]

This turntable performs exceptionally well. I was able to get it up and running with absolutely no experience with vinyl turntables at all. It does come with a headshell, in case you were wondering, because I accidentally ordered another one too. If you're just getting started, there is a very helpful review I found on youtube that can teach you well how to set up the tonearm. It comes with a plastic dust-cover that doesn't attach. It also comes with a slipmat, and a cut wax sheet that helps with scratching. I highly recommend this turntable. Also, consider buying it from [...] it may be cheaper there.

They Don't call it Grandmaster for nothing. This turntable will keep you mixing for years to come.