Technics SL1200 for serious home listening? TURNTABLE REVIEW 

They were originally made for home audiophile listening and DJs discovered how durable they were and it became widely popular amongst them.

Bought mine in 2011, was one of the last produced at the end if the original run. My model is SL1210-MK2, and it still looks and works like new! I use it with an Ortofon M2 blue cartridge, and it sounds absolutely amazing! And yes, it was built stronger than a tank 😁

I've got two mk2s and bought them in 1993 new for $750 for the pair. They've been serviced by a sound guy I know well, twice over the years. I used them for djing, which I did professionally for many years, and for listening to this day. I'd guess there is over 10,000 hours on each and they still play perfectly. edit - forgot to mention these were used at many outdoor raves in the early 90s and have seen rain, pollen, beer, soda, plenty of weed, dust, dirt...

Had my MK2 26 years,easily the best piece of electronics I've ever bought.doing a few upgrades has made it sound even sweeter and it was brilliant as standard

Wheels of steel. I bought 2 (sl1200 mk2) of these used 16 years ago, 600 for the pair with roadcases, best audio investment I have ever made.

Got my pair 34 Years ago! Still play and sound amazing! Only had to replace a faulty pitch slider, otherwise flawless. I use a Shure M97HE with a Jico stylus for listening. Very pleasant and balanced sound.

I completely agree with your assessment of the Mk2. After searching for a gently used Mk2 for several years, I bought one last year. It was definitely worth the wait! Congratulations on joining the Technics Sl-1200 owners club!

Such an iconic TT. Sometimes legends don't live up to their hype, but this one does. I opened mine up (SL-1210 Mk2), after I acquired for a ridiculously low price from a DJ, in order to restore the separate ground lead (removing it and wiring to the ground of the phono leads being a popular DJ mod for convenience) - and looking inside one of these clearly illustrates where the money is spent. To be honest, I'd be amazed if they made much profit on these decks. The alloy casting of the chassis, the added bulk-molding compound, the anti-resonant rubber base, AND the the thick rubber coating on the underside of the platter! All that weight is there for a reason (not just to make it "feel" quality as most of its clones do). I know replacing the tone-arm is a popular mod, but I personally think it's a thing of functional beauty and works just fine.

If the SL-1200 isn't an audiophile turntable, somebody might want to let Technics know that; they claim that's what it was built as in the first place. Personally, I'll take their word for it.

Technics does make some higher end models for pure HiFi use if people are complaining about the the 1200. But the 1200 is my favorite turntable and probably the last table I’ll ever need.

ya finally bought 1 Frank , best turntable in my opinion , had mine since 1989 , not a problem with it

Purchased a new 1210GR over the summer and have absolutely zero complaints. Worth every penny.

Technics makes a really good turntable. Not only do they sound great, but they are built to last. I have an older SL-D3. I play it pretty much everyday, sometimes for hours at a time, and have had zero problems with it, other than a broken hinge on the dust cover.

The last turntable you will ever need. Amen! 🙏🤘

Tank is an understatement. Purchased two 1210s in 1999. I spilled two beers on mine, dropped them down a flight of stairs, and pulled them out of a dorm room after the building caught on fire and burned down. They are still spinning like the day I bought them. Keep them clean, use them often and they will last forever. Great video. Cheers.

I love my 1200 MKII. It's been upgraded by KAB Electronics with Cardas Litz RCA cables, a thin Teflon type plastic insert inside the tone arm, a fluid dampening system attached to the tone arm pivot and a Delrin plastic thrust plate for the spindle replacing the metal one. Also it has Sorbothane type feet. The cartridge is a Nagaoka MP 200.

i love these and have 2 of them from when I used to use them DJing. Now I use them at home for listening.

Great vid... that “MARK” 2 will be the last turntable you’ll ever need. I love mine. Also love my Pro-Ject but the Technics will be with me until I die.

I've gotten into vinyl recently, and I would love to someday get my hands on one of these! The Technics SL 1200 sounds like it's the king of turntables!

Sir you are correct that the turntable isn't just for Deejays.

Purchase two new SL-1200MK2’s in 1979 at $350 each. This was back when we were full swing into the mobile DJ business. Used them on the road constantly through the late 1990’s. Cartridges then were usually Stanton 500 or 680 series. I didn’t realize back then that they were just introduced that year. Bottom line is they were built like tanks and never had any issues. I completely rebuilt 1 of them in 2010 for my home turntable. New tonearm, pitch control, pop up light assembly with upgraded LED, 33/45 buttons, start/stop button, and power knob. I recently started to assemble a new home stereo setup with the 1200 at the helm. Currently experimenting with different cartridges. I have a Goldring E3 waiting to be installed and tested. My SL-1200MK2’s are a true treasure, and will be for the rest of my listening days.

When I got into vintage audio in the early 00s everyone just ragged on the 1200. I actually remember a stereo chat room where a guy called it "Filthy DJ trash" lol. My friend has had one since then as well and it just keeps chugging along. It's got good specs but it's quality is that it's the turntable equivalent to a flathead Ford V8. It will never stop running as intended.

I’ve literally had my techniques SL 12000Mk 2 for around 20 years. Got it used at a pawn shop in a trade. The quality of sound I get with it never ceases to amaze me.

I got a MK2 refurbished by KAB, they specialize in Technics upgrades. They did all the audiophile upgrades and it sounds fantastic. I did a side by side comparison with some Rega tables, and stuck with the Technics. If you think the MK2 sounds good, check out the new GR and G models.

Had a friend who had a pair 15 years ago when I was into breakbeat before I was wiser, but there was always an allure to her gold 1200s. Fast forward to about 4 hours ago and I just found a fully functional one in the GARBAGE at my apartment complex. I’ve been blessed for sure.

I own a 1987 Mk2 and it is my final table. I plan to keep it running for the next 30-40 years.

I love my "Mark 2" . In London I can call over half a dozen DJ doctors to come to my home, service it or repair it. I've not needed either of these services yet and don't think I will for a while.

I have a pair of 1200 MK 2s for DJing, just at home. And I love them! I have owned mainly Technics, most of my life. Found great deals online for them.

I got my SL1210 mk 2 in 1993 from a small town in Nottinghamshire UK...it’s been host to a range of incredible vinyl from Stevie Wonder & Marvin Gaye to Eric B & Rakim and A Tribe Called Quest, Ennio Morricone to Hans Zimmer....what a incredible audio journey 👍⏰🎧🎬🎤

Best turntable I've ever owned, upgradable as well. Costly though..

I have one just like yours (in black) running the Ortofon Blue. Paid a steep $700 for it but it was truly like a new turntable. I’m really not very impressed with any turntables at 3 times that price! Often they have less impressive features! This particular unit had been literally used for a few hours and then boxed back up. The seller even provided a brand new Genuine Technics dust cover. All components were separated and packaged carefully the way it would have come from the factory new! This attention to detail is something I factor into the price! Even with the acknowledged “short comings”, this is the most solidly built deck I have ever owned! I’ll never sell it. My other two turntables are Technics linear tracking models! They all perform flawlessly; however my black 1200 is set up on my best system! This is as “audiophile” as it gets for me!

I love it. It was my second turntable when I was 14 and I've been using it since then. No problems at all. Easy to use and super reliable. Mine is the MK3D though.

Note: I inadvertently use the phrase "M K 2" in this video, rather than Mark 2, when referencing the 1200. This is an error my my part. Frank

Hi I brought my 1210 mark2's about 30 years ago and they were second hand then . Me and 2 other djs used them for 12 to 16 hours a day for about ten years . Nothing ever has gone wrong and the rca cable are still the original ones now. All I've every had to do on them is renew the pitch controls as when djing you use these so much. The tone arms are still in original tip top condition people who end up braking the arms are just to heavy handed or dont treat there valuables with respect lol. Superb deck as they say . These are the industry's standard for all skool djs

Hi Frank as you can tell by my logo I am a dj and over the years I have owned many of turntables. The SL1200 MKII is one of the finest ever constructed... I own 2 of them cause I was a club/ mobile dj that was brought up on using 45s. Now I'm 42 and got into the collecting phase of life when covid started so I am a Newbie... Right now there are still a few things I need to get for basics and its tough trying to talk my wife into letting me spend $75 on a record cleaner, she does not understand that aspect.... I am currently using a Numark CC-1 Cartridge and Seems like a midgrade stylus... Really enjoy the channel and reviews and info... Keep up the good work...

Dude...a girlfriend I once dated over the last 4-5 years had a lot of her deceased husbands music and audio gear and wanted to be rid of it. I didn't realize until watching your video what she blessed me with, a Technics Quartz SL-1200MK2 turntable !! I've been cleaning out my garage for weeks, and when I saw it again where I stored it... I wanted to move it to a level spot in the garage, holy moly.. that thing will throw your back out...like picking up a Volkswagen !! Built like a tank's daddy, this beast is. But now I see what I have....thank you for your video. "Score !!!!"

I love the original MK2s mine are well over 20 years old and all original and look out the box new still. I never intend to even bother with the newer versions like the MK7 or GR models that came out not too long ago.

I've had my silver 1200 now for 6 years (bought used, made 2001) it's still impeccable. Sounds good when hooked up to my technics (1996) stereo system.

I own a pair of the Silver Technics SL-1200MKII along with a Numark Mixer. Yes, I am an old school DJ spinning since 1983, bought these Technics as a Birthday gift to myself in 2007. Very glad I got them before they ceased production in 2010. Paid about $800.00 US per turntable and use Shure MK44 (now discontinued) and have 4 backup spare N44 replacement stylus'. Love these turntables. They mix very well, sound is excellent and not hideous looking like those over priced VPI non-aesthetic looking turntables. I feel I will never need another turntable ever. These things are built to last. Technics are art for music. -Christopher (Fontana, CA USA)

I just found a silver one with a numark phat trak cartridge at the flea market for 20 bucks. It was covered in dust but when I plugged it in all the lights came on and the speed is still dead on. A quality product.

I love this Turntable I had one in my teen years my dad sold them wholesale and got rid of it. I was lucky to find one in mint condition about 4 years from a woman that had it stored. It's flawless and the sound is great. I am going to upgrade the cartridge soon since I use the Audio Technica AT-95. I did have the AT LP-120 which I bought new but it does not compare to the Technics. Just in looks.

I had a SL1200 MK5 which was amazing and I now have the SL1210GR which is targeted more for the casual listener. It's super duper amazing (to me).

Great review. Just got lucky and got one for $350 in mint condition. All I can say is this thing is pure quality. Had other brands of turntables but they don’t compare to the almighty technics.

I have the Mk2, had it since 96, still going strong. I love it.

i own 2 1200s i bought in 1986 for mobile djing. still use them at home never had any issues they are tanks

Jico makes super quality replacement stylus.

Just inherited a 1210 MK2 from old friends I grew up with. Beware of the height adjust ring at the back of the tone arm which may need stripping (!) re-greasing and reinstalling on older models as the factory grease has gained a syrupy texture and seized up on mine. However RU-vid can help (look up ViperFrank’s turntable servicing) and I’ve now rebuilt mine and installed a Goldring 2100 cart. I’ve got an old Quad 33/303 and some Rogers bookshelf speakers from the early nineties - can’t wait to connect up the MK2 and dust off my old vinyl.

Ive have 2 of them. I put on the dj stylus for when i want to spin some records and another stylus for just listening to music. I bought them as a pair over 20 years ago and since i take great care of them they still look and sound brand new.

I purchased mine nearly 40 years ago New in the box and it has never been serviced, but my pioneer PL-A35, pl115d and my duals have all needed service Technics makes the best turntable

Got one mail order in 2010, new, I think the last year made in the Classic mk II iteration. Very sturdy, reliable and nice sounding. Wanted one since the early eighties. Full manual isn’t the best if you tend to stick to your couch or nod off, something I like about my sl 1300 from circa 1977.

Nice Pickering! I've got a Stanton 681EEE on my MK2 with an aftermarket replacement D6800EEE stylus on it from KAB USA. It is killer.

I finally convinced my father to part with his late 80's MK2 a year ago. I found myself upgrading the cartridge to a Nagaoka MP150. Having tried different nagaokas over the years, I feel the MP150 has the most balanced midrange and hits the sweet spot in the MP lineup. This turntable has exceeded all my expectations and has become my favored deck for spinning. Sturdy and they sound great. These are classic for a reason.

I have had my sl-1200 mk3d for almost 10 years, and is currently outfitted with an audio technica at-150mlx. The sound that comes from this machine is amazing. I have no plans on parting with it anytime soon. KAB in the states has a lot of parts and mods also. Great decks, and were built to last.

My original mk2s are still in use down the street from me, they are at least 35 years old now. I've had mk5s since 2004 and they work just like they did on the day I got em.

I have the M3D (began in 1997), but I added hinges to my lid. I buy and sell a lot of different vintage equipment, often picking up a turntable now and then. There hasn't been one so far that has unseated my Technics. One time, I had decided to sell it and listed it on eBay. The bidding got so furious, that I thought, "What the hell am I doing?! It's obvious everyone loves these!". So, I removed the auction. I still had to pay eBay a final valuation fee, to boot. Oh well, I think this one will see me to my grave and get handed to my daughter.

I bought THREE SL1200 MKIIs new in Singapore in 1989, two for DJing, one for home hifi, I still have the home use one and it still works like new

Just came into a used MK2 that I got through Offerup and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Right away I could see and feel the quality build construction and while it's a bit scuffed up having belonged to a dj, the sound from this thing is superb!

Hey there Frank. I couldn't agree more with your review. I purchased a used but fantastic conditioned silver MK2 a good number of years ago. The seller was asking for $380, and I talked him down to $300. He said he used to dj but gave it up and was keeping one for his system, and the other he sold to me. At first I had a hard time believing It was used at all for DJing, as the condition was so damn good and clean. It came with a Stanton cartridge (the model escapes me right now, was some time ago), which he said had about 100 hrs of use on it. I used it for a month or so then ended up purchasing an AT-440ml cartridge, which sounded great out of the box and once broken in was amazing! I currently have an AT-150MLX cartridge installed on it and it performs like a dream. I've had people tell me to dump it and get a good belt driven table like a true audiophile, and I own a number of them, but the SL1200 is my main table for the foreseeable future. It IS built like a tank, 26lbs according to the manual, and if this one should ever crap out (highly doubtful) I will most likely buy a new generation model. I love the sound, build quality and performance of this beast, and I've even been able to convert a few people who had sworn them off in the past. If I had to point out a gripe with the table, it would be the fact that it is completely manual, a must for DJing obviously. And I only say that coming from an intoxicated point of view. If you plan on having a good number of wobbly pops and playing records all night, make sure you have someone on hand to return the tone arm to home base after you fall asleep on the couch before the record is done!😴😲 Cheers!

I bought my 1210 MK2 off ebay a bunch of years back. Besides needing a stylus and new dust cover it worked great. Frank I agree with you about the RCA cables. So I found a website that offered replacement parts. I got the Gold plated RCA wires, new dust cover and a new LED light for the stylus light (it was burnt out) all for around $100! My electrician friend redid the wiring and I took it to a free turntable set-up clinic where the technician installed my ortofon 2m Red and calibrated everything. KILLER DECK.. I love it.

I’ve been using an M3D for years that I did a lot of KAB upgrades and mods to, and love it. They’re great turntables and were originally designed for audiophiles, but DJ’s figured out how road worthy and bulletproof they are. I was finally able to compare it to the newer GR model, and while the newer GR model may have it’s advantages, the M3D, MK5, MK2, etc. are still no slouches, especially with the help of KAB upgrades and mods. In the end, the MK2 is an excellent deck as well, and I still use my M3D.

I got a great deal back in 1990. Got 2 MK2s, 2 Shure cartridges with styli, "out the door" with tax, $1,000. Use them for mixing; DJing for years and they have never needed servicing. Just recently bought the official oil to use on the spindle well. Switched to Ortofon DJ cartridges years ago. Love them!

I have a MK3 and love the damned thing. Never been used for DJ use. Looks immaculate. Sounds WONDERFUL. And the precision of the thing is mesmerizing.

The tone arm is actually lower friction than any of the Jelco. Jelco - 20mg sensitivity, 1200-2 through 5 is 4-5mg and the EPA 100 with the ruby bearings is 1mg or less and will stay in the grove with the titanium nitride arm has only one competitor, the SME model 3. The damping of the arm of the Titanium Nitride is outstanding

I just got a silver 1200 mkII 2 weeks ago for $18 and I am LOVING IT XD had to change the RCA cables but it was well worth it

I would love one of these turntables. I remember seeing these tonnes of times over the years but thought they were for clubbing/Ibiza djs. Didn't think of them as a home audio equipment, but now I've decided I want one. I love the show, keep it up and I went to your site and bought 2 t-shirts in the black friday sale. Cant wait for them to come to me in England. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Yes. I have two of them. The SL 1210 MK ii and the 1200. One in silver and one in a dark brownie black color. They have survived since 1986 three removals from one country to Europe, even the dust covers and their hinges are in perfect condition. Strobe lights are still bright and the cue light as well. Never had an issue with them, although the ground wire could be longer. In the UK, we ground everything, at at least when electrical appliances were supposed to be sold with a ground ( earth ) wire. Tone arm have problems? Bollocks! Works perfectly!! Stop moaning people!!! My issue is with STANTON who used to make excellent cartridges with elliptical styluses. They stopped making them when this was the go to stylus for the deejay when I was coming up in the mid 80s. These were my favourite. Highly recommend the 1200s for home listening. A very good review sir!

I heard a story many years ago about a guy that dropped a 1200mk2 down a flight of stairs in a club. It still worked fine afterwards.

I could not agree more with this review. I bought a used SL-1200M3D around 2008 for $350 US and used it for DJing while I had a Pro-Ject Debut on my listening stereo at home. When I moved up to a moving coil cartridge years later and found that the mass of the Pro-Ject tonearm was less compatible, I re-purposed the Technics and cleaned it up. Conclusion: The best Hi-Fi decision I've made in a long time! The 1200 is the most solid turntable I've ever used, and I'll be rocking it for years to come. Spin on, Frank!

I had the pleasure to use one at a festival, and it's such a wonderful object, absolutely indestructible

I pulled my Technics SL-1200 out of storage last week. It has a Grace "Ruby" phono cartridge and stylus mounted on it. The turntable and cover and cartridge are in excellent condition, and everything sounds great! I bought it in 1979 but overall it has seen light use over the years. I paired in with an Akai-8080, and listened to "TUBES - THE COMPLETION BACKWARD PRINCIPLE LP from 1981.Works great!

I love your parting words "best and worst case scenarios" 👍🏼 I just bought my SL1200 MK2 and it really is NOT JUST a DJs truntable. 😀Mabuhay!!!

My mk6 is my 8th turntable and by far the best I've owned. Rega rp3 - Denon 57m - MusicHall 5.1 - Yamaha - Onkyo - Audio Technica - PLX-1000......the mk6 beats them all.

I decided to invest in a used SL-1200 during the summer of 2020 as a sort of "social distancing project" to occupy some of my time, and to spend some of that stimulus money. I ended up buying a MK-5 from eBay that the seller stated had some problems with the tonearm in which the tonearm would sometimes randomly skip backward. The seller didn't know anything about turntables and was selling it "as-is." I ended up winning the auction for $472 US dollars with free shipping. Once I received the deck I found that it was in fantastic shape with no scratches or blemishes anywhere. The only problem I could find was that I could find was that even with the counterweight all the way forward I could not get enough weight on the cartridge to satisfy correct VTA for the Ortofon Super OM-10 cartridge to prevent the skipping issue. I ended up replacing the 100 gram counterweight with one that is 90 grams and this solved the problem. I have since upgraded to the OM-40 stylus, The Houdini decoupler and Achromat both from Funk Firm. This has turned out to be one of my most rewarding projects ever, every time I listen I am blown away.

I just bought a 1979 TECHNICS SL-Q2 with the quartz lock motor in almost mint condition...

I have the SL-1210GR . Now, fitted with an A/T VM540ML amped by a Parasound P6 the system is full on Hi-Fi, not mid range performance. In fact most LPs are on par to SACDs of same music in all manner that on par can be discerned.

1200 MK 2 - "MK" = "mark" - 1200 mark2. Dear me... The only really big issue is with the tone arm height adjuster which often - usually - seizes up due to grease hardening on the screw thread of the adjuster. Dismantling and proper servicing is not too difficult and there are videos on youtube to tell you how to do it, but the simple way is to use easing oil ("plus gas" here in the UK), simply pour some around the height adjuster wheel around the base of the tone arm, leave for 24 hours and it works. Beyond that it is indeed built like a tank and I know of several mark 2's that have served some years doing illegal rave parties undamaged and which have now retired to serious home use. It may not be absolutely audiophile but it is damn good and I'd trade that any day for build quality and reliability. It will give you decades of solid dependable use even if you do a bit of DJing on the side - with a suitable cart of course.

I've had one for about 8 years and I still love it. I use an ortofon 2m red, tube preamp and an acrylic platter but my speakers definitely need an upgrade. The best thing is I got a great deal on it off craigslist. It's the best turntable I've owned. The aftermarket dust cover I had to buy was pricy though.

Owned one since 1990 and it’s still going strong - only thing wrong over that time, had to replace the phono leads, but apart from that it’s been rock solid.

I have this exact turntable and I love it. My only problem is in finding the correct brackets for the dust cover. Anyways it’s connected to a Reisong A-10 tube amp with Klipsch RP 600M speakers in a very small room. No complaints at all, and it sounds great, but am thinking about getting new tubes for the amp, and a new needle cartridge.

I've got my sl1200 mk2 in silver as god intended. 1981 serial numbers. Worth a fortune for how old they are alone. I dj with mine but also find myself using the left deck for album listening.

I have a Gemini XL-1800Q IV, which is basically a Technics clone. Bought it nearly 30 years ago, still use it every day. Sounds great with an old school stanton DJ needle.

I used to DJ back in the 80s & went through 6 pairs of 1200's [Some were stolen, others I sold] but man were they excellent for DJ'ing at clubs & parties. The speed control made it easier to mix beats together and they left no cue burns when you mix in the other record

I have my MK2 still spinning flawlessly after 4 decades of use....I am SO glad you chose the PICKERING cartridge as I still use a STANTON 680 EE (I have two). Workhorse /Battleship/with a delicate touch!

I have had one since the mid 90's and it still sounds great. I agree 100% that if you want to buy a turntable that is over engineered and you want to last plus sound consistently great, this is the one.

Fantastic lovely looking turntable I really enjoyed your review My self I have a vintage technics Quartz SL - Q3 from 1979 in matte black.......it's a lovely vintage technics fully automatic with repeat function... Vinyl records forever. Greetings from the uk ....George.

I have 2 from my days as a dj.. They are still in top nick almost 3 decades later.. Sound wise they are very neutral with your amp speakers and styli making the difference 😉. New to your channel enjoying v much👍

I used to have the techniques turntable it was a really great turntable for me and I’ve listened to record players before but not with amplifiers or anything like that. when I listen to the techniques especially with the amplifier that had a CD player cassette player turntable on the radio wow what a revelation for me and my friends gave me his turntable which was a techniques turntable it was a fantastic turntable the sound was really good. it is my second favorite right behind the audio technic a 120 and 14XP. I never want to listen to record players without any amplifiers again because I think amplifiers can make a big difference as far as sound goes. thank you so much Frank for talking about the techniques turntables which is one of my favorites.

I purchased one of these (used of course) just 2 weeks ago for $400 including tax. I came with a very nice condition Sure V15 III cartridge. I am VERY happy with the build quality and condition of this table. I am using my Sumiko Olympia cartridge on it now and this thing simply "rocks"!

i have loved hifi since i was a child and bought my first system when i was 17 , it was a kenwood separates system mid range with b&w dm220i floor standing speakers and a technics turntable (cant remember which model ) but lusted after an sl1200 mostly due to its use in music videos , however i loved the look of the deck and and bought an sl1210 mk 2 a couple of years later back in 1989 i still have it and its working perfectly i recently purchased the 1210gae and love it , i just dont get all the haters of the 1200 its easy to use , reliable , serviceable, hardwearing whats not to like ? i think its a masterpiece of design that looks amazing and does exactly what it was designed to do and also sounds very good

Bought both of my 1200 Mrk 2s in 1981, still look & smell like new, paid $380.00 for each.

My good friend is an electronic engineer with all the cool gear, like oscilloscopes, etc. We measured the output of my MK2 with a test record. The measured specs were outstanding. I disagree with many who say the tonearm is a weak point. Our measurements didn't show an inferior arm at all.

The Iconic Technique SL 1200 MK 2 l bought my 1200s back in 2002" And I still have them And they still look And sound great🎶😎 Everyone who owns a pair of MK2's better hang on to them since they stop making these after 2010'' And It will be harder to find a decent pair for anyone looking to buy. The only turntables that i see online forsale lately are Mk3's And much Newer Technique Models.

Gotta say this-thank you so much for this review and perspective. I’ve been using an AT-LP120 since 2013 as my first table and knew it was time to upgrade my setup but couldn’t figure out what direction to go. Nearly pulled the trigger on the fluance when someone recommended a used technics 1200, and for the love of me I could not find any opinions from people that actually used both and compared them before coming across your video! Just got home with my new-to-me SL-1210MK2 and will look forward to getting it all set up!

I still have my set of 1200M3D from 2003 and they work awesome. I also just got a set new 1200MK7. They have some nice new features but the older ones still feel tougher. Both sound amazing though.

You can never just have one 1200 turntable. But then I have a small studio setup with two not so good turntable. Great video! Keep spinning that vinyl.

The SL1200 is a legend! The looks alone make it a classic. I love mine :) Cheers. /Paul

Excellent TT,, match it with a good cart, upgraded cart Connections, plus tonearm and interconnects upgrade, and you won't need anything else to get outstanding music reproduction.

I still have my Technics 1200MK2s & they’re still in good shape after 10+ years. Damn, I’ve had them that long????

Spot on review! I've had mine for a couple years and have no plans of ever replacing it. I do need to upgrade my cartridge and stylus though. It's funny, we have the same integrated amp, CD player, and Turntable. I'm not sure what speakers you're using, but I've got Bose 301 hooked up to my system.

I used these at several stations back in my radio days. It wasn't uncommon for some Top-40 stations to bump the speed of the turntables up 1 or 2 percent, so you'd sound "brighter" than the competition.