A favorite among DJ's for decades, the Technics SL-1200 MKII turntable is famous for is durability, performance, and professional look. The Sl-1200 MKII's high price tag is jutified by its excellent performance in every category important to a DJ. Its high torque direct drive motor allows quick startup and slowdown times. Its +/-8 pitch control is about at reliable as you can find. And finally, in terms of durability, the Sl-1200 MKII is about as sturdy as you can get, able to withstand just about any punishment you can throw out at it. Trusted by DJ's for over 25 years, the Technics SL-1200 MKII turntable is well worth its steep price tag.
Rating: 9/10
Technics SL-1200 MK2 Information & Features
Quartz Synthesizer Direct Drive
Quartz locked +/- 8% pitch adjustment
Aluminum Diecast cabinet
Heavy Rubber base able to absorb vibrations
Wow & flutter 0.025% WRMS, +/- 0.035 & peak
Rumble of -78dB
High Torque motor (1.5kg(cm)) allows quick start-ups
The SL-1200 is simply the finest deck ever made...As far as construction goes, nothing compares…
The suspension system used on Technics 1200s is easy to use, read and adjust
under low light… (DJ friendly)
The tone arm is sturdy (some decks out there have questionable arm systems) Speed/ Pitch adjustment...This is where the Technics lacks versatility. Only being able to adjust +/- 8% is much lower than other models that can run as far as 50%. However it hold its pitch better than any other deck…
I tend to play a record as close to 0% or Quartz as I can, so I select records on Tempo and Key. This eliminates the need to run to +16%, 25% or 50%.... Motor, Torque and Life-Span. The 3 things that matter the most to me when buying a deck… Most of the other decks on the market now are boasting high torque of 3.7-4.5kg (cm). The Technics is still driving as hard at 1.5-1.7kg (cm) so what’s the high ratio for? Maybe at 78 RPM the new decks push 3.7-4.5, but at average playing speed it feels like a Technics 1.5-1.7… Plus a Technics motor will run at least 15+ years… So don’t be fooled by marketing schemes of other companies, the Technics is still the BEST DECK EVER MADE…
Night in and night out solid reliable performance.... - DJ Ohmega
Ive had the SL-1200 MKII for over five years now and I have nothing but good things to say about it. In all the years I’ve had it, not once has it ever needed anything more than minor maintenance. In terms of performance, nothing else Ive used compares. It never falls off pitch and the high torque motor makes it great for scratching. I highly recommend the SL-1200 MKII for any DJ, especially mobile DJs whose equipment often takes some abuse. - DJ D-Mac
