Customer Reviews

Technics SL-1200MK2PK Quartz Synthesizer Direct-Drive Turntable (Black)

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

And probably under $2,000 or $3,000 as well. If you're like me and you still have some old vinyl around and like playing it occasionally or you're looking for an excellent turntable for recording your vinyl onto a more durable media such as MiniDisc or CD this is the deck for you. Incredibly solid and simple to use, the SL1200 with a good cartridge (I use the Shure V15 Type V MR) cannot be beat unless you spend 10 times as much (and perhaps not even then). I don't use the DJ'ing features such as the variable pitch but I do love the way the direct drive platter goes from zero to 33 1/3rd RPM in nothing flat and stays there. Again, this is a fantastic deck for recording your vinyl onto something else or just playing it.

This table will definitely make any lp collector ecstatic using it for only in-home purposes (non professional/club dj use). The other and newer version of the MK2 is the M3D (which hopefully Amazon.com will offer soon on-line). Quartz speed accuracy,wow & flutter is maintained at an even higher calibre or excellent rate.It is top notch design.The extra added feature is a re-set button for the pitch control in case you want to go back to normal speed or pitch from any point of pitch you may already be on...My point being, either the MK2 or M3D are both exceptional tables. Fitted with a good Audio Technica or Ortofon cartridge or stylus (one does not come with either turntable) the first significant characteristic is the smooth and crisp clear bass and high frequency response you get from the beginning of the record to the end; It maintains the clarity througout.I personally have switched sources of the same album title from c.d. to vinyl to make sonic comparisons and the pristine clear sound of the Technics practically rivals the digital format (until you hear ticks and pops that come with record use). It does not sound like something is being dragged across a stone slab. Amazon.com offers a reasonable price for the MK2 whereas other so-called dj specialty shops may want to gouge you for an outrageous premium price tag.Remember, the Technics MK2 is great, not gold !...

While the 1200mkII is probably the best turntable around for DJ use I think it might be a bit much for the average record owner. It should also be noted that these tables go for around 450-475$ if ordered from an on-line DJ store.

Technics realized later on the DJ, record scratching, pros required a motor that could handle such demands (though the Technics was never designed for such "rough" applications to begin with).

What is amazing is the simplicity of this'table;There are no unnecessary bells and whistles or extra gears and mechanical devices that would make this any kind of an automatic 'table; This is strictly for the audio perfectionist or DJ.Also, any additional gizmos would contribute to unwanted vibrations,hum, and playback noise.The weight of the turntable is testimony enough that it is practically anti-resonant (unless you slam your fist on it)!You have to weigh the pros and cons. One con being that if you like to fall asleep to a record but do not want to be awaken by the sound of the stylus scraping over and over at the end of a record, then this is not for you.Vice Versa if you want the tonearm to automatically land on the first track,it ain't gonna happen (however trivial that may be to some in making the purchasing decision).For the lack of certain automatic operations it makes up for in its impeccable and firm construction, durability, and quick start up speed. Unless necessary, you do not want to mess around with the anti-skating device or counterweight, height of tonearm (should be already pre-factory set).The pitch control is easily accesible from the top.However, for some it would be nice to have it as a front accesible control with the other buttons.

As for the sound quality...SWEET & SMOOTH. It will also depend on the standard mount cartridge and stylus that needs to be purchased separately. Wow and flutter is at an amazing .01 % !Though,this is something that even if it were at .07% or .10% may not be audible unless you play classical music with a piano solo ;with increased wow & flutter you would hear an annoying "wavering" slowing and speeding sound of the musical notes.

In terms of bang for the buck, you may have to shell out more bucks for less bang. However, you are paying for something that in the sense of the old cliche "less is more" holds true here ! It is high quality(construction,durability) over less quantity (bells,whistles).This is for the "mature at heart and mind" ( I cringe to think someone out there may be buying this for little Johnny who's only 5 or 6 years old---though highly doubt a kid at that age would have a vinyl collection)...

Professional DJs all either have or want this table. People who like to play records should have this table. It's the best turntable around, and it's even set up to be upgraded with fantastic features several inovative companies are releasing (such as the Vinyl Touch series for DJs.) I would never use another.

It is true that Technics 1200's are not the only DJ turntable out there. There are, indeed, other turntables for the same price or less with more functions such as BPM counters, digital output, straight tonearms, etc . . . However, it still remains that in my opinion, the Technics 1200MK2 is the turntable to buy if you want to be a DJ. This not just because it is a great turntable (which it is), but because it is the STANDARD. At any rave or club you will go to, the decks already there will most likely by Technics 1200MK2 or M3D's. It is therefore better to own a Technics, because this is the turntable you will need to know backwards if you want to start a DJ career. If you are an audiophile, I suggest you find a linear tracking turntable. If you are a DJ, the Technics is the only one you should get.

This is a fantastic turntable.

I've used it personally both for casual listening and for beat mixing. It has excellent sound-dampening. The wow and flutter is non-existant. It should be noted that the platter itself on this table is the motor, so that and the tonearm are the only moving parts. Thus - no resonant background noise from within the turntable exists whatsoever.

You can typically get excellent sound quality from this table as long as you use an average or better quality cartridge.

Unlike other "DJ" turntables, this turntable was designed as a home turntable first. It is a DJ turntable by accident. This is why the SL 1200 is one of those few products that will give you the best of both worlds!

If you are a DJ, this is one of the only DJ tables that gives you Quartz pitch lock throughout the full +/-8% of the pitch range.

If you're serious about vinyl, pay the money and get the best.


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I felt it appropriate to update this review for people considering buying one of these. It is still an excellent turntable and ideal for people who want high-end performance on a budget. Increasingly, DJ's are turning away from these in favor of the Pioneer CD units or Traktor/Serato/Ableton software.

If you're still considering a turntable, you owe it to yourself to check out some of the higher end Numark and Vestax turntables which have a lot more features and greater torgue, as well as accurate speed through the pitch range. Often, these turntables are less expensive than the Technics. Some of these also have a built in phono pre-amp, meaning that if you're only concern is burning cd's from your vinyl collection all you need is a soundcard and an RCA to 1/8" adaptor to get started.

Be aware that vinyl is becoming harder to find and many dance tracks are now only released in MP3 format for download - meaning that unless you have a vinyl recorder (at $10,000, who doesn't?), you're choices are going to be CD's or Traktor.

That said, I personally still love the Technics and will continue to support it as long as it remains in production, and I will be sorry to see it go if production ceases.

------ update 5/31/11 ----------
Well, the time has come (actually has been since 2009) where this legendary turntable is no longer manufactured. For the collector who needs a reliable and great sounding turntable for the next 3 to 5 years, it probably means very little other than the fact that you'll pay twice as much for a new one. I still intend to use one of these with an Ortofan cartridge to transfer my remaining vinyl to whatever the format of the future is going to be.

However, if you're a DJ looking for gear, I can't recommend going to get one of these any longer, not because they're not great sounding machines mind you.... but because for the same money as you would spend on 2 of them, you can have a VERY nice digital setup with Traktor and a couple of good controllers.

Even for users of Serato scratch (which utilizes turntables as MP3 controllers) there are cheaper alternatives to the SL-1200 now that are still manufactured that have an approximate similar look and feel. I'm thinking in particular of some of the Stanton direct-drive models currently in the $200-$300 range.

"Software", or records, may still be widely available now, but that is not going to last forever. Collectors make up the bulk of vinyl purchases now, and that volume will never be high enough to justify the printing of all of the new techno and dance music that comes out in a short period of time.

In closing, I really lament the demise of the Technics as it was one of those truly great products of the late 20th century that happened largely by accident. A guy standing behind his laptop effortlessly dragging and dropping 5 loops together at a time somehow just isn't the same. However, not even I can justify spending $1000.00 on a turntable - even one as great as the Technics SL-1200.

After years of contemplation I bought 2 Technics SL-1200MK2's. What a great descision! The first thing I noticed is how much better vinyl sounds than CD's. It takes long term exposure to digital audio to realize it, but the truth is that 44.1 16-bit or MP3's are both inferior to analog sound. This is especially true with my old records that were recorded, mixed, and mastered without digital compression technology.

I now realize why the Technics SL-1200MK2 is a world famous industry standard. Sonically it delivers a pure tone and it functions like a workhorse. It is very much appreciated that this model is still manufactured with such high quality. Technics has taken a stake to the industry that seems unbreakable. This product is one of the rare exceptions to the old saying: "They dont make them like they used to." The word on the street is that newer models may have problems and that only the SL-1200MK2 will do.

I looked into purchasing many turntables in the "audiophile" category. After doing quite a bit of research, I found the following information rather helpful:

a) This turntable was designed in the 70s as state-of-the-art. The Technics factory had to tool-up to create it. The cost today would be in the millions to get a factory to begin producing something comparable. The market is simply no longer there to do so.

b) The magnetic direct drive system allows incredibly impressive wow and flutter and rumble specs. I can confirm black backgrounds and deadly accurate speeds. No piano warbles. Details like that are very important to me. The audiophile brands will have you believe that belt drive is superior. Why? See (a)

c) This thing is built like a tank. Im not sure of the exact weight (25lbs?), but I'm always surprised when I try to move it. I can imagine it will be around long after I have departed.

I paired this TT with an AT440MLA. I no longer listen to CDs at home if the vinyl is available. Good vinyl + this turntable is vastly superior.

Upgrades are available if you'd like a new tonearm or cabling. Check KAB USA for other stuff like fluid damping and strobe-disabling.

Highly Recommended.

I have been using technics turntables for the past 12 months a ive seen how they preform. I believe they are the best turntable on the market, they are solid and if you treat them with care and respect they will last for ever.