Tech head-to-head
Technics SL-1200GRvsTechnics SL-1200MK2
Technics SL-1200GR and Technics SL-1200MK2 are both Technics, and they average 8.4 and 8.3. Technics SL-1200MK2 takes Value, 8.4 to 7.6.
Technics SL-1200GR
Technics
8.4
The revived 1200 built for home listening, with a coreless motor and none of the old MK2's wear.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
Technics SL-1200MK2
Technics
8.3
The deck that defined DJ booths for decades, now old enough that condition matters more than the model.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
Where they diverge
The widest gap is Value, Technics SL-1200MK2 ahead 8.4 to 7.6. They come closest on Durability, 9.0 to 8.8. Left of center is Technics SL-1200GR, right is Technics SL-1200MK2.
Which one to pick
Take the Technics SL-1200GR
Leads on Performance, Durability, Ease of use and Design.
- You want the 1200's motor and arm in a unit young enough to still be under its second owner
- Listening at home is the job and DJ features are irrelevant
- You already own a cartridge or plan to choose one
Take the Technics SL-1200MK2
Leads on Value.
- You want a direct-drive deck that can be serviced by almost any turntable shop
- You like buying the classic and do not need 78 rpm
- You plan to replace the cartridge anyway
What each one gets wrong
Technics SL-1200GR
- You need a turntable that plays the moment it arrives, since there is no cartridge
- Scratch DJing is the plan, where the MK7's reverse play and black finish fit better
Technics SL-1200MK2
- The listing cannot show the deck playing, the pitch slider, and the tonearm moving freely
- Frayed or repaired RCA cables would be a problem, since they are wired in
- You play 78s
Specs, side by side
| Spec | Technics SL-1200GR | Technics SL-1200MK2 |
|---|---|---|
| Drive | Coreless direct drive | Quartz-locked direct drive |
| Speeds | 33⅓, 45, 78 rpm | 33⅓, 45 rpm |
| Pitch range | ±8% or ±16% | ±8% |
| Tonearm | Static-balanced S-shaped, gimbal suspension, height adjustable | Static-balanced S-shaped, height adjustable |
| Cartridge | Not included; headshell included | — |
| Wow and flutter | — | 0.01% WRMS (Technics) |
| Cables | — | Hardwired RCA and ground |
Rankings they both appear in
Questions
- Both are Technics. Which one do I want?
- Technics SL-1200GR leads on Performance, Durability, Ease of use and Design. If Value matters more to you, take the Technics SL-1200MK2 instead. Technics SL-1200GR averages 8.4 and Technics SL-1200MK2 averages 8.3, over the 5 axes Tech is scored on.
- Where do the two Technics models actually differ?
- Value is the widest gap, Technics SL-1200MK2 ahead 8.4 to 7.6. Every axis lands somewhere different, so the profile shapes differ as much as the totals.
- Which one ranks higher in "Used turntables: the 1200 family and its rivals"?
- Technics SL-1200GR sits at #1 in "Used turntables: the 1200 family and its rivals", Technics SL-1200MK2 at #2.